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Small Groups--Beginning with CR

This summer I will be sharing (Lord willing) testimonies from our small groups.  It is my prayer that these testimonies from our church family will inspire you to join a small group...this story is submitted by Amy Elfrink about what God is doing in Celebrate Recovery.  At the bottom of this post you will find a recent article about CR in the Southeast Missourian!  Thanks Amy!!

At Celebrate Recovery a testimony is given every other week as a part of our large group time.  The format that those preparing a testimony are asked to follow is simple - "Tell us who you were before you came to know Christ and how you have changed as a result of following Jesus.  What part has Celebrate Recovery played in helping you find victory."  Testimonies can be life changing for those giving them and for those listening. 
 
I recently got the blessing of encouraging someone who had been putting off giving her testimony for months.  Celebrate Recovery had played a significant role in healing her family, but the thought of having to talk about her "stuff" in front of people was overwhelming.  She struggled to write it down, struggled with the right words, struggled with what to share, struggled to follow through, and choked back tears as she gave a wonderful testimony.  After it was all over, she realize what a blessing it was.  The joy and peace God blessed her with were overwhelming.  I believe giving a CR testimony brings  a person to a fullness of faith that they would not have otherwise experienced.  The process of reviewing what God has done in our lives seems to refresh and strengthen our faith.
 
Testimonies are often life changing for those listening.  When a person in the midst of a struggle hears about another persons victory, it can provide much needed hope.  The realization that they are not alone and that others have successfully walked before them is so important.  Revelation 12:11 says, "They overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony."  This verse speaks of the power of testimonies to overcome Satan and live victorious lives.
 
Testimonies tend to deepen our respect for those around us and tie us together as brothers and sisters in Christ.  They bring us to a deeper understanding of who the other person is and a greater appreciation for who they have become.  Maybe most freeing of all, is that testimonies challenge us to live transparent lives free of the hypocrisy of pretending to be someone we are not.  They are powerful and are key to Celebrate Recovery's success in helping its participants find victory.

http://www.semissourian.com/story/1541896.html

Please pray for this important ministry in the life of our church!!