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Ministries | CR Ministry | Community Outreach Projects

 

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CR MINISTRY

CR Ministry

Chemical addiction is silent and deceptive, but a deadly killer that is very real within our society. Did you know that one in every seven South Africans suffers from an addiction? Alcohol and drug abuse is also the primary reason for divorces in our country and is the third biggest killer in Africa!

Sadly, statistics have shown that therapy groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) only have a 3% success rate. Of those that approach such groups for help, 70% end up dying of their addiction and the rest end up institutionalized. But in a seemingly hopeless situation, God’s kingdom offers a beacon of hope.

The chemical recovery (CR) ministry, originally started in the United States 20 years ago and then in South Africa 10 years back, has had a staggering 98% success rate! And this is because miracles are only possible with the help of God. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20). This incredible ministry provides a Biblically-based programme for disciples and those studying the Bible that are battling with a chemical addiction and want help to overcome their addiction. Although the programme does not provide professional help, members are encouraged to seek this type of help, over and above the programme, when needed.

The CR ministry is run by Rob and Sandy Frey. The programme runs on a weekly basis for an hour and a half during which Rob and Sandy meet with the men and women in separate groups. “At each meeting we open with a prayer and then members of the group are encouraged to share their good news as well as the temptations that they have faced during the previous week,” explains Rob. “The group members then help and encourage one another.” Sandy emphasizes that there is “no emotional battering”, but only “encouragement and inspiration” is provided. Following a short lesson from the Bible, a group member gets to read their journal. Rob and Sandy explain that this is the backbone of the recovery process. In their journal, each group member looks at the first time they drank or took drugs, what they had, how much and the consequences thereof. This process is very important so that the addict can see the spiraling effect of their addiction and ultimately deal with the pain it has caused both them and those in their lives. Finally, the group member needs to identify how they feel about what they have written and ultimately take responsibility for their actions. “It is also important to note that everything we discuss in this ministry is highly confidential and never leaves the group,” says Sandy. “In fact, we do not even inform the church of those who are a part of the CR ministry programme. Our aim is to provide a safe haven where people can courageously and confidentially deal with and overcome their addictions.”

With the high rate of chemical abuse in our society, it is very likely that you or a loved one may suffer from an addiction. “Don’t wait until it is too late or your family is ripped apart,” urges Rob. “Do you know what your teenager has been up to when you left them at the mall?” asks Sandy. “If you suspect they are consuming alcohol or drugs, come and seek help right away.”

It is vitally important that when you approach the CR ministry for help, you must come along with your discipling partner, a friend or family member that you trust. They will be required to come along to every meeting with you in order to help and encourage you as you deal with your addiction. Or if you are approaching the CR ministry on behalf of a loved one, it is important to understand that this ministry can only help those that want to be helped.

Please contact Rob on 082 456 5022 or Sandy on 076 230 2791 should you have any queries or an interest in joining the CR ministry group.

 

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROJECTS

Community Outreach Programmes

Over the past couple of years, the North West region of the Johannesburg Church of Christ has been involved in meeting the needs of children in the Zandspruit and Diepsloot areas by giving them food, playing games with them and providing them with a few hours of love and care each week.

Following a recent assessment of the church’s community outreach projects in Zandspruit and Diepsloot, it was established that the majority of church members wanted to implement a more co-ordinated and personal programme, based on meeting the children’s needs, that would also allow volunteers to have more of an impact.

Thereafter a community assessment was undertaken which revealed a tremendous overlap in the children’s needs and the skills that the church has to offer. To structure the programme in a way that will meet the community’s needs and allow church members to use their talents in different ways, it was decided to divide the programme into five focus areas:

 Skills - life skills, hygiene, resilience, health, helping the caregivers, etc
 Showcase activities - concerts and creative activities which entails drama, singing, presenting annual concerts, etc
 Shelter - house repairs
 Sport - soccer and netball
 School - educational supplies and homework support

The church members that volunteered for the outreach program, has contributed tremendously during 2007 by helping to lay the groundwork for each focus area. We can still improve on a number of things, but are proud and grateful for what was achieved during 2007. If you are interested in contributing to or participating in our programme, please contact Felicity on 0737711417.

Christmas Party for Underprivileged Children

On Saturday 24th November, the Johannesburg Church of Christ organized a Christmas party for approximately 320 kids between the ages of 4 and 18 from the Diepsloot and Zandspruit communities. The main purpose of the party was to encourage and make a difference in the lives of the kids that the church supports. It was also a great way of involving volunteers, including church members and sponsors, who are always willing to help out but don't always know how. A total of 115 volunteers were present on the day, not only from the Johannesburg Church of Christ, but also from HOPE and Monash University.

The party, which was held at Monash free of charge, included lots of outdoor activities such as jumping castles, games on the field and basketball for the teen boys. When it started raining, Monash University kindly allowed the children and volunteers to use their cafeteria and class rooms. Jack Ingle arranged a magic show, which the kids loved. Ester Tshabalala and the rest of the face painting crew also helped to keep the kids entertained.

The day was a tremendous success. It was clearly evident through the many smiles that the kids thoroughly enjoyed all the activities provided. They were also particularly delighted to receive their gift bags which contained lots of awesome goodies inside. It was encouraging to see how all the volunteers really put their hearts into serving the kids on the day.

The church would like to extend a huge word of thanks to the following people and companies who sponsored gifts and party packs:

 Monash
 The University of Johannesburg
 Shell
 Zeag
 Masfreight
 The Johannesburg Church of Christ (poor contribution funds)
 Janet du Toit from MTN
 Sbu from Ikemeleng Architects
 Yoghini Venketas from Allied Mobile Communications
 Eugene Brink
 Lizelle Volschenk
 Greg Ball
 Willie du Plessis
 SN Middel
 Maartie Claasens
 Terry, Leigh and Wendy Barter
 Arthur and Andrea Adams
 Roselyn Young
 Sarah and Wouter Roux

Please note that the Community Outreach programmes will resume in February 2008.

Special mentions

The Johannesburg Church of Christ would like to recognise Doreen Khanye, a disciple from the North West region, who sponsored uniforms (shoes, jerseys, skirts, shirts, socks, trousers and ties) for over 100 kids in the Diepsloot and Zandspruit areas out of her personal capacity. We admire your sacrificial heart and only hope that many others can follow your example in the new year.

On 10 November 2007, Investec treated 85 kids and 15 teachers from the Diepsloot area to a Peter Pan show. They not only sponsored party packs and transport to the show, but also a Wendy house for the Diepsloot pre-school kids. We thank you for your help in making these kids’ lives just a little bit brighter.

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