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 October 2005 – Broken-is it the air conditioning in your car, the computer or maybe one of your new dishes that comes to mind? For me, and possibly even you, I think of my relationship with the most cherished person in my life, my parents’ marriage, my inability to control addictions and destructive habits, even areas of my relationship with God. In my brokenness I am too weary and weak to know which way is up and which is down. I am confused and frustrated but not afraid to admit it. What about you? Is there something that you are hiding that keeps you in bondage? Is your heart broken because of grief and pain? Are you struggling to maintain control over your body or thoughts? Has your life been destroyed by abuse that haunts you?
The Refuge is a community of weekly support groups where broken people experience the healing power of grace and truth. I would describe it as "Real Church." Over 200 people showed up for this Fall's 2005 kick-off event to experience this grace and truth. There is no stereotype for the type of person joining this radical community; from skinny people to overweight people, businessmen, grandmas and grandpas, the poor and the rich, to the terrified and excited. In other words, whoever you are, if your life needs re-shaping, this is the place to be. The Refuge is a place for cocaine addicts, single parents, those battling depression, sex addicts, co-dependents and so much more.
 It is the unique vision of this ministry that moves it forward with power. The Refuge support groups may not be what you expect. They don’t think your whole life should be defined by a “problem," instead they see the groups as a safe place to work through your particular issues and then move on to participate in the fullness of life in the larger community. Their goal is to help you build relationships and skills that will serve you in all areas of life. Most of us would tag a ministry like this with the title "Recovery Groups." But I was surprised when Greg Boyd shared that The Refuge is all about discovery, a.k.a. forward motion. People are empowered with relevant tools and resources that will enable them to leave their problems in the past and walk in the true freedom of Jesus Christ. Release is experienced especially through the transformation of the false messages pertaining to God and ourselves that so many of us live with but don’t even recognize.
Weekly Thursday night meetings start out with dinner ($3) and corporate worship each week. A new element of the gathering this year is an emphasis on corporate testimonies and teaching. Afterwards, everyone breaks out into their respective support groups for about an hour. Some groups break down even further into small groups within their respective topic. The evenings are wrapped up in the sweet delight of fellowship and treats provided by faithful servant and baker Anita Barton who makes over 400 treats each week. A crew of volunteers provides transportation and childcare, set-up meals and lead breakout groups.
If you are looking to work through some significant issues in your life, this is the place to be. If you are starving for community, a safe place and healing, you have to check out The Refuge. Don’t wait. Let yourself experience the power of God’s Kingdom moving in your life.
To learn more about The Refuge click here.
article by Amy Stendera
e-mail her at astendera@worldservants.org |
