Medical missionary work is the right hand of the gospel. – (Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, Volume 7, p 59)
The right hand of evangelism and missionary work is medical missionary work. There is also a right ARM. I’m talking about Adventist Recovery Ministries (ARMin). Many of our local churches are located in communities which are overtaken by substance abuse and various forms of addictions such as alcoholism, pornography, smoking and drugs. In fact, we don’t even have to go look in the community. Right here in our churches, Satan has managed to tempt our own young people with these evils.
Recently, Pathfinders and Youth from Cape Town met in Paarl for a drug march. A drug march also took place earlier in George. But there is more that the church can do besides raising awareness of the destructive effects drugs have on our children and our communities. Well, Adventist Recovery Ministries might just be what your church needs to make the difference in your community.
ARMin exists to promote healing (individually and corporately) utilising the healthy, balanced principles of God’s Word, provide resources to churches and individuals to raise awareness and educate them about the root of dysfunctions that create disunity within individuals, families, churches and communities through unresolved trials, troubles and tragedies, and to train individuals to facilitate ongoing support groups and mentoring in a safe, nurturing environment.
If you are interested in beginning a ministry at your local church to help those struggling with various addictions while at the same time reaching out to your community in a meaningful way, visit www.adventistrecoveryglobal.org to acquaint yourself with the excellent resources produced and endorsed by the Health Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. ARMin offers a 12-step program which goes from admitting that we are powerless against our addictions through confession, repentance, reconciliation and growth until we experience the power of God in our lives which will compel us to reach out to those we know who also need God’s help to break free from addiction.
