Major Lynden Gibbs and Jo receive a Star Approved Community certificate from the charity’s representatives Emma and Lynn
meeting in the corps garden. We met for much-needed mutual support and socialising and the sun shone on us each week. This activity – which was just one part of a weekly programme available to those in recovery in the area – continues to take place, with people meeting inside every week. Continuity is so important when you are on a recovery journey. Some of those who attend are from our first Recovery Course, so we have been able to build on those friendships. Others have been affected by addiction
– for example, losing their children to drugs – but want to help and support others. We chat about all sorts of things over coffee and treats. We celebrate success and encourage each other when we’re struggling and each session concludes with a positive thought, Bible verse and prayer. We have been blessed to be part of the Steps to Active Recovery (Star) community pilot and have helped to mould the Star charity, set up by Emma Heath, our good friend and supporter who leads the recovery ministry in the Bournemouth area. Star believes in transformation, bringing hope, building community, boosting confidence, being broad and being inclusive and so aligns with the Army’s mission. From January to April this year, we were privileged to run the Star Life Course in person. The new, free course has been written by an experienced team and provides a holistic approach to recovery that considers body, mind and spirit. We welcomed 22 guests over the 12 weeks and our team was a wonderful example of collaborative working between churches. We have all been encouraged by positive feedback. Star wants to give churches and organisations the confidence to deliver recovery ministries safely, to equip and help churches in providing a recognised standard of support for those with – and those affected by – destructive habits and behaviours and to offer a unified community approach that helps break down fear and stigma. Our plan is to continue and grow the current recovery ministry and put in place ongoing education and training for
ANONYMOUS FEEDBACK ‘I used to get drunk and it caused me a lot of pain and suffering and screwed me up. Now I am eating and sleeping better. Also, my mind is clearer than it was. A lot of anger and turmoil has gone.’ ‘I have been given the tools. I am putting them into practice and feeling much healthier, choosing the right people to be around me. This course has opened my eyes to other people who have been through worse situations and have fully recovered.’ the corps and community centre to break the stigma around addiction and increase knowledge on how to support those affected by destructive habits. In recent weeks we have met with Core Recovery Development Officer Major Lynden Gibbs (THQ) and we are looking forward to being part of the Army’s Core Recovery Church. Recovery ministry is messy – we see people at their absolute lowest. But by showing them that we care, and that God wants the best for them, they can know that there is hope, that recovery is possible and that he can transform their lives. It is wonderful to see our friends moving forward on their journeys and to see just how far they’ve come. As a Christian community, we have a role to play in supporting positive changes to people’s lives. We should never underestimate what God can do. JO NOBLE-GRESTY Winton
Salvationist 30 July 2022
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