THE PIPELINE NEWSLETTER

2009-02-25T13:56:00.001-08:00

2009-02-25T13:54:00.000-08:00

From The Director's Desk

2008-11-05T04:56:00.001-08:00

"You therefore, my son be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." 2 Timothy 2:1-2

Hello Everyone! First in behalf of the Canaan Community in Latin America and the United States we wish you all Happy Thanksgiving! We pray that the Lord will cover you and guide you in all things this year and the next. These last two months have been a whirlwind for us as the Lord opened doors for ministry throughout the Southern part of Colombia close to the Amazons.

The region is called the Llanos Orientales in the state of Meta, cowboy country but also a red zone where the guerrillas have been operating and devastating towns. It was a divine appointment as Ray and Florence Concepcion, my adoptive parents asked Vivian and I to be their translators in this 4 day campaign. Our first stop was Villavicencio, the capital of Meta. We arrived at the Air Force base and after about an hour were ushered into a bus to take us to the city. It was a mixture of feelings for me, there was excitement but at the same time apprehension. It was our first time in these parts precisely because of security reasons. But this really was not my concern, we knew that God had brought us there and it was time for us to be there, I was concerned about what God really wanted me to do and what exactly was His purpose. With fear and trembling I prayed for His Holy Spirit to simply lead us. What followed next was 4 days of miracles and incredible manifestations of God through the body of Christ. This continued on for the next couple more weeks. I felt I was living the book of ACTS all over again.

My body was tired and Vivian, my wife got sick but somehow the Holy Spirit equipped us to keep going. We met with pastors who had gone through what I considered hell to be there. They love their people and are working with close to no resources yet are building healthy communities. The mayor of one of the towns we visited personally picked us up and spent time with us. He had shared of the problems they are going through. This particular town is being overrun by drug dealers and the Mayor was genuinely concerned for the youth. I shared with him that the only solution to this kind of problem is a change of hearts and a transformation of the culture. The only one who can do such a thing is Jesus. What I saw were towns devastated either by drug dealers or by the guerrillas that hearts are hardened and most of them are simply trying to survive. I saw the government reaching out for help, because they could see the problem they are facing needs a God size miracle.

My most memorable moments were the towns of San Juan and Lejanias. Both towns were devastated by the guerrillas. Terrorists came and burned down some houses and closed down churches. Pastors who did not leave right away were killed and the police who put up a fight were all burned alive in a tunnel. Yet I saw two very lively churches in defiance to fear giving hope to these towns. I noticed also that the majority of the people in the church were young folks. My heart was overwhelmed with admiration of what God is doing in the hearts of these young people. I saw teen agers praying, ministering and leading in these towns.

In Lejanias particularly, I met a family of missionaries who came from the northern part of Colombia. The Lord spoke to them to leave their home and go to the town of Lejanias to reopen the church. They brought their two boys who are now 18 and 21 years old. At that time many did not understand their decision, they were called crazy and irresponsible for putting their kids in this situation. It was a time when many pastors did not even want to go to Lejanias but one thing is for sure they heard from God. What Vivian and I witnessed was a miracle of God. We ministered to this couple and their 18 year old son who stayed on to help. The majority of the congregation were children, one particular 10 year old spoke up and affirmed these missionaries saying to them that he did not have anyone and he was alone but these missionaries became parents for him and taught him how to love Jesus and have a deep understanding of Him. I saw at this moment that Vivian and I were sent there by God to refresh these valiant missionaries and pastors. We were sent to encourage these valiant children and teen agers to fight the good fight of faith. In turn God had placed in Vivian and I a fire that will never quench and a drive right now to bring the good news to those who are hurting and heartbroken even more so.

One last thing, at one moment during the long drive to Lejanias on an isolated road a man came out into the middle of the road dressed like a guerrilla. My heart began palpitating fast and I said to myself, "this is it, we will either die or get kidnapped." Vivian was sleeping in the back and I thought of her, a sense of helplessness. But at that moment when I thought my biggest fear was coming about, I surrendered to the Lord and made myself ready to face Him at last. At that moment all fears left me and a peace came about me. Abandoning myself to Christ like I have never felt before. Then the man waved us off. I breathed a sigh of relief. Whether he was simply a farmer or a guerrilla, I will never know but one thing is for sure at that moment the Lord spoke to me, "I want you to live this way from now on, as if today will be your last and warn people of My coming."

God's Grassroots Movement

2008-10-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

"Ours is a world where people don´t know what they want and are willing to go through hell to get it."

Don Marquis

Juan Carlos, our director of training just came back from a meeting with some government officials and other drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers in Colombia. "Bad news" he remarked to me, "the law is now in effect all entities working with drug addicts and alcoholics are required to have a psychologist in their payroll." My stomach churned as if I had eaten rotten food. "Its just as you said it would happen, they are looking only at one model and thats the medical model." Juan Carlos added, "but we almost fulfill their requirements, I believe we will be able to swing this." He assured me. But this statement did not cheer me up at all. I know God will provide for Canaan and we have been preparing for this kind of situation a long time knowing the trend of where the government of Colombia is headed. But I was saddened because this law will restrict many valid ministers of the gospel, even graduates of Canaan who has training and experience; from opening up very much needed Regeneration Centers that could truly help drug addicts and alcoholics. It is not that we are against the medical model but they are only one part of the whole system that can give freedom to those who are in bondage to this epidemic. It has been proven that the problem of addiction is also a spiritual problem and faith based communities are very important in helping families devastated by it. Even some psychologists and medical doctors admit to this statement.

There are so many ministries right now all over Colombia and Latin America who are making a difference, who are transforming addicts and alcoholics into powerful leaders of the future. There are tons of testimonies I have heard how street corner preachers and small churches have been influential in transforming the lives of addicts. I believe in the integrated model where medicine and the spiritual can work together. And I understand the government´s decision to look at psychology as a standard, this will shut down what I call rehabilitation garages that are operating illegally or are doing more harm than good. But at the same time this decision will affect many valid ministries that are doing a good job, they simply would not be able to afford psychologists and their methodology, which brought desirable results; would be descriminated. In my last meeting with the drug task force of the Northern coast region of Colombia, the main topic was the lack of centers to help addicts and the shortage of recovery and support workers. We had suggested that there is a labor force available that is so vast and would serve because of their hearts of compassion, not because it is a job nor for money; and that is the Christ centered church. We advised the government not to narrow down the spectrum of help but broaden it by allowing cost effective grassroots faith based training programs that would equip these men and women to do the work of the ministry and would alleviate the already overburdened goverment system.

Internationally Canaan has set up a grassroots training center to train these men who had been in addiction but are now wounded healers. We have also expanded this training to include the church and individuals with valid callings to the hurting people. We have acquired and in the process of getting international certifications for these training. We are putting together an international coalition of these recovery centers called cities of refuge and we will hold our first Networking Meeting on November 11, 2008 that would serve as a grassroots campaign for faith based recovery in Colombia. We will be involving psychologists, medical doctors, counselors, government workers and pastors that would work together in making it possible to train lay people and have the government recognize the faith based recovery field. What we are actually saying to the governments around the world is that there is another model for recovery available and it brings desirable results. There is training available and a standardization process that elevates the quality of care for those who have been devastated by drugs and alcohol other than the medical model. But most of all, this method is not just about getting people sober but it is actually transforming their lives and their communities.

NETWORK NEWS

2008-09-22T12:39:00.001-07:00

In Colombia the camp just had their fund raising event called "Friends of Canaan Banquet." The objective of this banquet was to raise the necessary funds to repair and remodel a couple of the buildings in the camp. The banquet featured a gourmet cuisine donated by the chef of the President of Colombia, Nancy Cabrera. They were also acompanied by a famous Colombian vallenato singer Chiche Ovalle and a local talent Mercedes de Hani who gave a special concert to guests and the men in the program. It was a special time for everyone, many remarked that they had never experienced anything so beautiful. There were testimonies of how God saved and restored people's lives through Canaan. It was also a time of networking of various people and entities. The banquet raised so far about $ 5,000.00 dollars.

In Homestead, Florida Jaime and Liliana Garcia completed the first cycle of the inner healing class being offered to the community. They continue to give Family recovery classes every Saturday and are pretty much booked for counseling every week. Jaime and the community are currently praying for and looking at different sites to build the city of refuge. In the meantime they started the program with three men whose marriage were devastated and are now hoping for recovery and reconciliation with their families. They were given use of a house in Homestead, something provisional to have the men in until they could find their place. Their current needs are land to be donated in the Homestead or Redlands vicinity and housing once they acquire the land. They are also needing a pickup truck, trailer, landscaping tools and lawn mowers for their industry.

In Honduras Jim and Julie Nelms successfully acquired a building they will be using for the program. They were given a lease for 5 years for a very low cost. They are currently doing repairs and preparing for their program.

In Peru Jesus and Patricia Pacheco were given an opportunity to move to Iquitos, a city located in the Amazons; to take over an abandoned building what once was a clinic. They left a group of people in Lima to continue a family recovery ministry in that area. Jesus and Patricia's vision is to build and duplicate the concept of Canaan in the Amazons to help those who are addicted and also train churches for this kind of ministry. They just completed a project to convert the first floor of the building into a cafeteria to generate income for the program.

Mission Experience Part 2

2008-09-03T10:37:00.001-07:00

Entering the City of Refuge - Canaan:

YES! Finally we were in Canaan. Upon arrival we were greeted by the staff and all the men in the program. It was an overload of our senses. In the middle of unloading our luggage, they were hugging us, trying their English on us, and we were practicing our very limited Spanish on them--"hola amigos soy Ray". "Te amo Hermano" came the reply. I had purchased the latest lessons on Spanish communications months previous to this trip. You know the book "How to Speak Spanish In Four Easy Lessons." Its suppose to enable you to speak and understand the beautiful language of your neighbor to the south. Ahhh! Español the language of love... I hardly understood a word they were saying! No, that was an understatement; these guys were saying so many words so fast, it was much like getting rolled in the sand at the bottom of the sea just when you thought you were going to get to surf that beautiful wave! Ok, so I couldn't understand the words that were being said, but one thing for sure, we were experiencing more love and acceptance than we could contain. The book's authors were right about one thing, I was hearing the language of love! It may sound crazy, but I felt as though I was being greeted like a king from an honored battle, or that I was a renowned explorer returning from a distant discovery. Will this wave of delight, and curious intoxication come to an end?

When I said it was a sensory overload, it really is an understatement. Colombia is already washing over me like a gigantic warm Hawaiian wave. But, upon entering this City of Refuge here in the middle of what some un-informed outsiders might consider "God forsaken Colombia"…I was completely and totally overwhelmed! After all who comes to Colombia? Maybe a dealer looking to make a "deal", coordinate a "shipment of goods", or some crazy missionary, and now this band of "raising cane" Americanos. I know that Phil, Mike, Bob, and I are a bit loco, and I had suspected maybe Roni & Vivian were a little off their rockers to have chosen Colombia as their calling, but I have to say, even I can see that God is in this place powerfully. Yes, here on this little piece of the planet where drug kings, distributors, kidnapers, and rebel forces have knowingly created an environrnment of chaos and fear; unbelievably has also become a wellspring of peace where God resides. I wondered as I experienced this delightful welcome, "what does He really have me here for? What does He really want me to see?"
My thoughts soon turned back to my physical destination, Canaan. "This place is Incredible!" I exclaimed. Bringing back to remembrance a phrase I regularly heard from one of my new, soon to become Colombian friend Gustavo; "Espectacular! Canaan is like a twin city of Dunklin Memorial Camp.
For those that may not know about Dunklin Memorial Camp (DMC) I will give you a quick explanation. The camp is the first of its kind, the birthplace of Cities of Refuge located and yet to be located across this wonderful planet we call home. DMC was first established in Florida, North America 45 years ago when a Baptist preacher named Mickey Evans heard the call, he left his comfortable place and the pulpit behind and moved out into the swamps of Florida to start a sanctuary, a "refuge" if you will, for drug addicts and alcoholics who wanted a new chance at life. Some hear the call of the mountain, some the call of the sea, but I know of a few (many actually) good men and women that are grateful that Brother Mickey heard the call to the swamp! For the very first time in a distant land I became a witness to these grateful men and women of Colombia as a result of Brother Mickey answering the call. This is an extention of that same beautiful family…our family.
Canaan, like Dunklin, has its daily activities, work, and classes. Men are being regenerated by restored, and those in the process of being restored: alcoholics, drug addicts, co dependants, other various and sundries dysfunctional men and women who have taken the 12th steps to heart. I affectionally call them X men, and by that I mean EX- drunks, drug addicts, sex addicts, con men, drug lords, rebels, hit men, father stabbers, mother haters, wife beaters, prostitutes etc! Ok, I am getting carried away in my description of these fallen and restored. But one thing is for sure, this bunch was yesterday's out cast-- the lepers of society but today's hope in this new world we have found, and they were hugging and welcoming us four crazy North Americans, as though we were fellow disciples. Wow and Wow again! Now that I mention it, I guess we are! We are fellow disciples! That vast planet earth just got smaller for me as I realize just how connected we are. We are fellow brothers and sisters with something very much in common. It reminds me of this story that I have read and experienced, it goes something like this.
There was this King who had prepared a great feast, a party, a fiesta so to speak. This King was cool, He was awesome, and He loved the people in His kingdom. There were some He had chosen as special. He had sent out invitations to all of them. They were His prestigious, and elect, the wealthy in knowledge, money and fame. He wanted to spend time with them and thank them for all their hard work in helping to take care of His kingdom. He wanted to show His appreciation.
"Come to my party, feast at my table, enjoy the best music, there might even be a little dancing. Come celebrate with me", He resounded!
Sadly, He realized that all had failed to RSVP. They were too busy with their meetings and their pomp and important dates to come. After all they had said to themselves, someone has to keep things in order, and there is too much to do. So the King said to his servants: "go out in the street and invite the homeless, the beggars, the drunks and the fools. Invite anyone who will come- no education, no job, no skill is necessary… ask all the x-men and women. I don't care who they are or what they have done; invite all who will come, to my grand affair. If my own don't have time for Me, then I shall invite anyone who desires to attend."
I don't know how to explain it any other way except to say; I feel, in this moment, in the spirit of this City of Refuge, like I am at that party! While the rest of the world, secular and religious alike, are out there too busy proving their point, a bunch of wild men and women are in this "city" awash in the Spirit of living. This is the King's party, and I am attending it.
Well, back to the reason for this mission we were on. There was so much to do. The welcome "bienvenido" was complete, our luggage deposited in our styling bungalow with 2 bunks and our own bath, and we were off for an incredible lunch with the staff of Canaan Colombia. I felt so honored, humbled, and important, at the same time. "How is this possible?" I thought, Colombia style--that's how! From Enrique, the director of Canaan, to the newest man in the program, these guys were so hospitable it is difficult to describe.
For those who are familiar with the workings of a City of Refuge, you know how important the Servant Leadership Training portion of the recovery process is, but these guys take it to another level- Let me carry that for you; here is some water; we will clean the room, and about the time one meal was finished another was being prepared. One word describes the culinary talents at work in this place, incredible! Ok, two words, es espectacular! One could not help but see they are setting out their best for us. This was no 10% tithe this was their finest. I considered some of this was to show us how proud they are of their camp. After all, they have a right to be proud of their work here, or maybe, were they hoping these guys from the prosperous US of A might help financially, and might possibly have solutions to some of the camps problems? But, I was quickly humbled as they were proudly showing us the walk-in cooler that had been donated to them. It was almost empty. I had more in my refrigerator and one cupboard at home than they have in their walk-in to feed this whole camp. "Not to worry", one of the men said "God , always provides". By the end of the day some local drop by with some chickens, another donate some vegetables. Another bunch of bananas had ripened on a tree out back, and we were given fruit with our breakfast the next day. They are truly experiencing, "living by faith".
I am quickly seeing that these Colombian brothers and sisters are not only naturally rich in fellowship, their faith and hope make them wealthy. I have another uneasy feeling to confess, that I am in over my head. My poverty is showing and I do not like it. I am to find out later that the whole camp had been frugal with their use of electricity the month previous to us coming so that we could run the AC window unit in our quarters. In Colombia things like water, electricty, gas, waste removal, and other utility services we take for granted, are not readily available, if at all, and are costly at best. I am beginning to realize this level of relational generosity, and degree of monetary sacrifice that they are exhibiting has no other motive than their desire to bless and connect with their brothers from Dunklin. I am starting to get this overwhelming feeling that this experience is going to break up some of the calloused places in my heart. I have come to this place to do something for God. I have come to set an example of how to give to others with wisdom. I believe sincerely that my heart is in the right place, so then why does it feel like it's about to shatter. In this moment of stark awareness, I had to ask myself, do I really have anything of significance to give?

Let me catch my breath, and check my heart. If it is still beating, I will see you in November with more about my mission experience to Colombia, and the City of Refuge.
God, what would You have me see? --- Ray Nelson

New Projects

2008-08-11T09:38:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-11T09:25:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-11T08:34:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-11T08:29:00.001-07:00

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:

Breaking Through Denial to Problem Recognition
Confession of Sin and Restitution
Addressing Character Defects and Unhealthy Patterns
Healing Wounds, Grieving Losses
Dealing with Trauma Issues of abuse and violence
Support Groups for relational needs and combating Isolation
Teaching NEW skills: relational skills, conflict resolution, problem solving, boundaries
Imparting NEW information: family of origin issues; rules, roles, relapse dynamics, etc.
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.

http://www.netinstitute.org/ http://www.netinstitute.rbm.tv/

Mission Experience to Colombia

2008-07-30T08:36:00.001-07:00

By Ray Nelson

I suppose we all have an idea of what we think a "mission trip' would be like. Possibly from others relating their stories, or our own imagination of what it would be like: to reach out and help someone by going to their country. I remember the first discussions with my brothers in the Tuesday Group: ( a small group of fellow businessmen who stay in accountability and support with each other in West Palm Beach, Florida) about going to Colombia South America to help out a fellow brother; and now comparing them to the actual experience of going, it is a -- well lets just say WOW, it is going to be more than I can think it to be--this was to be quite the experience for me!

Then I thought about it, It would suffice to say we would be doing our part in spreading the Gospel of Christ, and supporting our brothers & sisters who feel the call to the mission field in another country if we just call in our encouragements from a safe place and mail in our monetary support. Right? Oh no this was not to be. Remember the discussion with the brothers at the Tuesday Group? This interesting discussion was about how many were questioning the responsibility to give. After all look at all the abuses. All could see the grand buildings, the executive staff, the planes, trains, prestigious autos, along with elaborate vacation and or revival trips. Why give when it is obvious that there is little left being given to the poor. Lets take care of our own here at home. Well somewhere in this phase of the discussion I piped up and said; maybe we should do something ourselves if we believe this giving thing is not being done properly. I know this guy in Colombia, a straight shooter, loves God, his wife, and a bunch of drug addicts and alcoholics in a place called Canaan. The first response was Colombia --RIGHT! But upon further discussion; we all agreed none of us were innocent, after all hadn't we all done our part in supporting the "Colombian Trade" in our "raising cain" days B.J. (before Jesus) We would go with our own money and help someone who is at the bottom as we once were. Pay our own way and see the dollars go directly too those in need. lets do it. Lets go on a mission trip if they would have us. Some one laughingly suggested "Raising Canaan" as our mission statement, a reference to our past, "raising cain". For those who may not know the meaning, well lets just say: trouble, scoundrel, etc. Well the name stuck and we went.

It seemed a grand task to go to Colombia, our neighbor to the south. A democratic nation on the edge of South America; bordered by questionable governments and struggling within to overcome corruption and poverty. A people proud of the progress they were making and a military dedicated to bringing about freedom and safety for their children and the development of liberty for all. I fell in love with Colombia when I heard my first Latin accent at the Miami Airport as we prepared to board Avianca Airlines. When we got there the smell in the air, the bustle of people on their way home, and even the military presence in the Barranquilla Airport filled me with wonder and excitement as we arrived to meet the staff brothers from Canaan. I felt like a kid again. I had always been one up for adventure, but this place, these warm people, the atmosphere was electric. Little did I know I was on the "aventura" of a lifetime. This was to be a turn on the road of the spiritual life I had yet to walk upon.

We had such high hopes of blessing Roni & Vivian & our brothers and sisters at the City of Refuge, and we were anxious to take the 1/2 hr trip from Barranquilla to Baranoa to see the camp and meet everyone, and the needs we had heard so much about. But first things first. We were to stay at the homes of some of the local church members of the Barranquilla community that supported Canaan. The ride from the Airport through the sprawling outskirts of this South American city on rolling coastal hills overlooking the Caribbean Sea was an experience in itself. Barranquilla with a population of 2 million seems to be bursting at the seams with life: though not all enjoy the comforts we take for granted. Miles and miles of small concrete homes with no windows in the openings, although some had doors Others were lined with concrete or clay block walls with shards of glass or barb wire atop to keep the poorer from robbing the poor. Small children playing next to the 2 Lane road bustling with 4 to 5 lanes of traffic made up of cars, trucks, large buses, bicycles, donkeys, and motorcycles carrying 3 adults and a baby or two. Wow is that oncoming bus going to merge to the right so we don't see the donkey on a windshield before we have lunch. Well the donkey moves quickly out of on coming "Autobus". We were to soon learn big buses and trucks have right of way, Pedestrians, bicyclers, and donkeys beware. Traffic Colombia style; this is great, I could drive in this town.

Sensory overload is the only way I can describe this new experience. The ora of open spiritual doors vs. religious fleecing, romance and beauty vs. abuse, and lust, freedom and adventure vs hopelessness and captivity! Such strength in the midst of turmoil: In this whirlwind of emotions and new thought I felt as though I was in the center of the heart of God. I had not encountered a people so relational and full of warmth sense since I had been in Viet Nam during the war of my youth. These people, "especially the Christians" I was meeting had such high hopes for their country and their relationship with God in spite of the conflicts and turmoils going on in their lives. It was a little like the 50's where I had grown up, in that they were hungry for truth and hope, there was a cause. So much to believe and do, this was my kind of world. A purpose, a plan. What was God really showing me, what was I to see here? So many thoughts so many questions. Tomorrow, Canaan, the City of Refuge in Colombia South America, I can hardly sleep.

Upon getting us all in the transportation: a small car and a Toyota crew cab with Vivian, our precious host and four 200+ pound North Americans, luggages and 2 Colombian brothers in the back of the truck, Roni our pilot prays this prayer; Dear Lord thank you for this day. As we travel to the camp protect us from those who may have bad intentions, guard us in traffic from accidents or auto malfunctions. bless us today with Your grace and love--- Thank you in Jesus Name, Amen... ( I'm praying under my breath that the big busses don't squash us like bugs in a tin bucket) We were to learn that prayer is not just a passing thought or word on the way out the door in this town. Prayer and faith in God to provide and protect is a necessary way of life here. Roni tells us stories of abuse, murder, robbery, and political corruption, with Gods protection and covering to each event in a country where even the police are not always to be trusted. We breathe a sigh of relief as the police flag us through at a highway check point as Roni recalls his experiences of being faced with paying bribes, and the test of refusing to do so. After much head turning to the right and left to see the sights between the terror of highway near misses, (just kidding, Roni was a blessed driver) We arrived at Canaan!

Follow Ray's journey through Colombia in our next issue. This will be an ongoing series from the mission diary of Ray Nelson, chairman of the board of trustees of Canaan International.

Shekinah Ranch

2008-07-29T11:00:00.001-07:00

By Lee Jones

Shekinah Ranch is the agricultural outreach of Canaan International Training Center. It will train leaders from various “Cities of Refuge” and missionaries connected to them, to become self sufficient. This training will occur through the internet as well as hands on experience with various models that will eventually be in place. Lee intends for the agricultural training to have a spiritual depth that goes beyond the practical. The visionary seed of Shekinah Ranch was planted into the Jones family in 2002. Lee and his wife Linda with their two children Jaime and Peter Jones purchased a few acres of land near Dunklin Memorial Camp during the summer of 2005. A year and a half ago, they purchased some hydro-stackers and started some hydroponic vegetables. Ronnie and Vivian Lacuesta, Jaime and Lilliana Garcia, Freeman Nettles, David Garton, Brother Mickey Evans, Dr. Bob and Mrs. Sylvia Crow, and others attended the dedication of Shekinah Ranch. Lee said, “as the Lord has revealed the different steps for Shekinah Ranch to come into fruition, He has constantly reminded me of a few things: 1. Shekinah Ranch isn’t as important as the relationships that are formed through this work. 2. Without full submission to the authority of Jesus Christ, the vision of Shekinah Ranch will not be attainable. 3. Shekinah Ranch is a vision from God. It’s HIS and it will take a team for Shekinah Ranch to happen." Recently a relationship was birthed with Jim and Brenda Spinelli a precious couple that proves to be a future asset for the Shekinah Ranch vision. Brenda works with Linda while her husband Jim has an awesome green thumb. He also has an innate ability to teach others. Jim and Brenda plan on helping Shekinah Ranch get to the next level. Jim is already putting together plans for an aquaculture system. This experiment will give us direction and a low cost solution to help the Cities of Refuge located in third world countries to curve the shortage and high cost of food resource. Please join us in prayer for Shekinah Ranch and the resources necessary to get it to the next level.

NETWORK NEWS

2008-07-21T11:03:00.001-07:00

Honduras – Abundant Life Community: A City of Refuge in Guanaja

What an amazing month this has been. When we returned from Colombia we had the long "to-do" list to get ready to have our SLT program and our outpatient program. However, God told us to spend some concentrated time focused on Him and to let Him set our pace. It has been a time of seeking His face and waiting on Him. As we have been obedient to that, trusting that He is up to something even when we cannot physically see it, He has given us tremendous peace. Yet in His grace He has begun to show us glimpses of what He has planned for us and at the same time has made it abundantly clear that His ways are not our ways and what He considers efficient use of time can be quit different than what we consider efficient use of time. Here is a glimpse of what He has accomplished this month…

We have been given (rent free) the use of a 40'x 50' three story building that is 50 meters from our front gate to use for the ministry. It is not an empty shell of a building. It is fully equipped with tables, chairs, beds, cookware, appliances, Sunday School curriculum and craft supplies for children, TV, DVD player, etc. The top floor will house our SLT staff as it is already set up to be living quarters. The middle floor is where we will host our outpatient program as well as recovery church. And the bottom floor, which is ground floor, though currently unfinished, has the potential to be used for industry. Though there are a couple of details still to be worked out we are trusting God for this place. Please pray that not only will everything go through smoothly, but also God will provide the materials for a new roof as the current one needs to be replaced.

This past month as we have been seeking the Lord and waiting on Him He gave us the green light to hire someone to repaint the outside of our house that was in desperate need of a facelift. Little did we realize at the time that God was going to use it to continue to train us in the ways of recovery. Not only did we have the opportunity to teach about doing all things as unto the Lord, but God also used it to teach us the balance of ministering to the heart of the men in the program and accomplishing tasks. Needless to say it has not been without its frustrations, but we praise God for His faithfulness to us to train us up for what He has called us to.

Two weeks ago we had the privilege of baptizing Karen, Patrick's wife, who had received Christ while we were in Colombia. The following day we spent some very concentrated time with both Patrick and Karen in inner healing. The Holy Spirit ministered in a big way and they were both set free from quite a number of things. Then on Friday, after 10 years of common-law marriage, they were united in a civil marriage ceremony at the municipal office. Two of our brothers in Christ stood with us as witnesses and today Patrick and Karen are walking in freedom of oneness before the Lord. We praise God for His incredible mercy and grace to restore that which the locusts have eaten.

Yesterday we had two ladies come to our house looking for help for loved ones hooked on crack. We had the opportunity to minister to them both and to share a little bit about addiction and forgiveness. Before they left we were able to walk one of them through some inner healing as she received Jesus' love for her, renounced the spirit of witchcraft, and forgave someone who caused the death of her daughter and son-in-law in a boat accident 11 years ago.

We see the Lord going before us and spreading the word that this ministry is being birthed. We are amazed at who is contacting us, not only looking for help, but also offering help. In the past two weeks we have had people from Utila, one of the three Bay Islands here in Honduras, and Grand Cayman come to us looking for help. In addition, we have had a church in Georgia contact us and a ministry in Louisiana contact us to offer their support. Both are saying, "I don't know what our role is going to be, but I feel like we are supposed to support you." Praise God for His faithfulness! Praise Him that He is all that we need. He is the One who moves the hearts of kings. He is faithful to His promises and will meet our every need.

Tomorrow we return to the U.S. for a month to attend a leadership conference and visit with our families and our home church. We look forward to the opportunity to share with our partners and friends first-hand what God is doing here.

"Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations both now and forevermore. Amen!" Ephesians 3:20-21

TRAINING CENTERS, A PRIORITY IN THE WAR AGAINST DRUGS

2008-07-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of this year representatives from a couple of drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs came to our City of Refuge in Baranoa, Colombia looking to recruit trained staff from our leadership pool. It seems whether we are in the United States or in Colombia or in other parts of the world the main complaint is the same, lack of skilled and trained leadership. In this kind of ministry our tendency is to see as far as our nose due to the overwhelming number of men and women addicted knocking at our door. It is a catch 22, we can't bear turning people away but at the same time we never get relief because we do not train future leaders and eventually we burned out. A long time ago a very humble man named Mickey Evans found out the hard way the high price he had to pay for loving drug addicts and alcoholics. He almost died for it, his family suffered so much and a little center he ran called Dunklin Memorial Camp almost closed down. This was when he realized that the best leaders for this kind of work were already with him going through the program. The only thing he had to do was train them to become valid ministers to help others who are coming from the same lifestyle they were delivered from.

Out of this experience the Servant Leadership Training Program began. Dunklin grew from a small struggling camp to a thriving community of about 70 men with a full staff and averaging 15 Servant leadership trainees constantly in the last 8 years . A remarkable feat in their 45 year history. Dunklin affiliates are now located in 7 states and 8 countries including Canaan in Colombia. Canaan in the last 8 years had grown from a fledgling mom and pop operation into a full blown program with 40 residents and full time staff with a Servant leadership training program. They had also trained leaders from Costa Rica, Honduras and Peru. Such growth would not have been possible without a focus on growing leadership from the very same people who came to their doors for help. With the high demand right now for drug rehabs that would help addicts and alcoholics, the need for leadership ever more increases.

There are several factors we have to consider when we are facing such an epidemic in global proportions: Addiction is not only a poor man's disease but it discriminates against no one, it attacks all races, all genders, all economic levels, all levels of education and all levels of occupation. It is not only a medical and psychological problem but in all reality a spiritual problem. There is a void in a man's heart that can only be filled by God and only Him. Therefore the root of addiction can always be traced back to the family dysfunction. Our family was designed by God to provide safety, love, healthy relationships, boundaries and leadership. Our parents are actually our first encounter with authority and their authority are suppose to help us understand the Fatherhood of God. When this model is distorted trauma happens to us so we are left to trying to survive, filling the void with vices and having a distorted view of God. Drug addiction and alcoholism is not the problem but a symptom of the bigger problem; which is the lack of God in a person's life. Another factor to consider is that people who are addicted are poly-addicted which means that any chemicals will trigger them and lead them back to their drug of preference. Drug addicts and alcoholics do not only need treatment but regeneration. There needs to be a transformation of the heart and long term belonging to a community that would help compensate for the void and give them purpose in life. This most often take a life time to help in the maturity process. The medical, psychological and spiritual model need to work together to make a person whole.

The concept of a City of Refuge is to recreate a healthy environment where family is at the center, recovery ministry is not only being imparted to those who are addicted but also to their families. But most of all these same families are given hope that they can do the same for others who are coming from where they came from in their dysfunction. Therefore the City of Refuge as a concept contains three components: 1) The Regeneration program 2) The Recovery church 3) The Training Center. The method of ministry in this work is using the same men who came through the program as models for those are just starting out. They live with their families in the City Of Refuge and their families interact with the residents on a daily basis. There is a factor most important in this, the residents are being adopted by families that understand first hand where they are coming from. But to bring such a family to this point need a lot of healing and training; however once they get on the other side these same families become missionaries with a vision and mission and nothing can stop them from giving back with compassion and commitment to those who are hurting.

In these 7 states and 8 countries this model has been setup, there is evidence that these Cities of Refuge not only helps the families affected by the illicit drug trade but also impacts the communities, governments and standard of living in their region. Wherever they are at, they are providing effectively services that national governments cannot provide because of one single factor, adoption and family style community living which only the church and Cities of Refuge can provide. During the Networking Conference in Orlando, April 24-26, the implications brought up was that faith base recovery support services are a great need that no other institutions can fulfill. Their concept in healing addicts can also be used to alleviate poverty and help develop communities. This is the very reason why there has to be an emphasis on grass roots training of former addicts and alcoholics to do the work of the ministry. As the saying goes, " give people fish and they will be hungry again but teach people how to fish and they will never go hungry."