Mennonite Weekly Review

WATERLOO, Ont. and SCOTTDALE, Pa. — As a longtime Christian, Barb never imagined herself involved with gambling. But after trying an electronic gaming machine once and winning some money, she found herself going back again and again to play.

Dealing With Overwhelming Debt, one of two new pamphlets in the Mennonite Publishing Network “Close to Home” series.

At first, she had some big wins. But as she spent more time gambling, she fell deep into debt. But she kept playing, hoping that one big win could help her get all her money back.

Over time, her gambling led to missed social and family commitments, to lying and to increasing debt. She even stole from work to feed her habit.

Because she managed the family finances, she was able to keep her gambling secret from her husband, Randy. But it all fell apart when her husband discovered unpaid bills and an empty bank account. She was forced to tearfully explain she had lost the money through gambling—and begin the process of seeking help.

Barb’s story, which is based on a real-life situation, is told in Dealing With Gambling, one of two new pamphlets in the Mennonite Publishing Network “Close to Home” series. The other new title is about Dealing With Overwhelming Debt.

In the two pamphlets, readers can see how people overcame their problems with help from the church and professional counselors or organizations. They can also find information on identifying problems or addictions, along with biblical perspectives on the issues and suggestions for steps towards wholeness.

“We produced the two pamphlets because gambling and debt are growing problems — and Christians are not immune,” said “Close to Home” series editor Byron Burkholder. “Pastors and Christian counselors tell us that they are seeing more people who are struggling with these issues.”

The goal of the “Close to Home” series is to provide pastors and caregivers with tools to help people struggling with issues that can be hard to talk about.

“By having them available in various settings in the church, whether on literature racks or in pastoral care situations, people who may be reluctant, or too embarrassed, to admit they have a problem can begin seeking assistance,” he said.

In addition to pamphlets on gambling and debt, other pamphlets in the series are about dealing with alcoholism, pornography, bullying, child abuse, depression, drug abuse, eating disorders, extreme anxiety, marital discord, acquaintance rape and spouse abuse.