The road to recovery from addiction is often long and troubled, but when the right kind of help and support is available, the destination, a life free from addiction, is something worth celebrating. And on Saturday, September 14, a local group of motorcycle enthusiasts will rev up their engines, and set out on that road, to kick off a celebration that benefits a "most excellent cause." After the motorcycle rally and drive-in, The Most Excellent Way, an alcohol and substance abuse recovery ministry, will be celebrating family, friends, fun, and sobriety, at Hank's Creek Park Pavilion from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., however, the celebration really lasts a lifetime. To kick off this lifelong celebration, free BBQ and all the fixings will be served, testimonies and inspirational talks will be given, live music by Huntington First Assembly and Brother's Keeper Baptist Church will entertain the crowd, and Christian comedian, Barry McKenna, will remind people to laugh and enjoy life. There will also be children's entertainment. Randy Heath, event coordinator and Most Excellent Way volunteer said, "We want people to bring their families. We want them to bring their kids. We want them to see they can have a good time with their families without getting high or drunk. There is hope. You can do this." Organizers of this semi-annual event are expecting about 300 people to attend this year, but anyone is welcome to come out and enjoy the party. According to Heath, the organization has ministered to about 6,000 in and around Angelina County in the past 10-12 years. This event is just one of many ways the organization is able to reach out to those who need a hand up. The Most Excellent Way also hosts meetings and Bible studies throughout the week in many Angelina County communities. While the lakeside event will serve as a time to celebrate life and sobriety, it will also serve as a sobering reminder to some people of the powers of addiction. Those that have been lost to addiction or who are still inflicted with the disease of addiction, will also be honored and remembered at the event. Heath explained that to an addict, it is easy to think "one more time won't hurt," because often, you are "imprisoned" by your addiction. He hopes that the event will be a reminder to those still suffering that there is hope, help, and life beyond addiction. Tish Bryant, also an event organizer and volunteer Bible study leader for the Most Excellent Way, said, "This event is also a chance for the families of the addicted to come and meet other family members who have been through the same things that they have. It is so very important for those in recovery and are new in their Christian walk to find a solid, loving, experienced group of people to support them. I would say that this Most Excellent Way Celebration is the perfect addiction networking event." The Most Excellent Way is a non-judgmental, Christian ministry, that serves to support addicts and their families through prayer, Bible study, counseling, and fellowship with others who have also been afflicted and recovered, and even those who are still struggling with their addiction. "The one thing every addict has in common is that we all want someone to love us," Heath said. "That's what this ministry is about--1st Corinthians--Love. It's the one thread we all have in common, no matter the drug or drink." He hopes to help more people in the community who feel that they have nowhere else to turn to for help and that this event will serve as a publicity tool to get the message out to those that need it most. Heath said, "I love to give back and to reach out to people that nobody else is able to reach. That's where my heart is and where God has put me and I just want to keep on doing this." Organizers of the event welcome all to attend and encourage anyone, no matter where they stand on the road to recovery, to come celebrate even the smallest of their milestones at The Most Excellent Celebration. Donations and volunteers are always appreciated. For more information about the event or The Most Excellent Way, contact Randy Heath at 936.676.6773.