Inspiration for those with Addictions

I have been working with a 23 year old mother who has been showing an interest in God. She is actively seeking and asks for prayer on a regular basis. She is now on Methadone but has been a drug user since the age of 11 and she also suffers from depression. She has been in prison a few times. She is working on getting her baby back and her life in order.

She is asking for a Bible which I can supply but she is also asking for things to read about God and how He helps people who have been in trouble like her. So I would be grateful if you can recommend some books such as testimonies and autobiographies that would inspire her. She lost a lot of schooling so simple books would be the best.

I look forward to hearing your reply. And if you have a moment to pray for her then please do so. She is a wonderful person and God loves her very much. She needs to experience full salvation and is so very close to it.

Thanks

Bondage breaker by Anderson Neil T has been highly recomended. http://shopping.christian.com/content/search/product/view_item.php?dcn=33626&sm=bookauth

It covers a wide range of addictions and shares the power of Christ.

Hi wallrepairer...

Bless you for this work! I will certainly remember this mother in prayer.

I might suggest the book [i]The Cross and the Switchblade[/i]. It is an exciting, easy to read book about Brother Wilkerson's work with gangs and addictions in New York. There is an entire chapter (toward the end) dedicated to the search for freedom from addiction.

It has been a while since I last purchased a copy, but Wilkerson used to make the book available for very little cost. I used to buy copies and hand them out to people in high school and college. It had a profound effect upon some people, and I know of at least two people who came to the Lord because of it. In fact, I just checked and you can get it [url=http://www.wilkersonpublications.com/category_books.aspx?Category_ID=2&Page=4]for $2 from his ministry[/url]. He also has a book entitled [i]Have You Felt Like Giving Up Lately[/i]? It is another book that partially deals with habitual sins.

I hope this helps! Please keep us updated in this! I am going to spread word for prayer.

:-)

Thanks for those suggestions. I am based in the UK so bearing in mind postage costs, I will aim to search for those titles over here.

If people continue to add suggestions then it may be useful for other people who also work with people who have addictions.

Hi wallrepairer
Here is a classic that moved many people
Jackie Pullinger Chasing the dragon. You can even get it on DVD.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Chasing-Dragon-Jackie-Pullinger/dp/0340908807/rejesus-21/

Philip

Hi Wallrepairer

Two excellent books:

Rescue Shop within a yard of hell - Stewart and Marie Dinnen
We dance because we cannot fly - Guy Chevreau.

These are both books about the 'Betel' Christian Drug Rehabs around the world (Betel is Spanish for Bethel). We know the American missionary couple who 'started' it in Spain. Their open air work and evangelism was listened to by the prostitutes, drug addicts, drop outs and homeless only. From these humble beginnings, the 'Betel' rehabs have opened up all over the world - Spain, Portugal, Germany, Italy, France, North Africa, Russia, India, Australia, England. And congregations have emerged with the ex-drug addicts, grateful parents, brothers, sisters, relations and friends as well as the locals. Excellent meetings.

The homes are run VERY strictly. Men and women live in separate houses. They sleep in dormitories, and so are accountable for their actions. No drugs, no cigarettes, no sex, no alcohol. Once they are off drugs, they are expected to work and continue to live in the community. Some arrive with skills to offer; they have their own second hand furniture stores, they do gardening, painting and decorating, motor mechanics, etc etc.

You are in UK - there are centres in Birmingham, Derby, Nottingham and Watford (so far). They like the person who needs help to go there of their own free will, rather than be taken reluctantly by parents or friends. No one is kicked out after a set time; they can as long as they like. Some do, others return to their homes and families.

If your friend is able and willing to go and live there for at least six months, she would benefit greatly.

Here is their UK web page, which explains things much better than I can.

http://www.betel.co.uk/index.html
(having just looked at the website, I note the Derby one is not listed. I think it may not be as up to date as it should be! I can get this address if you are interested.)

Suzy

Thanks for this info and the book recommendations.

Betel looks interesting. I would like the address for Derby for other families I am working with. The mother I am working with has contact with her baby every day and needs to be local to build this relationship positively. She is an outstanding mother.

Just been on the phone to my son who is working in Birmingham with Betel. The Birmingham base was the first base established in England. A new base is started when a group from the one base go to a new town/city, and start their work there. Initially, they are reliant on the 'mother' base until they are established and able to support themselves, and this includes the intake of new people (if they are too full in Birmingham or one of the other bases). Nottingham and Watford are established, but Derby is about to be independent in the next short while, I am told. Hence, no address on the internet.

My son has suggested you phone the Birmingham office and chat to them there, and they will be able to answer your questions, give you the information you want about Derby, and send you literature.

I hope you find this OK.

Suzy

This was the testimony of a guy named Ernie
(no last names) in NarcAnon. "I have been
addicted to almost every kind of drug and
habit. Habits and drugs are a hard, cruel
master. I used to be their puppet and slave.
Then I found something deeper, God's
wonderful grace; something greater, God's
might; and something more real and true,
God's Holy Word!!