For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.

Those words, found in 2 Corinthians 4:5, were the inspiration for Dan and Pam Smith to start their own outreach ministry.

Designed to help those with addictions of many kinds, Pressing On Ministries officially opened its doors Dec. 2.

"That verse says it all, it was the inspiration for us," Dan Smith said. "It seems so hopeful that every one of us learns how … to press on God's way … to stay within God's design."

Certified missionaries with the Bible Christian Fellowship, the Smiths have worked in prison ministry programs for years. Through that work, they decided a similar program needed to continue outside of prison walls.

While their program focuses on introducing the gospel to those who suffer from addictions, anyone is welcome to attend their services, which are held from 7 to 9 p.m. every Thursday and Saturday at 113 E. Brady St.

The Smiths operate the facility with some help from volunteers.

"I really think the opportunity to get the help (attendees) have been looking for, the real help they need, is there with this program," said Bob Huber, pastor of the North Street Christian Church.

Huber said his church has been involved in launching the ministry with the Smiths and hopes other churches also will lend a helping hand.

"Right now, we have 12 volunteers who help share in the vision with us," said Pam Smith. "But we could always use more help."

That vision is to have the body of Christ extended into the community on a more regular basis, Dan Smith said.

The two weekly services consist of prayer, praise and proclamation.

"It's being a church on a more nightly basis," Dan Smith said. "Everyone struggles with something, and it's all about getting your relationship right with the Lord."

Pam Smith said so many of the people she and Dan have helped over the years felt hopeless because they didn't know where to turn for help.

"It's sad, because so many of them don't want to be where they're at, but other people are afraid to reach out to them," she said.

Reaching out to everyone in need of God's saving grace is just one thing their ministry hopes to achieve, the Smiths said.

The format of the twice-weekly program is a little different than what might be expected from a regular church service. The main service contains the opportunity to participate in prayer and praise.

Following the prayer and praise, those in attendance will split into two groups - one for men and another for women. Dan Smith leads the discussion in the men's group, and Pam Smith leads the women's group.

For those who come to the group and need more than spiritual help, the Smiths are able to refer them to agencies in the community.

Dan Smith said he hopes the ministry will continue to expand and plans to add more nightly services to the existing Thursday and Saturday programs.

Huber said there is definitely room for the ministry to grow, indicating the possibility of it even turning into a rescue mission.

The ministry is financed with donations from several area churches and businesses, as well as private donations from the community.

Anyone wishing to send donations to the ministry may mail them to Pressing On Ministries, 162 Reiber Road, Renfrew, PA 16053.