The last two weeks of Celebrate Recovery I spent the share group time doing 101 with newcomers. The 101 is a one time session to give a packet of info to the newcomer to give background for the ministry. It is also a time for them to connect to a leader and hear their story. They have a chance to share what brought them also. Last week it was only one who was new. I was asked to do it because his past had similarities to my own. Last night I was asked again only because a couple of the male leaders were gone. There were 4 newcomers last night. I was genuinely touched listening to their reasons for coming.

The sad thing about newcomers is that only about 10% of them return a second time. The fear of going deeply into whatever brought them the first time is usually too great for them to return. We make so many excuses for ourselves at this point in our lives. We still want to take care of our problems without going to such a group as Celebrate Recovery. For those who do return, freedom awaits them. I couldn’t help but pray for each one this morning asking God to keep their motivation strong for returning.

I lived in the secrecy/bondage of my past far too long. The younger we are the more apt we are to think “I can do this on my own”. I pray this will not be the case for these 4 who came last night. God wants to grant them a new life!