When the end of another year comes around I often find myself looking back and thinking "WOW, what a great year" and being surprised with all that took place. This year I reminded myself that of course it was a great year ... God went before us, was beside us and hemmed us in from the back. When we walk with God be rest assured it's going to be GREAT!
On October 22nd we spent the day at Calvary Chapel Rosarito's One Day Information Seminar on Why we use Celebrate Recovery materials and what a wonderful day it was. Upon arrival we were greeted warmly by Alex and Olivia who were manning the Welcoming Table. Their genuine smiles and heartfelt laughter was a welcome sight for all. They gave us our brochure for the day and a meal ticket and pointed us in the direction of the Information Table.
Karla and Lorena were the ladies with the answers.
If you had a question regarding Celebrate Recovery; these ladies were ready to give you an answer in Spanish or English. T-shirts, books and study guides were available for purchase, postcard invitations were handed out and information brochures were all available. Lorena also shared her testimony with us – it's wonderful to see how God works, moves and shapes us for His glory.
Jesse was our MC for the day.
He welcomed us, shared how the day was going to proceed and introduced our speakers for the day.
Rod Hoople was our main speaker. He walked us through the 12 steps and the 8 Principles of Celebrate Recovery; sharing with us from his own personal experiences. He shared passionately about the ministry that he and his wife, Cheryl, have been called to lead. We had the opportunity to experience a small group setting where our facilitator lead us through Step 1. This was harder than we all thought it was going to be but it was definitely worth it. There was a question and answer time and we closed the day off with saying the Serenity Prayer in Spanish and in English.
The One Day Celebrate Recovery Seminar was a great day. It was filled to the brim with smiles, laughter, warm hugs and opportunities for prayer. We encourage you to check them out on Thursday nights at Calvary Chapel Rosarito for Open and Share groups starting at 7pm.
Thank you Celebrate Recovery Team!
A Testimony from one of "Our Girls" on the Inside: Beatrice
My name is Beatrice, I am a believer in Jesus Christ in recovery and I battle with anger, sadness and doubt.
Before my recovery I had a lot of resentment towards my family because I was rejected due to my disability. My self-esteem was low because I did not received love or protection and didn’t understand why God made me this way.
I married a man who loved and treated me good; he even let me go to church. I didn’t know God and was easily dominated by the things of this world and that is why I failed. Not only did I fail God but also my husband as I had an affair. The lowest point in my life was when I neglected my daughter to the point that she died. Her death is the reason I am in prison.
Today although it doesn’t make sense I thank God for being here because I have been able to really get to know Him. I was invited to the Celebrate Recovery Program and I realized I wasn’t the only one suffering, I identified with all the participating inmates. I have been able to forgive and the communication with my family has gotten better. I have learned to trust and know God, I know He loves me and I am important to Him. Principle 2 says “Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to him, and that he has the power to help me recover.”
I thank God for the Celebrate Recovery Program because my heart is being restored little by little. I thank God for my group and the sisters from YUGO because they come with lots of love not only to share the lesson but because they strive to provide us with our basic needs.
Thank you for letting me share.
From our hearts to yours we extend our warmest greetings and sincerest thanks for all that you have done for us in 2016. May our God bless you during this Christmas season and in 2017.
Feliz Navidad
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