New Projects

Canaan International Training Center (C.I.T.C.)

The vision to become a training center for recovery leaders has been in the works since the year 2000 with the graduation of the first generation of men that has gone through the Drug and Alcohol Program of Canaan in Colombia. A need manifested for a training program for these same men who opted to stay on and help others with addiction problems. It started relatively simple by recruiting a director who has the experience and capacity to develop former addicts into leaders in the recovery field. The first training started with curriculum from Dunklin in Okeechobee, Florida and a handful of men willing to be trained. As the training program grew, more men in the program opted to stay. Our reputation as trainers became well known even outside of Colombia including the United States. Programs from several countries began asking for help. More so various institutions from within Colombia are now even asking for training and trained leaders. The growth of the Canaan program in Colombia has also created a very valid need to formalize and develop a new project we now call Canaan International Training Center.


The C.I.T.C. Project will meet various needs:

1. Train and provide leaders for starting new Cities of Refuge (Recovery Programs) in third world countries acting as change agents for their own region.

2. Educate and develop communities in third world countries affected by the illicit drug trade.

3. Provide alternative solutions other than illicit drugs as means of poverty alleviation.

4. Train social entrepreneurs from the same communities devastated by the illicit drug trade to provide human services.

5. Provide Recovery classes and reconcile families affected by illicit drugs.



Viability of Project:

In our evaluation the Cities of Refuge model for Recovery programs is one of the most cost effective and easily transferable method to curve the epidemic of drug addiction and alcoholism in a community. It has also been proven as a means for community development and poverty alleviation because its method does not only bring addicts into sobriety but also instill leadership skills and trade skills in them to help their communities.
Our goal is to setup Cities of Refuge in third world countries suffering from major alcoholism and drug addiction problems. To successfully build these centers the priority would be to train leadership from the same men who have come in to the Recovery program for help. This method has been proven for the last 45 years and can be seen in some parts of the United States, Colombia, Costa Rica, South Africa and Estonia.


Sustainability of Project:

All of the Cities of Refuge that C.I.T.C. will establish would include sustainable agriculture and region specific industries that would help them become self-sustaining. C.I.T.C. will also implement leadership-training programs in each one of these Cities of Refuge to continuously reproduce local leadership and allow them to be learning organizations. C.I.T.C. operations will be sustained by monthly donors, fees from workshops, seminars and training sessions in the communities, sales of agricultural products from experimental station, sales of life skills manuals to general public and a percentage of net sales of products from other Cities of Refuge industries established.


Distribution of Funds:

Distribution of funds raised are divided into two categories

A. Capital Funds

B. Operational funds

(Capital Investment)

1. Housing for the director of training and interns coming from other parts of Colombia and other countries.

2. Housing for families who completed the Regeneration program and are opting to stay on as trainees.

3. Office and classroom/lab for training purposes.

4. 3 Desktop computers for virtual training and lab work for interns.

Total capital cost: $ 185,500.00

3 Computers $ 3,500.00
Office Equipment $ 2,000.00
Family Housing $80,000.00 per duplex (2 duplex total needed)
Training Facility $20,000.00 (90% completed) originally $ 75,000.00
and short term intern housing

(Monthly Operational Expenses)

5. Scholarship fund for underprivileged families in training.

6. Salaries for director of training and extension agents to do on site training for other Recovery Programs.

7. Curriculum development and Spanish translation.

8. Sustainable Agriculture Experimental Station

Total Monthly Expense: $ 20,000.00

Salaries: $ 2,300.00
Curriculum Development: $ 2,900.00
Extension agents and Ag. Station: $ 9,000.00
Scholarship: $ 3,000.00
Admin and Travel: $ 2,800.00



Staff Housing

This is an on going project of Canaan International for the Canaan Regeneration Program in Colombia. A very essential method we use in the Cities of Refuge model is mentorship where the staff members and their families closely relates with the men in the program and their families. It is very important that the staff lives within the camp as a model for those who are going through the program. The men get to see former addicts live healthy lives with their families and learn from them how to deal with daily problems and relationship conflicts first hand. The other reason for the need to have staff live in the camp is to cut cost in personnel expense and make sure that the staff are adequately taken care of so they can focus in the healing of families seeking help.


Current Need:

There is a current need of 3 more houses for staff in Canaan. Two single family homes and one house for 5 single staff members.

Cost:

Single Family Homes: $ 65,000.00 per house (we need 2 Houses)
Single men’s Home: $ 80,000.00

Total cost: $145,000.00



Bread of Life

This project was conceived to maximize the impact of a contributor to the community we are serving. Each donor will purchase $ 30.00 dollars worth of bread monthly from Canaan and we distribute the bread to various orphanages, poverty stricken schools and the women’s Refuge on a weekly basis. With a single donation every month the contributor will help rehabilitate drug addicts and alcoholics and at the same time help feed several children and women’s ministries in the Barranquilla, Colombia area. This project allows Canaan to promote cooperation and networking between local foundations increasing our effectiveness in the community.

For further information on how you can participate as a sponsor of the Bread of Life project please write us at info@canaaninternational.org

Introduction To Square 1 Living

By Roger Wilson

Children the world over play hopscotch. To play hopscotch, you throw a rock or beanbag into square 1. If it lands without touching the sides of the square, you leap over square one and jump on one leg, sometimes two, to the end of the pattern. If you were able to do it right without stepping on a line, or losing your balance, you turn around and go back to square 1, pick up your token, and hop into that square. In our Christian journey, after ensuring our protection from hell (dropping the token in Square 1), we leap over Square 1 because we have been infected with Adam's independent spirit. After all, his actions were, in effect, a declaration of independence from God. Oh, we know that the blood of Christ shed on the cross was necessary to redeem us from the curse of the law. We couldn't be on the journey at all without that provision. We even have some idea that we have been reconciled to God because of what Jesus did, but then we seem to think it's all up to us. Most of us have been taught—by example—if no other way, that we can make ourselves better by trying harder, doing more work for God, eliminating bad habits, going to church, becoming a minister, or any one of a myriad other commendable activities. Finally in desperation we regretfully conclude that none of it is working and we turn around and go back to square one. Here we discover that it is not about doing—we can't improve ourselves—it's about dying, and becoming one with Christ. We discover that we were called to become conformed to His image. Okay what does that mean? We have no independent life because we were crucified with Christ and now can live only his life. When we listen to Jesus we find out how powerless we really are to do anything. He said, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. He also said, I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. Is that the image of what I am to become? Yes! Think how much this simplifies things. If all my Christian life consists of Hearing God and Doing What He's Doing, it eliminates a lot of confusion and responsibility. This is what we call Square 1 Living. I didn't say it was easy, because we all have been conditioned into a life of self effort. Everything in us wants to take responsibility for earning God's approval and love. We are just now learning that we already have his love and acceptance because we have chosen to permit Jesus life to become our life. Everything in our Christian life beyond hearing and obeying has to do with eliminating the barriers to our ability to live that way. One of the amazing discoveries we've made is that there really is nothing beyond Square 1. Instead of being the starting place, it is the destination, because it is here that we are abiding in Christ and being fruitful branches of the Vine. Come join us as we continue learning Square 1 Living.

Italicized quotations are from John 5:19&30. Galatians 2:20 is referred to.

Roger Wilson is one of the elders/pastors of Tabernacle Church in Melbourne, Florida. Roger with a couple of colleagues are writing their experiences in their walk with God in their up coming book called square 1 living.

Spanish Translation Project

By Jaime Garcia

During one year, my wife and I have been working on translating the entire curriculum of Dunklin´s regeneration program for drug addicts and alcoholics. Currently, the following workbooks are available in Spanish:

• Induction: Induction manual for those who are starting a recovery process at Dunklin Memorial Camp.
• Orientation: An introduction to God´s regeneration process.
• Regeneration: Designed to help develop a quality of life spiritually mature.
• Inner Healing: A workbook to apply the healing power of God to the mind, the will and the emotions.
• Discipleship: A guide designed to take the reader beyond the elementary stage of teaching and encourage a steady advance toward spiritual maturity.
• Family Recovery: A workbook for families recovering from chemical dependency and its effects.
• Becoming One: A workbook designed for marriage growth groups.


In addition, we are now translating:
• Manual of Cities of Refuge
• The Genesis Process.
• Servant Leadership Training


These manuals have impacted the lives of individuals, not only in the United States, but in Colombia, Peru and Honduras, places where recovery programs are currently working with drug addicts and alcoholics and their families. There, in Latin America, each day approximately 50 families are undergoing a process of restoration and the curriculum they are using are: Induction, Orientation, Regeneration, Inner Healing, Discipleship and the Family Recovery Process workbook.

In Homestead, Florida, since 10 months ago we began the Family Recovery Process with a group of 20 people. Currently, a total of 50 individuals (27 families) have gone through the process, during which time we have witnessed the miracle of restoration of families that were totally destroyed. Indeed, today we can say that, in some cases, the family did not even exist.


With the first group that finished the Family Recovery Process, we started a month ago an Inner Healing Process with 10 individuals (6 families).

Over the next twelve months with a team of volunteers, we are planning to start the following translation projects:

1. CAP Curriculum, which purpose is to certify counselors in the area of addictions studies for the staff in Canaan Colombia, Peru, Honduras and Homestead, FL. This is a complex job because, in addition to the translation, it is necessary to investigate the laws of each country.

2. Restarting Curriculum - Developed by Ed Khouri, which focuses on the neuroscience of the brain and explains in great detail the processes that occur at the brain during an addictive process and hence, offers alternatives for restoration.



BARCELO – LLANOS FAMILY TESTIMONY


After having thought about it for a long time, I could not find the beginning of this story, but what is clear to me is the moment when I started to make mistakes and stupidities, which affected my family who had to go through an unnecessary painful process.

Briefly, the reasons were:

1. My isolation from God
2. My lack of character.
3. Not knowing how to set up limits with people.
4. The need for acceptance for others

All this led, several years ago, to the deterioration of my marital relationship, where I never had the courage to attack the problem in the right way; instead of that, I was committed on trying to repair a relationship with great signs of deterioration.

All this led me to commit a multitude of mistakes and wrong decisions, the most serious, engaging emotionally with the wrong person, all this led me to darkness, to live a life entangled, hiding from the truth and carrying a huge frustration, independent of the damage I was causing to my family.

When things hit bottom, my sin was exposed and I had to face a devastating desert where every day there were different versions of the situation which hurt more and more my family, and where I, as the main actor, didn't know where I was standing; but God is good and faithful and began his work in us.

With our separation, I continued to attend counseling with Wanda, a very special person, which I learned many things from, but at the same time noted that she lacked a method. Meanwhile, Monica contacted Jaime and Liliana Garcia, with whom started talking; however, the situation was stressful, because there was friction, aggression and lack of respect, since none of us knew how to handle the situation.

However, with the passing of months, we saw how God saved us and took care of us; both of us took care of our children, without saying anything negative about each other. The time came when we started a dialogue process, without tension, insults and aggression, and we began to be friends, and personally, I assessed the damage so great that I had done to my family.

I took advantage of a trip to Barranquilla, to put my thoughts in order and where I had the opportunity to share with my parents; it was a good time and one phrase that I heard made me decide to fight to save my home: Honey, if you can, save your marriage. These words were blunt for me. At the same time, Monica continued to walk her recovery process by the hands of Jaime and Liliana and I was able to see the first signs of change in her since she quitted her victim mentality (without minimizing my responsibility) and began to fight for her life. Coincidentally, during a visit of Jaime to Homestead, I crossed with him and decided to start working to save my marriage.

In the following lines, I will express the most important things about this process:

1. The method used.
2. The study material is impressive - THE FAMILY RECOVERY PROCESS
3. The unconditional love I have received during the process.
4. Zero judgment for my mistakes.
5. The vision of multiplication.
6. The most important thing is that the sole protagonist is our Lord Jesus.

These statements have caused us to reassess our way of looking at life:
1. Begin to be merciful.
2. Quit being judgmental
3. To have a real relationship with God
4. Give to others the same grace that we have received.


I do not know if these lines will arrive to the final recipient, but I need to say that the health and restoration of a marriage and a family is priceless.

Healing Hearts

NET Training Institute, Inc

Jean LaCour Ph.D.

In the world of counseling there are many categories. Some are licensed by state or nations and require years of training, including Masters level degrees, supervision, extended internships, examinations and registering with a licensing board of some type. This category may include Licensed Mental Health Counselors or in some states referred to as Licensed Professional Counselors. There are also Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists and Licensed Clinical Social Workers. Licensed Psychologists and Psychiatrists have additional requirements and also carry additional responsibilities for the care of vulnerable persons, the latter are also medical doctors which entitles them to write prescriptions.

In the addiction field there are counselors who meet standards set by professional certification boards. Florida has Certified Addiction Professionals and Addiction Prevention Professionals (CAP & CAPP) requiring high school plus different levels of college plus specific educational training, supervision, work experience, examinations and registration with a professional counselor board.

Licensed counselors mentioned above may also choose to fulfill specific addiction certification requirements to help them work with the unique needs of addicted people. In recent years both the American and International Medical Societies (ASAM & ISAM) have developed standards for a specialty in addiction medicine designating this practitioner an Addictionologist.

In the faith based world there are also different categories of counselors. While this article is not meant to be the final word in this area it may lend some clarity to some of the current types of ministry one may encounter in this area from a Christian perspective. It needs to be stated that there is no agreement on any of these methods or prayer approaches or ministries. There is even less wide spread awareness that such ministries exist or knowledge that people are experiencing great freedom and wholeness through these types of ministries.

Historically the Christian Church has offered pastoral care/ counseling for the emotional, family and crises needs of its members. Care of the soul or the heart is an ancient tradition and mentioned directly in the Old Testament in many texts, and specifically in Ezekiel chapter 34 where God is rebuking His shepherds for not tending to the needs of His people who are in real physical, emotional, relational, and/or spiritual distress. This is the text that Jesus Christ refers to in John chapter 10 in his discourse on the Good Shepherd. The New Testament further validates the role of pastoral and soul care throughout the epistles. Faith traditions can provide a rich variety of help.

While psychology as a field is barely one hundred years old and modern mental health counseling less than fifty years old, many spiritual methods and means have stood the test of time. There is indeed overlooked wisdom to bring hope and healing to the human heart. The following approaches may stand alone and some may be compatible with modern or clinical methods.

The following approaches also work together for good and may overlap depending on the need. The following is intended to help you identify a few of the unique ways that hearts are healed and lives restored.

Prayer Ministry usually addresses the following areas:

1. Generational Sins and Issues

2. Recognition and Repentance of Personal Sin

3. The Bitterness of Unforgiveness

4. Psyche Influences (demonic/ occult) that cause Unbelief

5. Cutting Ungodly Soul Ties

6. Bitter Root Judgments, Inner Vows, Pronouncements

7. Inner Healing of Memories or Divided Identity

8. Renewing the Mind of Ungodly Beliefs

Prophetic Ministry involves a person getting "third heaven revelation" by the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the form of a word of knowledge, word of wisdom, or prophecy in order to edify, exhort, and comfort another person. I Cor. 12,14 Often part of Prayer Ministry.

Christ Centered Recovery for Addictions and Life Controlling Problems covers:

1. Breaking Through Denial to Problem Recognition
2. Confession of Sin and Restitution
3. Addressing Character Defects and Unhealthy Patterns
4. Healing Wounds, Grieving Losses
5. Dealing with Trauma Issues of abuse and violence
6. Support Groups for relational needs and combating Isolation
7. Teaching NEW skills: relational skills, conflict resolution, problem solving, boundaries
8. Imparting NEW information: family of origin issues; rules, roles, relapse dynamics, etc.
9. Mentoring and Discipleship leading to Maturity and Intentioned service to others

Clinical Pastoral Counseling may include:

Screening & Assessment for Evaluation; Crises Intervention, including suicide and domestic violence; Individual and Group Counseling; Treatment Planning; Documenting; Providing Educational Resources and having Current Knowledge in specialty areas. Regardless of the arena, the High Call to Counsel others when they are the most vulnerable demands personal Honesty and Integrity including: Honoring Confidentiality; Referring to other helping professionals when necessary; Awareness of Ethical Issues such as the impact of personal biases, values, and beliefs on counseling outcomes; the need for supervision and accountability for one's counseling activities; appropriate boundaries between counselors and counselees; and never using a counselee for personal, sexual, or financial gain.

In all types of care the standard remains: Do No Harm.

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