This week, I met up with the Saving Arms team as I presented them with a workshop to inform and educate them on various topics of addiction and the recovery process. Some of the topics that I was able to share with them included:
The difference between behavioral addictions, abuse and dependency
The three perspectives on the nature of addiction
Alcohol, Drug, and Inhalant Use Disorders
What is addiction, recovery and relapse?
The signs, withdrawal symptoms and long term effects of inhalant use disorder
Following Lunch, I was able to give them an overview of what the 12 stop model of recovery looks like and the correlation between support groups like Celebrate Recovery. I was then able to give them an outline of how The Landing groups are formed, which is a 12 step program that is Christ centered and helps teenagers travel the path to freedom, healing, and wholeness of their addictions, hurts, hangups or habits. Following this, I ran a mock group with the Saving Arms team that focused on the topic "Powerlessness" and further explained how each group should be facilitated.
The Saving Arms team was eager to learn, asked a lot of questions and were excited to be able to help, support and encourage street children currently struggling with addiction. I can see God moving and working in this new ministry and the hope it will bring to such a hurting community.
This is so good to see and read! I smile always in seeing God's work at hand. I feel your helping to empower those eager to help in educating the community and those afflicted with their addictions is a first very important step to the healing process. Blessings Rocky for your heart, persistence and dedication in service to our Lord!
How exciting! I love the idea of seeing the Saving Arms team equipped with the tools and resources they need to help the kids in their area be healed and restored and free from addiction! Thank you, Rocky, for following God’s call to start this ministry especially with it not looking like you and Chelsea expected it to look. This verse comes to mind: “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NLT Continuing to pray for you and the team in Uganda as well as your family here in the States.