Started back in 1991 by John Baker at Saddleback Church in California, Celebrate Recovery has grown to over 30,000 churches and 20 languages! It’s in over 32 countries and in prisons as well. This program/ministry really works. The CR curriculum is based on the actual words of Jesus, is biblically balanced and proven effective in helping people experience freedom from hurts, hang-ups and habits.
When we say, “Celebrate Recovery”, most people think, “I am not an addict, so I don’t need that.” But, CR is really for everyone. Most of us have hurts, hang-ups or habits of some sort such as pride, low self-esteem, dysfunctional family issues or codependency. Some people are dealing with sexual abuse in their past or some physical abuse they have experienced. Some are dealing with anger or a gambling addiction, while others are working through some serious grief. Some are tired of the alcohol or pornography addiction, so they seek help from the family of Celebrate Recovery. As we heal from the things of our past or things we are currently dealing with, we are able to help others move on in life and get free from their struggles as well.
We call ourselves “your forever family.” A life of recovery is hard work and we are not made to do it alone. Being around others who are open and transparent in a confidential setting is a wonderful thing. Knowing that you are not alone is so helpful in the recovery process.
Our night starts with an amazing dinner at 6:00pm at the Shakopee Campus. Around 6:30pm we spend some time worshiping together. We boldly proclaim Jesus as our higher power and we love to worship together. He is truly where our help comes from! After that we have either a testimony or a teaching from a proven curriculum. Both are incredible and hopeful. At 7:30pm we break into small groups of men and small groups of women. Things that are shared in this group setting are confidential and non-judgmental. Sharing your struggles with others and hearing from others is a powerful thing.
As I was dealing with the repressed memories of some sexual abuse from my past, I found a CR family that cared about me and helped me through one of the most difficult times of my life. It was not easy. I found others who had been through similar situations and they could actually talk about it! That was incredible to me. It filled me with hope – that I could move out of the darkest time of my life – into a more beautiful time than I could imagine. I finally had HOPE! I did the hard work of recovery. Between Jesus, my CR family, my therapist and my amazing wife, I found hope and healing. God used some wonderful people to bring me back to a hope-filled life.
Romans 8:28 says “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, those who are called according to His purpose.”
Since that time of healing, I have had the privilege of helping others who have experienced similar past hurts. And to be able to talk about it is so helpful. These people go through the program and they get healing and then they help others. And on and on it goes.
So, what is your struggle? What is your pain? What is your hurt, hang-up or habit? Friends, there is hope! There is help! There is a forever family waiting for you at Celebrate Recovery. Monday nights from 6:00-8:00pm at the Shakopee Campus. We would love to see you there!