Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of the future.
That described my life before Celebrate Recovery became a part of my Christ-walk, although I wasn’t able to express those thoughts and words in my vocabulary.
Professionally I have served as a Registered Nurse (RN) for over 40 years. When my working environment became toxic, these ugly fears reared themselves through my workaholism, perfectionism, and anxiety. Very much in desperation I cried out to God—“Help!” Soon God placed the book Life’s Healing Choices by John Baker in my path. It led me & others to begin a Celebrate Recovery ministry in our church in Champaign, IL. That was almost 10 years ago now.
The healing & freedom that I have experienced through Celebrate Recovery has been incredible. Digging deep into my childhood & adolescent years with safe people in a nonjudgmental and grace-filled community gave me a story to tell that is a part of God’s Story.
That’s when Dave Arden introduced me to Chosen To Speak ministries. Wow. What a gift. Practical. Relevant. Biblically-based. Empowering. A true confidence-builder. The coaching team of Chosen To Speak has provided feedback, encouragement and support to say “yes” to opportunities to share my faith from a speaking platform and empower others to do the same.
Working the 12 Steps and 8 Principles of Celebrate Recovery has solidified my relationship with Jesus and provided more close relationships with others. Jesus demonstrated that healing happens in a community of believers. Using the skills, tools, and resources available with Chosen to Speak has been the confidence-booster I have needed. Both are strong disciple-making ministries.
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
—Romans 10:14 NIV
My God-words for 2025 are Grow Deep, Reach Wide. As my husband and I have transitioned into the Ambassador Coaching role in Celebrate Recovery my desire to share the Gospel with as many as possible has grown. The “reaching the nations” emphasis of Chosen To Speak has overflowed into being open to opportunities to prayerfully encourage and financially support establishing a Celebrate Recovery in Haiti in 2025.
John 15:16—You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in My name.
We are better, together. I invite you to grow deep and reach wide alongside us!
Author: Teresa Pratt