Hey Partners & Friends,
I do not use the above terms partners and friends loosely or flippantly. This ministry has crystallized the meaning of these words. Not only in my personal understanding of them but in the reality of what they are, in life, particularly this Christian life.
In these letters I have attempted to share a bit about what we call our Celebrate Recovery “BIG” meeting. All the various things that occur and how they are going. Which by-the-way is awesome! But there is much more involved in CR ministry than just the “BIG” meeting.
This month I want to share with you an aspect of CR that is every bit as important if not more so than the main meeting night. Pam and I both receive multiple phone calls each week inquiring about CR. They range from a simple inquiry for a friend, to a desperate plea for help. Many are calls from people who find themselves in utterly hopeless situations, some are calls from people who simply sense somewhere inside that there is more life to be had than they are living. Whatever the circumstance we receive these calls as being prompted by the Lord. We believe it is God working in people both to will and to act according to his purpose. Phil 2:13 (CEV) God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him. (NLT)For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
The cry for help from the heart of mankind is put there by the Lord.
We encourage everyone who calls to come to the main meeting on Tuesday night. God is doing some radical stuff in the lives of those who seek Him. But many times we arrange a personal one on one meeting with them as well, not just to get better acquainted but to share with them our story of God’s magnificent grace. It is a very precious thing to sit across the table from a person, and to be a part, as God begins to ignite hope and healing in their lives. We begin to become partners and friends on this road we call recovery. Celebrate Recovery actively engages and demonstrates the scriptural truth found in
Eccl 4:9 You are better off to have a friend or a partner than to be all alone,,, If you fall, your friend can help you up. But if you fall without having a friend nearby, you are really in trouble.
These are the types of friends with whom you can be real, take off the mask and can share the truth of your life, friends you can trust. This is a critical part of recovery. CR builds these kinds of relationships.
Most importantly we begin to understand that even though God is the master of the universe, the King of all kings, the Lord of lords, He wants to be our friend! Imagine having God as your friend!
I want you to know we consider you our friends and partners in this ministry. Your prayers and support are a tremendous help! We are better because of you! It is an honor to have you as a friend and partner on this journey!
May hope shine bright in your life!
Jim & Pam