Celebrate Recovery

In November when Ali and I were visiting Granbury we were introduced to an incredible ministry called, "Celebrate Recovery." After attending one of their meetings we visited with Daryl, Shannon, Billy & Maxine Martin to hear more about their ministry and to learn how to implement it here in Itu. We have been running with this ministry for 2 months now... I can't summarize the blessing this has been in words, but I thank God for it!

If you haven't heard of Celebrate Recovery, check it out (http://www.celebraterecovery.com/?page_id=4).

CR is a Christian support group for individuals with various problems (addictions, co-dependency, emotional scars, bad habits, etc.) And it is a great way for the church to become a relevant source of help in the lives of the broken.

We have a great core group now. The testimonies shared are incredible. Members share of living with the of guilt having robbed from family to support drug habits, trouble in marriage caused by pornography and apathy, the damage done by being raised by a father addicted to cocaine and being told by family that the only future was in prostitution, and the struggles of being honest with loved ones about the lives they lived. Last night a member shared that since he first came to us, the week of Easter, he has stopped drinking and using drugs. He is now trying to call the friend he first came with to make the same life change.

The openness, honesty, and acceptance in these group meetings is life changing. And with the deeper issues in view, suddenly having a God who is interested in us and has the power to make a difference in our lives becomes... a great thing.

Pray for this group. It is touching lives that are hungry for change, and it's changing mine!