At the beginning of a school year I am often reminded of "going back to the basics". Some of you may be new to Celebrate Recovery and haven't been introduced to the 8 Principles of the program; while others of you may need a reminder to "go back to the basics". These 8 Principles are based on the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5.
SUMMER FUN: Friends, Food, and Fellowship
At the end of July we had a team of ladies come into the prison with us to share the Good News of Jesus. We were blessed by our St. Albert Alliance team! Thank you for loving on our ladies in such a way that it will never be forgotten.pictured from Left to Right: Sherry, Cindy, Arlene and Melissa
Sherry and Karla sharing the Word with our girls on the inside.
Cindy and one of our girls on the inside - food, fun and fellowship makes for a memorable day.
A testimony from one of our Recovery Ministry Leaders: Karla
My name is Karla and I am a grateful believer in Jesus Christ who struggles with insecurity, anxiety and fear.
I grew up in a traditional conservative family where I am the youngest of seven. My parents were very loving and they always made us feel that we were unique and special. They strove to make us feel safe, protected and loved.Over the years, I realized that my parents were having problems between themselves and the situation began to worry my older sisters. In their innocence, my sisters sought help through a person who read Tarot cards; they even invited the card reader to our house. Let me tell you, the spirit world that these people enter through reading these cards is not good. The card reader said that my father had a very strong spell of black and red magic on his life and the goal was to drive him crazy, destroy the family and lead to conflicts of all kinds in our lives. We were terrified. The card reader recommended a friend who was a "white witch". He told us this was not a problem, that this was of God and that God had placed these white witches on earth to help people like us.That same week the white witch came to our house. This was the beginning of the nine year nightmare my family lived being involved in witchcraft. It was our family secret. We were ashamed. Being involved in witchcraft changed my character and my personality; I became suspicious, fearful, and anxious. I lived a quiet lifestyle as I did not want anyone to know what was going on.
One day my aunt shared with us about Jesus and what He did for us at the Cross of Calvary. Because of the emptiness we were experiencing and the horror we were living none of us could resist the Good News. As a family we left the world of witchcraft and entered into the Family of God. I thank God for His infinite mercy and unfailing love that lead us to Him.
My life changed as I experience the reality of God's forgiveness but I found it difficult sometimes to accept the promises of God as I felt unworthy. I was still struggling with fear, insecurity, anxiety and trust. I knew I needed to talk to someone but I did not have the courage. It was easier to pretend that everything was fine but it was a lie. God brought me to Celebrate Recovery and used this program to experience His healing power.
I experienced freedom and healing being a participant in the Celebrate Recovery program. It has allowed me to know God in a more personal way. I continue to give my fears and anxieties over to God and in doing this I have learned that strength comes from Him, forgiveness and healing comes from Him, and He not only wanted to forgive me but to walk with me through the journey of recovery. My shame and guilt has been turned into a song of praise and thankfulness. Victory is ours!Thank you for letting me share.
Would you like to know more about Celebrate Recovery?
Check out our CR Newcomers 101 video:
October 14 is the Celebrate Recovery Information Seminar. If you are in the Rosarito area PLEASE set this day aside to join us. Guest speakers for the day are Cesar & Olga Villarreal.
Cesar Villarreal is the Ministry Leader in his local church and is the first Celebrate Recovery State Representative of Mexico. He has been married to Olga Rangel for over 18 years. Together they have served in Celebrate Recovery for more than 4 years. In October, 2016 Cesar & Olga started serving full-time in ministry working as missionaries training leaders and pastors through out Mexico.
~ our upcoming Information Seminar on October 14
that people would come and learn about this incredible tool God has provided
~ strength and wisdom for our leadership team
we are on a battlefield in an active war against satan
~ that God would raise up Monthly Supporters
He is our Provider and we trust in Him to meet our needs through supporters
that people would come and learn about this incredible tool God has provided
~ strength and wisdom for our leadership team
we are on a battlefield in an active war against satan
~ that God would raise up Monthly Supporters
He is our Provider and we trust in Him to meet our needs through supporters
