Saturday, October 18, 1997

Treatment coordinator finds that church and state DO mix

By LORETTA FULTON Senior Staff Writer

People are always surprised to learn that Robert Louis believes in mixing a little religion in with his job.

They're surprised because Louis is treatment coordinator for the Texas Youth Commission and in most people's minds, church and state don't mix. But they're wrong.

"The biggest success stories we have are about the ones who get serious about their spiritual lives," Louis said of the youngsters he has been working with since graduating from Howard Payne University in 1973.

Louis worked at the Texas Youth Commission facility in Brownwood for eight years and then moved to the Dallas office, where he still works, in 1981.

Louis will bring his brand of treatment, and prevention, to Abilene Sunday at the invitation of his brother, Rev. Tommy Louis, associate pastor of Emmanuel Church of God in Christ.

The church is sponsoring a program for junior high through high school age youth and their parents at Sears Park. The program begins at 3 p.m.

Fourteen students from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla., are spending their fall break working with Robert Louis in Dallas. They will bring their ministry to Abilene with Louis.

Included in the program will be messages concerning substance abuse prevention, violence, teen pregnancy and self-esteem in the form of mime, drama and song.

Also testimonies will be given from present and former TYC youngsters who have violated the law "from skipping school to murder," Louis said.

The program will end with a question and answer session and prayer time.

Sponsors are hopeful that a cross section of Abilene youth and their parents will be present.

"There should be something there for everyone," said Willie Horton, a sponsor.

Among that "something" will be a good dose of religion. Louis said the TYC is allowed to bring religion into its treatment but it must be the youngster's choice. Likewise, the state can't prohibit a young person from practicing religion.

"There is room for youth to become involved in spiritual activities," Louis said. "It is a major part of the youth commission activities."

In fact, Louis said young people who do get involved in religious activities enjoy the best success after being released.

"The change is more definite and permanent," he said.

Louis, a 1969 graduate of Rule High School, emphasized that the program he is bringing to Abilene is just one more activity to help out in a city that is known for its beneficial programs already in place.

"This is strictly in addition to what's already there," he said.

Although Louis has no direct connection to Oral Roberts University, he learned of the students' willingness to spend their fall break helping out.

At Oral Roberts "they have a heavy emphasis on their students giving back to the community and doing civic work," Louis said.

Most of their week will be spent in Dallas except for the one day trip to Abilene. Louis said his brother asked for his assistance with Sunday's program and since the Oral Roberts students already would be in Dallas, he decided to incorporate their ministry into his presentation.

"We teach our kids to give back also," Louis said.