I am in California at the Celebrate Recovery Summit. I am struggling with how to report on my experience here.

In a word it has been overwhelming.

The Saddleback church is huge. The maintenance shop alone is bigger than my church.

We are a Christ centered 12 step recovery program. 3000 leaders from across the western USA have gathered for classes, music, inspiration and fellowship. There is a East Coast Summit for folks east of the Mississippi, which was held earlier.

We are in a war against addiction, and self destructive character defects. The Summit is where we leaders gather to refresh, renew, and reaffirm our commitment to serve those struggling as we once struggled.

One thing I know, being lonely is a choice. In this crowd it would take a great effort to be lonely.

I am in a place where I feel free to just start chatting with whom ever is near me. We have so much in common; we are all broken people recovering to a state of usefulness.

Like myself, all these people were once slaves to behaviors that destroyed everything we loved. Our family, friends, careers and health. But, we have been rescued. Our afflictions arrested. Still, we are far from cured. We must maintain our community of love and support least we backslide into relapse.

We have been called to deliver this message. You are not what is hurting you. There is freedom from whatever affliction stands between us and a rich and full life.

I am the Trainer coach for our group. It is my job to see that our leaders are schooled in running the program. It is a great honor and privilege. Here at the Summit I have learned many lessons to bring home:

How to follow up with new comers.

How to keep our leadership healthy.

The importance of rest for leaders.

I have met leaders from across the Western United States and Canada. Folks from Mexico, and Hawaii. Even a young man with what I think was a heavy African accent. It does not matter, we laughed together and shook hands, hugged; my brother by faith!

Whether you are a beleiver or not, I would appreciate your prayers and good wishes. We all know someone with addictions, enabling issues, and dozens of other problems.

These, are our brothers and sisters. They can be helped with the love of community.

It saved my life.

Even if you are not a Christian, you will be welcomed, loved and safe at our meetings. “But, we will be talking about Jesus,… a lot!”

Thank you for letting me share.