Rehab for Addicts & Missionaries too!

April during the 9th through the 12th our team was given the opportunity to minister at a mens rehab center in the city of Ouro Branco. I must confess that I personally was not too well. I had been going through some personal battles. So as we loaded the bus I couldn’t help but reflect on the fact of how empty and unsettled I felt inside. I was tired from the struggle.

I was surprised at how quickly things changed as I stepped out of the bus once we arrived at the center called “Casa do Oleiro” (this means “The Potters House” in Portuguese). It seemed like the atmosphere was thickly presented by a quieting peace; indeed God’s presence is richly felt there.

We were there to minister purity workshops. Pastor Joshua wisely tailored the ministrations based on the rehabs director, Luisiano, instructions- “Speak on identity”. So we used the dramas combined with short sermons with Pastor Joshua tying the loose ends with a word. As the Holy Spirit ministered through us you could see it in the men’s eyes; words of hope, healing and encouragement flooding into the soils of their thirsty souls. That’s not to puff us up. God was simply using us to be the “long awaited rain” as Luisiano later told us. I was so humbled to be a part of that. God used us those four days to be his embrace. Very, very humbling, who are we, that God would love so eloquently and powerfully through us.

Besides ministry I must make a note on the relational aspect of this trip. We flowed together like family even from day one. I mean the team and the men at the house. It was so beautiful to experience. No fear, no prejudice, perhaps some shy cautiousness in the beginning but Gods love drew us together so strongly and smoothly. We were all victims of its power that weekend; even us girls, Adriana, Daniella and me. I thought for sure it would be a bit hard and awkward for us being the only females there. But we were treated with such honor and respect. Conversations flowed so easily if the initiative was taken to begin one. The men were almost always open and frank. Something told me not to be afraid to ask the hard questions. It was like talking to long lost brothers, even sometimes fathers and grandfathers. It was like family.

Though we went to minister, like always, we were ministered to. Witnessing the transformation occurring there and that had already occurred in most men’s lives was radical for me. It’s just like a wakeup call for me- HELLO! GOD IS MIGHTY TO SAVE! Crack addicts, alcoholics, all types of addictions broken and being broken by the power of Jesus Christ. Amazing! Personally, the combination of natural beauty (Ouro Branco is BEAUTIFUL) and Gods presence and peace over that place brought a lot of rest and relief for me. I came empty and left brimming. It was a delightful experience; everyday gazing out over the horizon covered in mountains, farm land and a crisp blue sky. It seemed as if time slowed down. It brought so much peace to my heart. I felt like a child wrapped in warm blankets held gently in its mothers arms. You see, whether you are an addict or just plain out tired from the struggles in this life, God wants to take you to a place of restoration… Indeed, he leads me beside still waters and restores my soul. God is so merciful and good. Praise him!