Hempfield resident Greg Schmalhofer has been involved with various projects and programs in recovery ministries over the years; he's published a couple books, volunteered at local ministries and taught Sunday school classes. At the beginning of September, he embarked on his next mission: "The Hope Recovery Podcast."

"My focus is to try to help people be successful in recovery and grow in their faith," said Schmalhofer. "This new adventure is to do those two things: point people to God and assist with their recovery journey." Schmalhofer first got the idea to start the project when he was interviewed on a podcast after the release of his first book, "The Hope Recovery Devotional." "I felt like it was such a great way to connect with people, so I started to think about starting my own podcast. So far, it's a format that connects well to people in recovery from substance abuse, but it's also good for people wanting to refresh their faith since it is a faith-based podcast," said Schmalhofer.

"The Hope Recovery Podcast" launched on Sept. 5 and publishes a new episode every Monday. The weeks alternate between two themes; one week connects Scripture to the path of recovery with a brief devotional, and the next features an interview with an individual in the recovery community. Schmalhofer stated that the podcast has had a positive reception from the community and just wrapped up its first month of episodes.

For the majority of his career, Schmalhofer worked in the information technology industry as a systems manager at Millersville University. As he came closer to retirement, he began volunteering at Grace Baptist Church's Discovery Recovery program, where he taught classes, mentored individuals and moderated group meetings. Schmalhofer received a master's degree in theological studies from Liberty University online and was appointed as the director of the Discovery Recovery program, a role he filled for five years. "It was one of the best times of my life; I loved the ministry," said Schmalhofer. "At the end of that five years, I felt like the Lord was directing me to become more involved, so I went back to Liberty University and completed my Christian ministry degree." While studying for his degree, Schmalhofer wrote his first book, and he said its feedback both moved and humbled him. He continued to look for ways to connect with the community and soon after published his second book, "The 12 Keys of Faith-Based Recovery."

Schmalhofer stated that he has plans to continue the podcast and is in the processing of starting a YouTube channel to complement it. "My time in the recovery ministry has been a very exciting time and a change in direction from my whole life," Schmalhofer said. "My wife, Brenda, and I are humbled and grateful the Lord is using us in this way to help people."

For more information, includiing how to listen to the podcast, visit http://www.hoperecovery.us.