Jaime Santiago, founder and executive director of Restart Training Center Ministry (RTCM), an organization that strives to help men who have developed addictions as a means of coping, sees the goals of the RTCM in space mission terms. "Restart is the rocket booster that helps (students) get into the orbit of sobriety and recovery," said Santiago. Once students are ready to launch, Santiago said, they are sustained by connecting to a local church where they can continue to grow spiritually. "We help them blast off, but they have to utilize the resources in the community," said Santiago.

So, for RTCM's sixth annual fall banquet, the organization is aiming to give attendees the resources to help them blast off by featuring a star of the Christian publishing world - Josh McDowell, author of "Evidence That Demands a Verdict," along with about 150 other books. The event will be held at Shady Maple Banquet Center, 129 Toddy Drive, East Earl, on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. Call of Grace Band will provide special music for the event, door prizes will be given away, and a freewill offering to benefit the ministry will be received.

For McDowell, who has spoken in more than 100 countries, responding positively to RTCM's request simply lined up with the goals of his nearly 60 years of ministry. "Restart's mission is where my heart is with young people," said McDowell, who noted that many of the problems of life begin during youth. "If I am going to have a lasting impact, I have to start with young people," he said, adding that building confidence and positive relationships can prepare young people to deal with issues they may face later.

McDowell noted that developing an honest self-image is especially important. "How you see yourself will determine most relationships," he explained. "If you cannot accept yourself as you are with your blemishes and your positive points, you cannot trust somebody else to accept you. As a result, you don't establish close relationships." Conversely, McDowell added, if we can see ourselves as God sees us, we can trust others to as well.

Recalling his passion to write "Evidence That Demands a Verdict," considered a highly influential Christian book, McDowell shared that he was inspired by his student peers. "When I went off to college, I was bitter, hurt, mad, ticked off," said McDowell, who noticed a group of students who seemed to have a genuine love and care for those around them. "That got my attention," said McDowell, who asked the students what their secret was. A young woman told him, "Jesus Christ." McDowell did not want to hear about Jesus. "They challenged me until they ticked me off," he said. "I set out to write 'Evidence That Demands a Verdict' against Christianity, but I ended up spending 13 years documenting why I thought it was true, and that brought me to where I am today."

Seating at the banquet will be limited. Readers who would like to purchase tickets or sponsor a table may call 717-304-3291 or email officemanager@restartministry.org. Sponsorships and tickets will be discounted through Monday, Sept. 26.