On Thursday, a new group of just 5 men and women moved into the training center at Ilula for rehab. The one-month program starts with "cold turkey" detoxification, followed by the Christian 12-step program. It's an intense time of healing and discipleship, and the men and women need your prayers.
Please also pray for Mark and Francis, our staff members who are leading the program in Ilula, for revelation and wisdom as well as for endurance during this difficult month.
Showing posts with label alcoholism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alcoholism. Show all posts
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Rejoice!
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Mark Tarus (in green), giving Mama Chiri the graduation certificate to present to her husbandToday was truly a day of celebration. One after another, graduating members of the Kenya Anti-Alcohol group walked up and praised God for the transformation in their lives. They then asked family members to come up, and publicly asked forgiveness for how they had acted in the past, or how they had treated them. Many tears rolled. Many hugs were exchanged.
What struck me most about the day was that of the 18 graduates, more than half were women. Until now, ELI has not offered rehab for women due to housing shortages. But since the rehab program has moved to our training center, we could also accommodate ladies. And they came. Many of them were brewers who were also addicted to drinking. Many of them apologized for ruining other people's lives through brewing.
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ELI's KAA staff: Mark, Francis, Wilson and Stone. All four men have powerful testimonies of how God delivered them from alcoholism, and have devoted their lives to bringing that Hope to othersEach one of the 18 represents many, many stories, and each one truly is a miracle. Two that stand out for me are Jesire and Joseph. I wrote about Joseph (Baba Chiri) on my personal blog earlier this week. Jesire has strong ties to this community: His younger brother (David) is our director. For as long as David can remember, Jesire was a drunkard. Today, his mother stood up and preached, encouraging others to keep praying.
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Jesire, asking David forgivenessFor each of the graduates, the true test begins. Today, they returned to their communities. For many, people at home will truly rejoice. But they'll also be watching them closely to see if they'll stumble again. ELI's anti-alcohol program has a success rate of 80%. That's how many of our graduates stay sober. It's a very high percentage, compared to typical rehab programs. The reason? Our graduates are taught that they cannot conquer the disease of alcoholism in their own strength. Jesus Christ is the "higher power" who can help them.
Please join us in praying for each and every one of the men and women to remain strong, and to be able to be a strong witness in their communities to the work God has done.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Stories of Empowered Lives: New AA Intake
~ by Kelsey Sheehy
Second Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come.” That verse gives hope to those embarking on a new life with God. Knowing that their sins have been forgiven they are able to move forward from past mistakes and start anew according to God’s word. As I sat with several members of the alcohol treatment program, taking in their stories, the hope which comes from a new life in Christ was a common thread.
Overcoming any dependency is a struggle, but a chemical dependency like alcoholism or chewing tobacco is especially difficult. Each of the participants in the program has made a first step by acting on their desire to change their behaviors; but as I listened to each story, they expressed how their decision to follow God was what truly allowed them to change.
. . . . . . . . . . .
Emanuel, 32, began drinking at his grandmother’s home at the age of 16. As a brewer, she would have him taste the alcohol in its different stages or send him to fetch alcohol from other brewers who would also have him take a taste. Little by little, he developed an addiction which affected him physically, financially and emotionally.
While his drinking first started at home, by the age of 22, Emanuel says he was looking for alcohol on his own and drinking with friends. He describes how the alcohol would cause him to argue with people and, feeling ashamed, he would force himself to drink so he would not feel any shame about what he had done. Unemployed, Emanuel would work labor jobs when to make a small amount of money, only 500 or 1000 shillings. But, instead of spending it on clothing or good food, he would buy alcohol.
Eventually, the alcohol began to take a toll on his health, and he describes running “like a mad man.” Unable to sleep, Emanuel said he would run from people he thought were chasing him, only to find out there was no one there. When his concern for his health grew he went to the hospital and was told his drinking was causing his hallucinations. That, he says, is when he decided to get help.
Having tried to quit before without success, Emanuel says he came to ELI after hearing from other men who had success through the program. Since beginning his treatment, he says he has learned how alcohol can affect his health, and that he is not alone in his fight. Talking about the role that Christ has played in his recovery, he said, “I discovered Jesus Christ is a higher power that can help me to come out of these dependencies,” and he has also learned “Through prayer everything is possible.”
When he completes the program, Emanuel said he plans to stay sober by staying away from friends who drink and becoming part of a church. Instead of being shameful of his drunken behavior, he says he can sleep well now and is looking forward to finding a wife and starting a family.
. . . . . . . . . . .
Even though she was not a drinker, alcohol still took its toll on the life of 30-year-old Milka. Ten years ago, she became a brewer in order to try to bring her family out of poverty. Now Milka says, “I have decided, let it be the end of brewing and I received Jesus Christ as my personal savior.”
Milka says brewing was the easiest way she knew of to earn an income. But while she had many clients bringing money in, she never saw any change in her family’s situation. After buying the basics of food, soap and salt, the money was gone. What her brewing did do to her family was give her husband easy access to alcohol, which he would also share with his friends at no charge. As her husband began getting drunk more often, her health began to deteriorate and she would often become ill when brewing.
Since becoming a part of the treatment program, Milka says she has received Christ and now feels relief. Instead of being ill, she says she now has good health and feels peace. She tells how through the program she has learned about forgiveness, both for herself and others, and was also taught about responsibility.
Now, Milka is looking forward to a life without brewing. Along with a group of women, she is planning to provide for her family through horticulture. Instead of worrying of being fined by the police for her brewing, she tells how she wants to do good work for her family and says that joining the church will help her make the transition.
. . . . . . . . . . .
When Frances, 44, began drinking at the age of 18 it was out of curiosity. He saw alcohol as a way to celebrate happy occasions. Eventually though, drinking became an outlet to relieve stress and no longer brought happiness, but rude and violent behavior.
His drunken behavior has left scars on his arms from knife fights and he tells of a time when he broke his employers hand during and argument over a job he was asked to tend to. When he was drinking he said he would his rude behavior would lead to fights and arguments, and if anyone pointed a finger at him he would become angry and bite them.
Fights were not the only consequences of his drinking, his wife and 5 children suffered as well. Frances said his drinking often kept him away from home, and any money he earned was spent on alcohol instead of providing for his family’s needs. When he did return home, he was drunk and said his violent behavior would continue at home.
Frances says he saw how his dependency was harming his family and made attempts to quit, but was not successful. It was after attending another ceremony that he joined the program at ELI. This time it was a harambe, or fundraiser, being held at the clinic. He heard of others speaking of the success they had with the program and said he “felt the spirit of God was driving him here.”
Frances talked about the different between this program and his previous attempts to quit and said the difference is now he is fighting his addiction according to the word of God. Now he no longer has the desire to drink, but instead wants to tell others who are drinking about his experience so he may help them change their behavior. He also plans to use what he has learned to help heal his family and prevent any of his children from taking the same path he has.
Second Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come.” That verse gives hope to those embarking on a new life with God. Knowing that their sins have been forgiven they are able to move forward from past mistakes and start anew according to God’s word. As I sat with several members of the alcohol treatment program, taking in their stories, the hope which comes from a new life in Christ was a common thread.
Overcoming any dependency is a struggle, but a chemical dependency like alcoholism or chewing tobacco is especially difficult. Each of the participants in the program has made a first step by acting on their desire to change their behaviors; but as I listened to each story, they expressed how their decision to follow God was what truly allowed them to change.
. . . . . . . . . . .
Emanuel, 32, began drinking at his grandmother’s home at the age of 16. As a brewer, she would have him taste the alcohol in its different stages or send him to fetch alcohol from other brewers who would also have him take a taste. Little by little, he developed an addiction which affected him physically, financially and emotionally.
While his drinking first started at home, by the age of 22, Emanuel says he was looking for alcohol on his own and drinking with friends. He describes how the alcohol would cause him to argue with people and, feeling ashamed, he would force himself to drink so he would not feel any shame about what he had done. Unemployed, Emanuel would work labor jobs when to make a small amount of money, only 500 or 1000 shillings. But, instead of spending it on clothing or good food, he would buy alcohol.
Eventually, the alcohol began to take a toll on his health, and he describes running “like a mad man.” Unable to sleep, Emanuel said he would run from people he thought were chasing him, only to find out there was no one there. When his concern for his health grew he went to the hospital and was told his drinking was causing his hallucinations. That, he says, is when he decided to get help.
Having tried to quit before without success, Emanuel says he came to ELI after hearing from other men who had success through the program. Since beginning his treatment, he says he has learned how alcohol can affect his health, and that he is not alone in his fight. Talking about the role that Christ has played in his recovery, he said, “I discovered Jesus Christ is a higher power that can help me to come out of these dependencies,” and he has also learned “Through prayer everything is possible.”
When he completes the program, Emanuel said he plans to stay sober by staying away from friends who drink and becoming part of a church. Instead of being shameful of his drunken behavior, he says he can sleep well now and is looking forward to finding a wife and starting a family.
. . . . . . . . . . .
Even though she was not a drinker, alcohol still took its toll on the life of 30-year-old Milka. Ten years ago, she became a brewer in order to try to bring her family out of poverty. Now Milka says, “I have decided, let it be the end of brewing and I received Jesus Christ as my personal savior.”
Milka says brewing was the easiest way she knew of to earn an income. But while she had many clients bringing money in, she never saw any change in her family’s situation. After buying the basics of food, soap and salt, the money was gone. What her brewing did do to her family was give her husband easy access to alcohol, which he would also share with his friends at no charge. As her husband began getting drunk more often, her health began to deteriorate and she would often become ill when brewing.
Since becoming a part of the treatment program, Milka says she has received Christ and now feels relief. Instead of being ill, she says she now has good health and feels peace. She tells how through the program she has learned about forgiveness, both for herself and others, and was also taught about responsibility.
Now, Milka is looking forward to a life without brewing. Along with a group of women, she is planning to provide for her family through horticulture. Instead of worrying of being fined by the police for her brewing, she tells how she wants to do good work for her family and says that joining the church will help her make the transition.
. . . . . . . . . . .
When Frances, 44, began drinking at the age of 18 it was out of curiosity. He saw alcohol as a way to celebrate happy occasions. Eventually though, drinking became an outlet to relieve stress and no longer brought happiness, but rude and violent behavior.
His drunken behavior has left scars on his arms from knife fights and he tells of a time when he broke his employers hand during and argument over a job he was asked to tend to. When he was drinking he said he would his rude behavior would lead to fights and arguments, and if anyone pointed a finger at him he would become angry and bite them.
Fights were not the only consequences of his drinking, his wife and 5 children suffered as well. Frances said his drinking often kept him away from home, and any money he earned was spent on alcohol instead of providing for his family’s needs. When he did return home, he was drunk and said his violent behavior would continue at home.
Frances says he saw how his dependency was harming his family and made attempts to quit, but was not successful. It was after attending another ceremony that he joined the program at ELI. This time it was a harambe, or fundraiser, being held at the clinic. He heard of others speaking of the success they had with the program and said he “felt the spirit of God was driving him here.”
Frances talked about the different between this program and his previous attempts to quit and said the difference is now he is fighting his addiction according to the word of God. Now he no longer has the desire to drink, but instead wants to tell others who are drinking about his experience so he may help them change their behavior. He also plans to use what he has learned to help heal his family and prevent any of his children from taking the same path he has.
Friday, September 21, 2007
ELI Anti-Alcohol: New intake at Ilula
One of the men who is now at Ilula for rehabilitation is called Wesley. Wesley comes from Kitale. When he came to us, his arm was in a cast from having fractured it during a drunk spell.
Along with the other men in the program, Wesley survived the first week well, when the participants are weaned from drugs and alcohol cold turkey. No meds. Just prayer.
During the second week of the program, the participants started going through the the twelve steps to freedom. Step 5 is called "Clearing the mess." During the particular session, Wesley confessed that he takes marijuana and still had some at home. He asked if some of the leaders could accompany him on a trip home to go and burn his stash.
When he arrived home with four men from ELI, Wesley's father could hardly believe his eyes. His wife could not control the tears of joy and thanked God continuously as the meeting went on. Wesley removed marijuana from various places where he had hidden it, including under the door mat and under the garbage heap.
Wesley is a new man! He is relaxed during the lessons, and takes the teachings very seriously.
We love seeing how God brings freedom and healing. Though the outward scars (and his cast) are still a reminder of a life he had lived, Wesley has a future ahead of him, walking in the freedom Christ had purchased for him.
Along with the other men in the program, Wesley survived the first week well, when the participants are weaned from drugs and alcohol cold turkey. No meds. Just prayer.
During the second week of the program, the participants started going through the the twelve steps to freedom. Step 5 is called "Clearing the mess." During the particular session, Wesley confessed that he takes marijuana and still had some at home. He asked if some of the leaders could accompany him on a trip home to go and burn his stash.
When he arrived home with four men from ELI, Wesley's father could hardly believe his eyes. His wife could not control the tears of joy and thanked God continuously as the meeting went on. Wesley removed marijuana from various places where he had hidden it, including under the door mat and under the garbage heap.
Wesley is a new man! He is relaxed during the lessons, and takes the teachings very seriously.
We love seeing how God brings freedom and healing. Though the outward scars (and his cast) are still a reminder of a life he had lived, Wesley has a future ahead of him, walking in the freedom Christ had purchased for him.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Rehab Graduation: New Beginnings
On Saturday, May 5th, a group of 13 recovered alcoholics graduated from the Kenya Anti-Alcohol program. To celebrate their sobriety and welcome them back into their communities, extended family members and groups from various churches gathered in Ilula.The 200 or more guests sat patiently as one after another man stood up and shared a bit of his story. Many invited their families forward. "Step 9 of the 12 steps," explained Kefa, "is to make amends. Will my family please come forward? I would like to ask their forgiveness for all I had done."
As his mother and a group of church elders stepped forward, Kefa told the audience that he had put his mother in great misery. "I had sold everything in her house. I ruined her life. Ma, will you forgive me? Will you allow me to start over?" The young man broke into tears, though crying is considered very unmanly in his culture. One could tell that he truly was remorseful. There was hardly a dry eye in the audience as his mother held him tight. He thanked God for healing him of "the disease of alcohol."In response to her son's testimony, Kefa's mom, Helen, encouraged the audience to keep praying for other alcoholics in their families. "There were times when I thought God had gone to lunch, or that he is sleeping, but finally, he answered my prayer. My son is back."
Others followed, some being uncomfortable hugging family and friends, others holding family members tight.
Ben from Moi's Bridge explained how he expected to be admitted to a prison-like facility, and was surprised to find that they had the freedom to choose every day if they'll stay and abide by the rules, or leave. "I had wasted 1 million schillings (US$14,000) on alcohol!" he confessed. "My mom even turned to witchcraft to help. It didn't work..." He thanked his uncle for intervening on his behalf and bringing him to the rehab center. His father shared how he has known others who have gone through this same program. "I can see great changes in these people," his father said with tears in his eyes. "Now, let the Bible be your light on the road forward."Malakwen, an old man who used to be a traditional circumsiser in his community told everyone that he came to know Christ at the center. "You are young," he told his cohorts. "Make good choices. You still have your life before you."
College professor Patrick Kitela reminded his cohorts that there are two ways: one leads to destruction, one to Life. "The quickest way to destruction," he said, "is to let alcohol take your life." He explained that even though he has a master's degree in engineering, he has made poor choices. "Please pray for us to be able to withstand temptation," he asked the audience.
Julius from Ziwa proudly stood by his son, explaining that he will be a good father. His wife had left him with their son, tired of her husband's drinking habits.
Another Julius explained that he was the only one in their family who was not saved, and the only one who was an alcoholic. "But since April 14, I am walking with God."He told how he started drinking as a high school student, using the school fees his parents gave him to buy alcohol and later also drugs. He finally dropped out of school.
Tenai's wife expressed her gratitude that her husband will return to her and their son. "Before, my husband didn't always come home at night... I know he'll be faithful now."This was ELI's final graduating class from the Kenya Anti-Alcohol facility. A new ministry was launched this weekend, called "ELI Anti-Alcohol Ministry" (or ELI AA). Through ELI AA, we will continue to reach out to the poor, while KAA will focus on those in the community who can afford to pay for rehab. Pastor Rono will remain with KAA while the rest of the staff are remaining with ELI AA.
Please pray for both of these groups as we continue to reach out to alcoholics in Kenya.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Empowered Lives: Paul Sigilai
Paul Sigilai was born in 1961 into a polygamist family. Sigilai’s dad rarely had time for the children. While in elementary school, Paul lived with his mother. However, by the time he went to high school in 1978, he moved in with his father and an angry stepmother.
Paul was seeking encouragement and companionship, and he found it in a group of friends. Sadly, these friends also introduced him to cigarettes and alcohol. By the time he completed high school in 1980, Paul was an alcoholic. He got a job as a technician with Kenya Telecommunication Company and stayed with this company for 10 years. But the stress of his alcohol addiction made it unbearable for him to continue his job. He chose to retire.
Barely thirty years old, Sigilai started squandering his retirement money, mostly on alcohol. In 2003, his wife kicked him out. A year later, he returned to her, promising to change. The change was always short-lived. Paul couldn’t stay sober for more than 2 months until he’d succumb to alcohol once again. After his son prayed for him and begged his father to quit drinking, Sigilai was able to stay sober for 6 months. But once again, he was overcome by his addiction.
Paul hit rock bottom, and wanted to take his life. God brought a friend named Samson across Paul’s path. Samson had just recently graduated from ELI’s Drug and Alcohol Rehab Program, and he convinced his friend that he would find the tools to do the same if he’d check into rehab.
If you’d ask Sigilai what’s different this time around, he’d tell you that he’s no longer trying to win the battle on his own. God is by his side. Sigilai quotes John 14:6 as his life verse. Since he know knows Jesus, he has faith that Jesus will continue to lead him in truth and in life. And that includes a day-to-day victory over his alcohol addiction.
Paul is looking forward to seeing his son over Easter break so they can celebrate together how God had answered the boy’s prayers.
Paul was seeking encouragement and companionship, and he found it in a group of friends. Sadly, these friends also introduced him to cigarettes and alcohol. By the time he completed high school in 1980, Paul was an alcoholic. He got a job as a technician with Kenya Telecommunication Company and stayed with this company for 10 years. But the stress of his alcohol addiction made it unbearable for him to continue his job. He chose to retire.
Barely thirty years old, Sigilai started squandering his retirement money, mostly on alcohol. In 2003, his wife kicked him out. A year later, he returned to her, promising to change. The change was always short-lived. Paul couldn’t stay sober for more than 2 months until he’d succumb to alcohol once again. After his son prayed for him and begged his father to quit drinking, Sigilai was able to stay sober for 6 months. But once again, he was overcome by his addiction.
Paul hit rock bottom, and wanted to take his life. God brought a friend named Samson across Paul’s path. Samson had just recently graduated from ELI’s Drug and Alcohol Rehab Program, and he convinced his friend that he would find the tools to do the same if he’d check into rehab.
If you’d ask Sigilai what’s different this time around, he’d tell you that he’s no longer trying to win the battle on his own. God is by his side. Sigilai quotes John 14:6 as his life verse. Since he know knows Jesus, he has faith that Jesus will continue to lead him in truth and in life. And that includes a day-to-day victory over his alcohol addiction.
Paul is looking forward to seeing his son over Easter break so they can celebrate together how God had answered the boy’s prayers.
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