The Church Needs Recovery
Ministry Update
The Church Needs Recovery
“My name is Vito and I am a sinner.”
For one minute, think about what would happen if the church was honest, with not only ourselves but each other.
Thinking back on my journey in addiction, healing couldn’t happen until I was first honest and able to utter the words, “My name is Vito and I’m an addict.” It’s what led to breaking down the walls of loneliness, isolation, and self-protection. To be honest, I was able to receive the life-giving support from others who were just as broken and messed up as I was.
What if the church became a place where I could say “my name is Vito and I am a sinner?” Would this level the ground a little? Would this make people on the outside feel welcome? Would it make us realize we are no better or no worse than anyone else? In recovery we have a saying, “one addict can best understand and help another.” What if one sinner reached out and helped another sinner? What walls could be broken down? What would we learn from one another?
Understanding we are broken and in need of help is the starting point for any addict, or any human for that matter. It’s the central idea of the Christian Gospel, speaking to the human need of help as well as an offer of hope.
I believe the church should be a place to support and start recovery ministries, to begin to foster our need for honesty and transparency. Maybe both worlds aren’t too different. Maybe we both need each other because Jesus has come to rescue all of us.
Personal Note
Life is moving fast, with two young girls at home. Amrah had to travel for work last week. She left me with just one kid, but boy Abrielle is a ball of energy and a lot to handle. I am officially in my new role with the Liberti Network and in the thick of Easter Outreach and many other exciting things. I ask for prayer for me to find the balance of work and life. I want my family to know they are priority number one, but I also want to work hard and serve the region well. I believe this will be a constant battle for me.
Prayer Requests
Pray for the new Recovery Ministry at Epiphany Gloucester City to help addicts receive freedom from addiction.
Pray for me as I continue to raise support. I still need monthly supporters to bring continued financial stability to this position and to open up my time to plan and fundraise for new mercy and justice projects in the Greater Philadelphia Area.
Please pray for my work-life balance.
Upcoming Events | Get Involved!
Emmanuel Ministry
Every Saturday (food prep starts at 9:30 am and the serving shift starts at 11 am).
Liberti Center City: 123 S 17th Street
Preparing and Servings lunch to people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Sign up here.
Easter Outreach at Emmanuel
Saturday, April 11; 10 am to 1 pm.
Liberti Center City: 123 S 17th Street
This will be a special day at Emmanuel as we celebrate the Resurrection. We will have multiple ways to serve this day. We will be preparing 200 bagged hoagie lunches, distributing 200 Easter Outreach boxed meals to people with a place to cook, and giving away 500 new pairs of sneakers and socks. We need help prepping hoagies, giving away meals, and sizing people for shoes. I hope you can join us. Sign up hereif you are interested in volunteering with the sneaker giveaway or here if you are interested in providing lunches and boxed meals.
Easter Outreach Joint Prayer Service
Sunday, March 22; 5:00 - 6:30 pm
New Covenant Church
7500 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Join us as the Body of Christ unites to pray over the Greater Philadelphia area as we prepare to distribute 10,000 meals to our neighbors in need. This is a great opportunity to meet people from one of the 90 other churches we are partnering with.
For more information click here.
Easter Outreach Bowling Fundraiser
Sunday, March 29; 4:00 - 6:00 pm
NorthBowl Philadelphia
909 N 2nd Street, Philadelphia
Join us for food, fun, and bowling at North Bowl while helping raise money for Easter Outreach! Tickets include one game of bowling and rental shoes, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and tater tots.
For more information, or to buy tickets, click here.
Life Recovery Group Epiphany Church Gloucester City
6:30-8:00 pm, First Tuesday of each month
First Baptist Church of Gloucester City (Enter on Sussex)
400 Monmouth St, Gloucester City, NJ 08030
The Opioid Crisis: A Call to the Church
9:30 am - 12:30 pm, Saturday, May 2
Host: In the Light Ministries
Sponsors: Unite Philly, Liberti, CityReach, Missio, Philadelphia Gospel Movement
An event designed to create a greater understanding of the opioid epidemic and highlighting avenues to serve. Sign up or learn more at https://www.unitephilly.org/opioids
