New Deacons For The Chemical Recovery Ministry
“I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.” - Ezekiel 22:30
“We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:3
God is looking for people who will step up and stand in the gap. Amy and I have had the privilege of seeing God change Jesus and Crystie’s heart tremendously. Seeing them wrestle deeply with God and make so many visible and heart-level changes has been very refreshing to all the saints of Eugene. (Philemon 1:7) It is someone’s life and labor in the LORD that we all need to recognize. (1 Thessalonians 5:12) As the church in Eugene grows and God blesses us with more and more souls to tend to - there are needs that arise both in the ministry and logistically. (Acts 6:1-7) We are all grateful that Jesus and Crystie Rios have demonstrated with their lives work produced by faith, labor produced by love, and endurance inspired by their hope in our LORD Jesus Christ. They have stood in the Gap - meeting this need in our ministry and community so that many more can become disciples, stay disciples, and no longer be estranged from God. I am honored to recognize them as the newest deacons appointed to serve the Family of God here in Eugene - To Him be the Glory!
Jeremy Ciaramella
Evangelist
“My wife Crystie and I feel very honored that God has used us to start the new Chemical Recovery (CR) ministry here in Eugene. We were both baptized on January 29, 1998 in Long Beach, CA. We both had many years of use up until January 1998 when we gained the Biblical conviction that we needed to repent of that sin. Although we did repent and quit using, we never dealt with our past use. We never put in the necessary work to break up the unplowed ground (our hearts) that was hardened by years of sin and destruction (Hosea 10:12 and Hebrews 3:12-13).”
“Sadly, although I was a Christian I still found myself using drugs (namely alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine) to suppress my feelings and as an escape from the demands of life. After years of bad decisions and consequences that were caused by my use I finally came to my senses (Luke 15:11-19) and realized that on my own I would never be able to stop using. I realized that I had separated myself from God (Isaiah 59:1-2) and that I needed to recommit myself to him. I had to admit to myself that I had a problem that I had no control over and I had to get help. Being a part of the CR group in Portland changed my life. It was amazing to be part of a group where all kinds of people from all walks of life could relate to what I was going through. To be part of a group of men who were committed to being honest with themselves and each other, to being completely open with their lives, to giving and receiving direction from the Bible as Gods direct words, and to holding each other accountable.”
“CR has helped me personally to understand how my use has caused God and so many people great pain and sadness. It has helped me to realize that if I did not stop using I would have continued to hurt those I love, I would never be happy, and that I would have continued in a life of guilt and shame. My last use was June 26, 2005. I attended my first CR meeting in Portland on July 11, 2005 and graduated from the group on June 19, 2006. Throughout that year I recall missing group three times; once due to illness, once due to car trouble, and once because I was plainly weak spiritually. Our first men’s CR meeting in Eugene was held on November 14, 2006. The next month Alex Cuanas became the first person in the Eugene CR ministry to be baptized into Christ! Today Alex continues to drive down from his home in Salem to Eugene (a one hour drive) every Tuesday to be a part of group, and he is working hard for recovery in line with Acts 26:20.”
“We are deeply grateful for Russ and Lana Preston who moved to Portland from San Diego explicitly for the purpose of providing the family in Portland with the CR ministry they needed and had longed for years to have. We are equally grateful for the McKeans having the vision and love that inspired the Prestons to make the move. As of just a few weeks ago, Lana Preston and Janice Damian have been visiting Eugene from Portland once a week in order to facilitate the new women’s CR group here, and to train Crystie to lead it. I am inspired that God is answering my prayer that my wife and I will both be serving the Lord by helping His people towards true recovery and freedom.”
“God has provided us with the CR ministry according to His plans and for a purpose as is stated in 2 Timothy 2:25b-26 ‘…in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.’“
Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jesus Rios
Chemical Recovery Deacon
Eugene International Church of Christ
