Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Road to Recovery Newsletter - March 2016


GRACE: receiving something that I don't deserve.

 Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now, I see. T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear, and Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come. Tis Grace has brought me safe thus far and Grace will lead me home.
I love this song. The words are so powerful. It brings comfort and healing to a heart so broken and beat up by the world. Those who are participating in the Celebrate Recovery program are learning of and experiencing first hand the grace that God gives. Lead us home Lord Jesus!!

A testimony from a Celebrate Recovery participant: Cherie   
My name is Cherie and I am a grateful believer in Jesus Christ. I struggle with overeating and am recovering from sexual abuse. At a young age I found comfort in food as I felt like I could not live up to my father’s expectations. He was a controlling, verbally abusive, workaholic father. I learned quickly that kids like to make fun of overweight people. I became insecure as I struggled with feelings of inferiority. I had very few friends.
     At twelve years of age I was molested, at fourteen I started dating my first husband, at seventeen I was raped, I was married by the time I was eighteen. Our relationship was based on lust. I thought in order to be loved I needed to give sex in return. I never felt like I was thin enough or pretty enough for my husband and I turned to bulimia.  Our marriage was one struggle after another and eventually we both sought relationships outside of our marriage. I became pregnant thinking it would help matters. I left my husband shortly before our daughter was born. The loneliness drove me deeper into drugs and alcohol; I was looking for love in all the wrong places.  I felt like a failure as a wife and as a mother. I knew my parents could take better care of my daughter than I could, so my plan was to use the diet pills I had been taking for years to end my life. God sent my neighbor to intervene.
     My neighbor brought me to church and I accepted Jesus Christ into my life. I never touched drugs again. Accepting Jesus Christ has freed me from life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups.  I learned about the unconditional love of my Heavenly Father. I no longer had to look to man for acceptance and approval.  God has taught me to love and appreciate other people in my life. The deeper my relationship gets with Jesus the more I learn to trust him knowing He has a plan and a purpose for my life.  Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Years after a messy divorce, God sent me a wonderful husband,
gave us three beautiful daughters and seven of the most adorable grandchildren.
My first time attending Celebrate Recovery, I felt like I belonged.  Tears of joy dripped down my face as I bathed in the worship songs that felt as though they had been written just for me. By working the Celebrate Recovery program I keep a short inventory so I can see when I am falling back to my old habits. God in his mercy and grace has not only set me free from past hurts, habits and hang-ups, He is also reaching others around me and bringing restoration into their lives.
*names have been changed to protect their identity*



 

We are called and committed to a mission without available resources to complete it; so we ask that you come along side us financially.

Some Celebrate Recovery participants do not have the funds to complete the program; a complete set of books costs $20 - for some households this is their grocery money for the week.
 
Would you pray about becoming a financial partner in the Recovery Ministry?  Your commitment of $25, $50, or $100 per month will purchase books for those who can't and will bring hope and healing to those who desperately need it.

The button to donate at the top of the screen will take you to the YUGO Ministries website where you can join our team - please indicate RECOVERY MINISTRY when donating.
If you have any questions regarding the donation process please contact us.




 Please join us in praying
~ that God would raise up more facilitators/leaders.
~ for those who are deciding to join us as financial partners.
~ that God would protect our participants.
~ for those who continue to struggle with their hurts, habits and hang-ups and are fearful of joining a recovery ministry near them. 
 

Our team is grateful to everyone who has said YES to prayerfully and financially supporting the Recovery Ministry. 



You have made it possible for us to do the kingdom work that is way bigger than us and our own resources.