Pilgrim Ministries has been sued by the family of one of its former residents after the resident committed suicide last year. 

Over the weekend, the Chattanooga Times-Free Press said that the family of twenty-eight-year-old Patrick Drew Lindsey claims that the faith-based drug addiction program directed the man to stop taking medication for schizophrenia, while he was at their facility in Eastanolee, Georgia. The lawsuit claimed that when Lindsey became severely depressed and began talking to himself, no one from the program attempted to get him to a qualified mental health care professional.

Pilgrim Ministry is planning a thirty-two resident facility in the Teloga Community in Chattooga County.  Residents of the area have expressed uneasiness about the facility coming to the rural area.  Last year, a public meeting between residents and representatives of the organization did not go well, with Teloga Community residents expressing their displeasure with the organization’s plans.  The leadership of Pilgrim Ministries has said that they are open to another meeting with area residents, but only if it is moderated by a third party.

The ministry says that they use Christian faith and discipleship to overcome drugs and alcohol. Construction for the site in Teloga is planned for next year.