Addiction drives people to focus on their next fix and over time can lead to self-centred behaviour. In recovery, that selfishness is usually one of the first things that needs to be addressed for genuine healing to start.
As our clients start to progress through the program, God softens their hearts, and a change starts to occur. One of our clients Mike puts it this way:
“God softens my heart and makes me less selfish. He gives me hope that I’m not the person I told myself that I was – I can be more than that.”
The joy of giving back
Each year when it’s time to pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, many of our centres are on the front lines. From purchasing items to packing boxes and loading trucks; the experience is memorable. Giving back offers our clients a way to reclaim their dignity and build new habits. Volunteering with this project is a blessing for them and for Operation Christmas Child.
Chris Macdonald works directly with the clients at our Ontario Men’s Centre and shares
“Those who’ve struggled with addiction will often admit to taking others for granted, being manipulative or stealing. So, there is something beautiful about watching them delight in being ‘givers’.”
Samaritan’s Purse collects shoeboxes each year, filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items for children around the world. Since 1993, more than 220 million children have received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox. This giving phenomenon delivers the joy of a gift to a child that may never have received one before but also provides a tangible expression of God’s love.
A Form of worship
Our clients understand that the children who receive these gifts don’t have most of the things we take for granted, and that these boxes are an opportunity to share the gospel with the children and their family members.
It is truly a privilege to participate. We encourage our clients to write a personal note for each child and when the boxes are complete, we pray over them before they are shipped out.
Operation Christmas Child is just one of many opportunities our clients have, to give back to the community in a meaningful way. Our recovery program helps men and women heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually through counselling, discipleship, and community engagement. We are so proud of the progress they are making each day and their willingness to contribute to worthwhile activities.
May you also find the joy in giving this Christmas season!
