Testimony–MARSI
An exerpt from Marsi’s testimony:
“After two years of being a part of this support group, my struggles with same-sex attraction subsided. I continued, however, to struggle with denial and a growing temptation to drink. I would go through cycles where I would binge drink, go to AA meetings, listen to people’s stories of DTs, blackouts, losing possessions, family relationships and licenses, and I would scare myself sober maybe for a year or two. I would white knuckle sobriety and then return to the drink.
I finally did give in and go to CR. September 8, 2008 became my clean and sober date and that also marked the beginning of my journey of recovery in CR. I was a very angry person that first night. And I was determined to get the rejection over with. That is what I expected of them because that was how I was treated in the church I left. So, I blurted out in my small group that I hated God! And I really did. To my amazement, I was not rejected. I thought they would throw me out of the church, right then and there. They did not. Instead, they listened to me. They engaged me in conversation. And they invited me back! At first, this freaked me out. This didn’t feel right. Hello? I just said I hated God. Why are you still talking to me? But it was exactly as it should be! God was using my Spirit-led counselor, CR, and the many people I would meet at Idlewild to draw me close to Him.”
“All have sinned;…yet now God declares us ‘not guilty’…if we trust in Jesus Christ, who…freely takes away our sins.” Romans 3:23-24
” If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and He will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Recovery Reminder
Principle 4: Openly examine and confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust.
“Happy are the pure in heart.” Matthew 5:8
Step 5: We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
Upcoming Events
CR FAMILY REUNION
WHO: All past and present CR leaders and Step Study graduates.
WHAT: We invite you to a family night of food, fun, and fellowship (Last name A – M–bring dessert; N – Z–bring side dish)
WHEN: Saturday, August 24 — 3:30 – 8:30 PM
RSVP: Please complete the “Contact Us” form above to RSVP by August 19; more details will be provided to you then.
Prayer Requests
It is our privilege to pray for you! To submit a prayer request, please complete our contact form, which can be found by clicking “Contact Us” at the top of the page. Also feel free to write prayer requests on the back portion of the yellow response cards found in the CR bulletins on Thursday nights.