Testimony: MELISSA
This week, we are grateful that Melissa will be sharing a bit about her journey with us. Here is a preview of her story:
I started seeing a Christian counselor three years ago. It was difficult telling someone about how messed up I was and all my secrets. She told me about a program called Celebrate Recovery. Her office was off Bears and Dale Mabry, way up there. She told me that there was a location here in South Tampa and that she heard it was pretty good. I was so scared to walk into a Church by myself but I did it. And I have been coming back ever since. My first six months at CR was still difficult. I felt like I didn’t belong here. I continued to drink. I begged God to fix me. I didn’t understand why I couldn’t stop drinking. I heard about a step study and I was eager to join praying that it would make me stop the insanity cycle I was living in. The night before the step study began I promised myself to try to take it one day at a time and not drink. One of my favorite Bible verses that I have heard over and over and that I used throughout my recovery is Philippians 4:6, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” I prayed and asked God to help me take it one day at a time. It was not easy. I felt so sick. I had nightmares about drinking and woke up in the middle of the night sweating. The worst part was lying in bed every night trying to fall asleep. I used to use alcohol to help me sleep. I kept going back to CR for my step study on every Thursday night. Every testimony I heard or read in the CR bible gave me so much hope. I would read the testimonies in the CR bible over and over. I followed the steps as well as I could. I read some of the steps and principles in the CR Bible that the step study guides you through. I really did not like reading. It was an obstacle for me. Hearing the ladies share in my step study helped me connect with others. I got a sponsor and she walked with me every step of the way. I am so thankful for her.
Recovery Reminder:
Principle 8: Yield myself to God to be used to bring this Good News to others, both by my example and by my words.
Step 12: Having had a spiritual experience as the result of these steps, we try to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” Galatians 6:1
Upcoming CR Social Events:
Chili Cook-off/Kick-off Party: January 14th we will be kicking off another year of Celebrate Recovery at STF with our 1st annual chili cook-off. Get together with your step study, small group or some friends and get cooking! We will have a couple guest judges that I know everyone will be excited to see!
** More details to come but please sign up at dinner, coffee house or email Kendall with your team name. **
Hillsong United Concert: Come enjoy a great night of praise worship with this amazing band!
When: Saturday February 13th at 7PM
Where: USF Sundome
Cost: $32 & $37 per ticket. We have a very limited number of tickets, so please don’t wait.
Feel free to bring children and friends that don’t attend CR.
Please email Kendall.critcher@gmail.com if you are interested or have any questions.
** Deadline to sign up for both events is January 7th. **
Needs in the Ministry:
The Landing: Please be praying for the need for a male leader within our Middle & High School Ministry.
Coffee House: We are looking for 4 people to help serve on the coffee house register on a rotation basis, so not every week from 8:30 to 9:00 pm. Please contact us at cr@stfchurch.com or talk to Melissa T. on Thursday nights.
CR Step Studies:
Men’s Step Study – open
Wednesday evenings @ 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Ballast Point Campus – Room A202
Co-Leaders: Sal & Ed
Ladies Step Study – coming in January
** For more information about open & upcoming Step Studies, click the “Contact Us” link above. **