Steven L. Sherman is the founder and president of “Just Pray NO!” Ltd. Since April 7th, 991 “Just Pray NO!” has sought to unite Christians from around the world in intercessory prayer on behalf of the addicted and their families. He was born in New York City, where he made frequent appearances on Christian radio and television to help promote the message of hope and healing. He and his family presently reside in Florida.
Pro Media Mag : Who or what inspired you to launch “Just Pray NO!”?
Steven L. Sherman : One evening in 1990, I was reading the newspaper at the dining room table. My heart ached with each story I read. They were all connected with illicit drugs. The first story concerned a police officer who was ambushed by drug dealers. The second headline story concerned a grandfather who was dealing cocaine. But the last story I read that evening caused me to break out sobbing. A young boy, just one day before his twelfth birthday, refused to smoke crack with the neighborhood bully. He just said, “No!” It was winter. The bully hit his friend over the head with a snow shovel and dragged him into a basement. He tied the boy up to a radiator with his socks, placed the boy’s schoolbooks on his chest and then set him on fire. When the boy’s socks burned through, he was able to escape and roll in the snow. His life was spared, but he sustained burns on 80% of his body. I cried and cried. I said to the Lord, “How can we just say, `No?’ It’s not working. All the educational programs and even the First Lady NNancy Reagan’s anti-drug campaign were not helping to stem the tide of addiction. The Lord, in the still quiet voice of the Spirit, spoke to me audibly. He said, “Just Pray NO!”
Pro Media Mag : What kind of work you have done so far ?
Steven L. Sherman : Our website, http://justprayno.org not only provides information on how groups can participate in our annual prayer event, but also presents teachings on prayer and fasting, Scriptures for healing, as well as provides links to Christian ministries for the addicted. Our jail ministry encourages those behind bars through letter writing and emails. We provide funds for hygiene products, footwear and underwear for inmates. We also purchase Bibles and other study materials for those behind bars. Our quarterly newsletter, the Inside Ministers’ Journal, brings unity and support and disciple believers who are confined in correctional institutions. We support the Pentecostal Assembly Church in Nigeria, West Africa and the Nakuru House of Power Center in Nukuru, Kenya. The House of Power’s Royal Saints School feeds 125 students 2 meals a day and is in the process of building an orphanage.
Pro Media Mag : What kind of response you have received? Getting appreciation and support?
Steven L. Sherman : Since April 7th, 1991 “Just Pray NO!” Ltd. has united numerous Christians from 150 nations and territories around the world in intercessory prayer on behalf of the addicted and their families.
Pro Media Mag : Have you set any goals to achieve? Any target participants in the event?
Steven L. Sherman : Our goals are that churches and ministries will participate in our upcoming event by organizing one or more of the following activities:
• Concerts of prayer
• Rallies and marches to promote awareness and media support
• Sermons and Bible studies concerning substance abuse
• Church outreach to the addicted
• Support of existing substance prevention and rehabilitation programs
• Establish a support group at your church
Pro Media Mag : You are also an author. Tell us about some of your work?
Steven L. Sherman : As a Jewish believer in Christ, I understand the feasts, fasts, and festivals found in the Old Testament, which are most valuable in comprehending Bible prophecy. I am the author of THE LAST DAYS CALENDAR: Understanding God’s Appointed Times and THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST: Understanding the Apocalypse.
Pro Media Mag : Anything else you would like to share with our readers
Steven L. Sherman : Drug abuse is not just a physical addiction or a biological or chemical problem – it is a spiritual stronghold A spiritual stronghold must be fought with spiritual weapons such as prayer and fasting.
