Area churches use ministry to heal wounds, offer path to recovery

Amy Elfrink believes in change.

As director of Fruitland Community Church's Celebrate Recovery program, Elfrink has seen how those in the recovery program have overcome such problems as alcoholism, abuse, divorce, gambling and financial loss.

Some come three or four times, and others attend the program on a regular basis. Elfrink said that although it is possible to experience temporary relief by attending the weekly group meetings, she believes lasting change comes from sticking with the program, which can take up to a year to help people overcome their problems. Elfrink said seven to eight people attend on a regular basis.

"For those who do, it is exciting to see people's lives changed and for them to find victory over their hurts, habits and hang-ups," Elfrink said. "The real power to change comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which is the foundation upon which Celebrate Recovery is built.

"And how do you measure the impact of a life that has been transformed as a result of a decision to trust in Jesus and finds victory over addiction or other problems?" she said. "Not only are they impacted but also their children and spouses and frequently extended family members."

Amy Elfrink, left, and Vickie Bollinger talk during a meal Monday, May 11, 2009, at Fruitland Community Church's Celebrate Recovery meeting. (Kit Doyle)

Fruitland Community Church is one of five area churches that offer Celebrate Recovery, a biblically based 12-step program that offers a safe haven where people can discuss and learn about one another's struggles. Each gathering includes a large group meeting that alternates between testimony and lessons along with gender-specific small groups.

The Rev. John Baker started Celebrate Recovery at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., in 1991. Since then, more than 10,000 people at Saddleback have completed the program, and more than 10,000 churches and 500,000 individuals have participated in the program.

The Rev. Paul Short, senior pastor at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, and others from his church attended an annual Celebrate Recovery summit at Saddleback Church in the fall.

Short said the ministry reaches across denominational lines.

"What's great about this is that the meetings are not exclusive to one particular congregation or denomination," Short said. "What we teach here is not fluff but substance. We see this as a way for the gospel of Jesus Christ to work in the lives of people because of his power, grace and forgiveness."

Fellowship begins at Fruitland Community Church's Celebrate Recovery meeting by sharing a meal. (Kit Doyle)

Short said that because the leaders have recovered from a destructive habit themselves, they are able to effectively relate to those attending the meetings.

"So they understand the need for recovery," Short said. "They therefore help others see the possibilities of what can happen. And those possibilities are endless."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

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For break-out box:

Celebrate Recovery meetings

* 5 p.m. Sundays, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Cape Girardeau, 334-3200

* 6 p.m. Mondays, Fruitland Community Church, Jackson, 204-0724

* 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Lynwood Baptist Church, Cape Girardeau, 334-4600

* 6 p.m. Thursdays, Unity Baptist Church, Benton, Mo., 545-3580

* 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, La Croix Church, Cape Girardeau, 339-0302

On the web

* www.celebraterecovery.com

Pertinent addresses:

804 North Cape Rock Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO

6040 US 61 North, Jackson, MO

2935 Lynwood Hills Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO

3102 Lexington Avenue, Cape Girardeau, MO

4846 Highway 77, Benton, MO