SUBMITTED ARTICLE
Over the last five years, Martin County Celebrate Recovery has marked its calendar on a date closest to Oct. 17 to celebrate yet another year.
Celebrate Recovery opened the doors to the public at Inez Freewill Baptist Church in 2017. Since then, the doors have opened almost every Tuesday at 6 p.m., minus a few times due to inclement of weather or during the first few weeks of the pandemic.
Celebrate Recovery, often referred to as CR, was a vision by three motivated individuals to bring CR to Martin County.
CR is not a new concept, as it was developed at Saddleback Church (California) by pastor Rick Warren and John Baker, but the concept in Martin County was new to many. The discussion began about where and how to bring CR to Martin County; then, it was presented to the Martin County Ministerial Association. That is when the wheels started to move, although not without some bumps in the road.
The original plan was to begin leadership training and start CR at another church in Martin County, but plans were halted. In spring 2017, after discussions started to take place once again, Inez Freewill Baptist congregation opened its doors, and leadership training began.
Ten community members from various churches in Martin County met for several months to train and prepare before the opening night.
Many probably wonder and even speculate that CR is only for those who struggle with addiction, but CR is much more. It is a faith-based support group for anyone who struggles with a hurt, hangup or habit. CR has focused much of its energy on those struggling with addiction, but once someone attends CR, they will find there are people that attend who are struggling with many other life issues.
What does a CR meeting look like?
At 6 p.m., fellowship begins, where food is prepared by many area churches and volunteers. At 6:30 p.m., the meeting begins. Much like any other recovery meeting, the 12 Steps or Eight Principles are read, Recovery chips are presented, worship takes place, testimonies are heard, and/or lessons are taught.
The mission of all Celebrate Recovery meetings across the nation is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment where individuals’ confidentiality is kept, and they are free to explore healing through a growing relationship with God and others who share common experiences.
The leadership team has been blessed to be a part of this support group and blessed to watch as hundreds have attended. The leadership team has been blessed to see people turn their lives around, build relationships, and become leaders in the community.
Also, the leadership extends their extreme gratitude to those churches that have served and volunteered their time to provide and serve food or in any way supported CR over the last five years. Our hearts are overwhelmed by all the support.
The Celebrate Recovery leadership team would love for the community to attend a meeting, whether Oct. 18, to celebrate five years here in Martin County or any Tuesday at 6 p.m. CR now meets across the road from Inez Freewill in the metal building.