The following are unsolicited, direct quotes from real people who have been ministered to by CIR. Though Jesus Christ, CIR impacts lives, saves lives and changes lives.
Thank you for the many many resources that have helped to benefit me greatly during a long period of recurring losses and depression. I know without a doubt that God led me to the CIR website, and the benefits received during my long membership will continue to be an invaluable gift of healing for myself, and others with whom I can share my uncovered strength and wisdom. Thank you CIR! ~Dolores
______
It is with a full heart that I type to you all and thank you with all the fiber of my being for your prayers. I am cured by the power of Jesus Christ. I am 90 days sober and have no urges whatsoever to drink at all. And as many of you know, drinking for me would always lead to drugs. It’s probably been, as close as I can recall, 19 years since I went this long without alcohol. What’s more is, I have no more “fresh” pain from the loss of my son or other family members. ~SGK
______
I honestly don’t know if you will remember me. I was a very active CIR chatroom member back in the days when everything was in a very old style interface. I used to communicate with people when I was at work, and had nothing to do but struggle with memories of the past and the dysfunctionality in my life.
The ability to communicate with others was a huge help for me.
It has now been at least 20 years since I have communicated. A lot has happened, much growth, healing, and change….thank YOU for your encouragement to me so many years ago. God has truly blessed me with amazing people throughout life, to keep me looking upward and onward. ~ Debbie
______
The CIR site is a central meeting point for many who may otherwise not have found and entered recovery — especially Christians who struggle with secular recovery programs. They find other Christians in the CIR program they can identify with and they can freely speak about their Christian faith and beliefs. This program and web site has helped thousands of people globally with their recovery and spiritual growth.
For me and my wife the site has enabled us to stay involved with 12 Step recovery and others in recovery.
Many I have encountered over the past years have said that they made more progress in their recovery since joining CIR than any other program they had been part of. Especially those in isolated areas where there are no f2f meetings. It has enable me to do 12 Step work globally over the internet and to share my ESH recovery with others. ~ T.B.
______
I would like to start off with Thank you for helping me through my darkest time. If I hadn’t prayed & read testimony I’m not sure where I would be today. CIR has been a amazing site for me to be inspired & lead in the right direction, so many stories helped me relate & understand my situation. ~ B.S.
______
I was searching the Web in August of this year for information about how Alcoholism is a “family disease” to send to my non-recovery Christian siblings (our Dad was an alcoholic; now deceased; I am a sober Alcoholic in AA and recovery since 7-2-1989).
I had come to the end of my rope with unhealthy sibling relationships and was looking for guidance and materials to send to each of them. In our dysfunctional family, my mother (recently deceased) was the perfect enabler. My siblings followed my mother’s lead in condemning my Dad, blaming him, ridiculing him and definitely not loving him. All of my family members are born-again Christians. I am the only member in my family to “get help” (by the grace of God).
After decades of dysfunctional relationships with my siblings I decided I needed to set new boundaries. In my search for ACOA information, I first stumbled upon a website that condemned AA, calling it a Cult in fact… that it was NOT Christian or Bible based. That freaked me out! But, at the bottom of that webpage, I found a link to Alcoholics Victorious; I had NO IDEA there was a Christian version of AA. I was blown away. HOW could I be sober and active in AA for 25 years and never ONCE hear about AV?!
While visiting the AV website, interested in finding Christians in Recovery (which I also never knew existed). I became a member that very day that I found CIR! I’ve been so busy getting involved at CIR and getting support through CIR since mid August, I’ve had to leave my “sibling frustrations” on the back burner.
I’m trusting the Lord now to direct me about the timing and what information to send to my 3 siblings. I don’t know how to deal with them; they treat me as an outcast and less-than, only receiving their judgment and blame; never love and acceptance.
So I’m here at CIR learning how to grow in my love for Jesus as I work on my recovery, with a desire to learn to love myself with His love… then I’ll be able to love my siblings with His love. That is my hope. Extremely thankful for CIR! ~Kim
______
I am a soldier and this is my story about alcohol, drugs, gambling, porn addiction, arrest and recovery.
I was raised in a very loving Christian home. I went to church 6 out of 7 days a week. There was never any history of abuse or addiction in my family. I have no one to blame but myself. I have backslidden severely over these past 3 decades.
You have the wonderful opportunity to become a member in Christians in Recovery (CIR) and therefore invest in the health and spiritual welfare not only of yourself but also of our United States Service men and women. Do not pass up this opportunity. Read More
______
I used to think that I was the source of my own sanity (I knew what was best for me). Of course that lead me straight to a living hell. Once in that hell I never thought that I could recover. I thought I was too far gone for God to even care about me anymore. I had given up all hope.
My life was crazy (insane) and I thought there was no way I could recover an regain any normalcy. I had no expectations at all. I was dead inside. Then I stumbled on CIR and sat in on some meetings and I saw glimmers of hope for the first time in many, many years. All of a sudden I felt that maybe, just maybe God did love me afterall and that he would move in my life.
The Bible talks about a bent reed and a smoking flax that was me. I was broken and the spark was gone.God rekindled the spark.I started doing things like coming to meetings, working the 12 Steps and getting back into the Bible. The rest is history! WOW!!
In the beginning I did not expect anything from recovery. As a matter of fact I was afraid to hope for anything at all for fear of being let down again (or letting myself and my loved ones down by failing once again). Now I know that with God the possibilities are unlimited.I am free! free indeed!! ~Alan
______
CIR was a life line to me back in 2005 when I felt I had nowhere spiritual with understanding to turn to for help. As I have often said at meeting’s in the past…surely God led me to find CIR because in desperation I googled “a christian in recovery”….”and the rest is history” as we say over here in Scotland!
My prayer is that CIR will continue the wonderful ministry of reaching out to people in need who love the Lord but are struggling with what life sometimes throws at us! ~ Soracha
_______
I am new here and have been pleasantly surprised at the warm welcome I have found at CIR in the last two weeks.
I have found a place to talk when my husband and friends are not available, or when I feel like I couldn’t tell them without hurting them, CIR. The message forums, and the meetings have been very helpful for me. Especially during the day when I am at work. I work alone and most my work is done on the computer, and quite boring sometimes. It creates a time for my mind to think about the dark things, and not very productive at work at all. Since I have been logging into CIR I have found that even when no one is there, or even if I’m not talking to anyone, that there is there is a possibility to talk to someone if I needed it.
I have also felt that my faith has been strengthened by attending those meetings, and making friends with the people here. I have found that through their unconditional acceptance, I have learned something of Jesus’ unconditionally acceptance of me. Since all this happened, I have felt distant from Him. As I have shared with someone from a meeting recently, I have enjoyed the prayer time on here, and has increased my own desire to pray more. It is because I can sense the people praying here are sincere and honest.
I don’t know how long my season here will last, but right now I find it a great support, and very instrumental to get me closer to Jesus. I have not felt that even from my Christian friends, who so easily tell me to just get over myself, to sing praise songs, or to just “look to Jesus”. I agree on those things, but when I’m in pain, I don’t feel like singing praise songs. I have found that here, people aren’t trying to fix my problems as much as they are willing to just be with me as I find my way back. That means a whole lot. I have also found that through your encouragement, it has given me strength to talk to my husband about some things that I didn’t have the strength for. I am thankful for the honest and Godly feedback.
I am thankful for all those new dear friends who have reached out to me in the last two weeks. You have made this a safe haven for me. I find your love for each other, and your caring nature toward me, very encouraging, and I hope to get to know you all better.
Love in Christ,
mojojojo
_______
This is an Awesome Program. It changed my life seven years ago. I would encourage anyone dealing with any type of addiction to get involved. You will be blessed! ~ Marie Francis
_______
CIR has been a blessing in my life because no matter where I go on this earth I can take CIR with me. It has supported my recovery in some very remote and lonely areas of the world. I can count on my friends here to be there when I need them at all hours of the day. Many times my travels take me to areas where English is not the spoken language so face to face contact is not an option. CIR is there to fill in the gap. I could not do the work I do on the mission field unless I had the support and convenience I have here. Thank you CIR!!! ~Fran
_______
I was really down and out about my drinking back in the fall of 1994. I had stopped but really had no where to turn. My family situation remained volatile and my wife was not in the mood for sympathy. At work I was afraid I would lose my job. Typical AA was not for me – it was not that anonymous regarding if it ever got out – again worries about the job.
You might think that impossible in 1994 but believe me…ignorance reigns in different and various guises. It does not disappear as society “modernizes” and becomes more tolerant.
I was trying out the AA group at Usenet News. It was not going well. But there was an ad about CIR and I subscribed immediately. There was a “kind of” internet by then…the screens were green and you gave a command to the computer called “gopher” and out into the net you would go. It was mainly text-based, however. No Web Sites as we know them were there…no way to get to links, etc.
I posted about my concerns at CIR and I got nothing back but love and support. It has been that way ever since. The safety of the place was important then and still is. I have been blessed by CIR and also blessed to have met some plain flat out wonderful people, some of whom have gone on to be with the Lord. I look forward to our reunion. It will be a glorious one. ~Michael
_______
I love receiving the CIR News very much. I wish I received them daily. They take away anger and negative thinking. THANX so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ~Char
_______
I have been sponsored on CIR a few key moments in my life. Sponsored financially (by CIR’s scholarship program) that is. In those times of utter despair, then a few years later with a slight man and meth problem, then the true spiritual convictions on my pornography issues, & then there’s the really destructive behaviors. Read More…
_______
Thank you CIR for bringing true peace into my life. I don’t know what I would do without the meetings! ~Sarah
_______
After I came to CIR, things FINALLY started to click into place. I felt “renewed” for the 1st time in years — MANY years! And although its been sometimes WAY too hard for me to bear to “give up” my behaviors, Jesus has been faithful to me, always being there for me, never giving up on me, even when I have given up on Him. (and I have, trust me, but that was then!) I now trust Him for everything and He has never failed me… I am SO GLAD for finding Christians in Recovery!!!!! This place has become my 2nd home now! I LOVE it here! In Christ, Kevan
_______
I am writing and sharing with you this morning because I believe God has blessed me through CIR, and I would like to share my story with you. First of all, I want to share with you that I was diagnosed in my early twenties with borderline personality disorder. read more
_______
When I came here to CIR, I finally found the “way out.” ~KH
_______
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done. God has really given you an amazing ministry and is using you in a vital way. For years I could not stand in the face of temptation when it came along. Now, to the Glory of God I have been standing strong against it for nearly 2 months! I know that it is God who has helped me with this, but He has been doing it through you and the help and fellowship I have found in CIR. ~ Carrie
_______
CIR has been a valuable resource to me and well worth supporting. ~ Ron P
_______
First of all, can I say such a huge thank you for CIR. I have searched the internet far and wide looking for a place where I can find Christian help and a Christian accountability partner and I finally found it! I really appreciate all you’ve done to make this happen and have thanked God for it often in the past month. ~C
_______
When I found CIR I was getting some success with AA… 3 1/2 years. But then I went back out… I was successful with CIR and Jesus as my higher power too. I really grew here at CIR was being able to break the stronghold of isolation. ~DK
_______
I thought God had let me down with having borderline personality disorder. I was beginning to do well. I thought God was taking it from me and then I backslid. And I backslid really hard. I went from not self-injuring and barely even thinking about it in 9 years to feeling like I was back at the beginning all over again. I was filled with rage, bitterness, confusion, fear, anxiety — so many mixed emotions and also thinking God had abandoned me. But that was a lie.
One night I wanted to die and CIR came up as another option on the internet to suicide. I thank God for the kindness and love I found in these rooms. I will never forget the friendship I have found here that saved my life that night. A that time I felt like a freak — that no one could ever understand someone like me. CIR has changed that and I know God led me here. I believe that God does supply our every need. When He takes something or closes a door, what He opens before us is always better — though we may seem to be staring into nothing or bleakness for a time. God’s mercies are always fresh and new every day. ~BM
_______
I needed to stop using pain pills. I had been doing that for about 10 years. I was ashamed, and didn’t want to come out with it publicly. One night I got on my knees and asked God for the resources to do this. After that went to the computer and started surfing the Internet. I actually thought I could find a counselor on line. But there CIR was and I have been here ever since. That was a year ago in June. Thank you!
_______
Just yesterday I received a beautiful letter from CIR and some booklets enclosed. I was surprised of how lovely and caringly it was written. I even read it to my mother and her aid, because I was so touched and proud of your writings.
It came at just the right time, and I thank you all for it! I just got back a couple days ago from attending my dad’s memorial services including of the shocking and sad five days there which consisted of many things. I am looking forward to joining CIR and squiring what I need from you — because God, himself brought me back to you.
Thank you for your deep hearted feelings expressed, and support. I also thank you for the beautiful 2 booklets you sent to me…. Thank you again for your love and support for me, not only because it was nice, but because I needed it too… Just the other day I buried my own father in the deep hole for his urn with the pastors help, I know of a “closure” for him and for me, and I want to thank you for your /support /prayers and all. God Bless You! ~ BL
_______
My wife, who is also a member of Christians in Recovery, shared with me that the night she found the CIR site back in 2007. She was surfing the Internet looking for ways to commit suicide. God led her to CIR. I am thankful for that. She then got me to log in and check out the site. We have found a great deal of support and information at CIR and have met online many wonderful people.
I have found a lot of helpful resources on CIR, some of which I have adopted and used while facilitating the Overcomers – A Daily Choice program I have been facilitating the program along with two pastors. Having been involved with CIR has helped me to take part in facilitating the Overcomers program. For me, it is stepping outside my comfort zone to do such F2F meetings.
Although I have chaired many AA meetings F2F in the past, I still have a nervous anxiety when standing in front of a group of people. I always say a short prayer before starting and ask God to give me thoughts and words of wisdom to share and to guard my tongue that I don’t say something to offend or hurt someone. Usually after the meeting I have difficulty remembering what I had said even when some people tell me what I shared and said was enlightening to them. My pastor also tells me that my closing prayers were wonderful but I can’t recall what I said. The words just spill out of my mouth.
Our Internet connection is our link to the world and other people as well as our main source of entertainment. Getting a pizza and a couple bags of chips each month is our treat. We have to sacrifice some of our food budget to pay for the Internet and telephone; but it is worth it to us. The Internet and phone have allowed my wife to contact others and it has helped her on her recovery from the BPD symptoms and social-phobia. The Internet and CIR have helped her to stay in contact with other people. It has also helped me not to feel so isolated and helps me to stay in contact with friends and family, some of whom I have never met F2F. And, surprisingly, some of my cousins who have become Christians There are many who have had the seeds planted in their minds but they are not ready yet to leave their dark lives and turn to God. Sin can be a lot of fun but in the end it will destroy your life. But, like me, many have to walk that wide path of destruction before they find God. Or He finds them.
Thank You for CIR and may God Bless you richly. ~ BM
_______
I am very poor, and can’t afford like most people to drive to a meeting each day. Thank you for being here for me just a click away on my computer. ~ B
_______
I appreciate very much finally finding these online meetings. It took literally years as I got more and more displeased with secular meetings and stopped going. ~ M
_______
The cool thing now is I have a safe place to process my emotions. I was not even connecting these dots until this meeting today.
God uses the CIR meeting topics to help me look at my stuff. And my friendships here to support me. ~Grace
_______
I would not recommend changing anything. I truly believe that you have the greatest program and cost structure that can be found. Thank you for your patience with me through these days of adjustment. ~ TED
_______
Thank you for what you offered, it truly was a part of my success overcoming a challenge. : ) ~Sydney
_______
I found this site when I was seeking a way to commit suicide. Many times since the members have been here for me when I could not see clearly and could not think clearly. Last night was one of those again. CIR is a true blessing and I want to thank you. ~Anon
_______
It really was a God thing that I found CIR. Just got off me knees from praying for God to provide me with the support I needed to let go of my use of RX pain meds. Started surfing the net and there you guys were. I attend CIR meetings daily. I feel so blessed by this recovery family. Through my involvement with CIR I have branched out to attending a few face-to-face meetings. Anonymity is very important to me, because I am a health care worker. It was important to me to have that confidentiality, which CIR provides I love the meetings, the forums, the people and the daily support. Thank you so much for providing this. I don’t believe I would be clean and sober otherwise, really. ~ K
_______
First, I just want to say I am so thankful for your ministry. It is amazing. I’m doing well even though I have been going through some big trials. The Lord is seeing me through. I have 11 years in recovery, and God never stops amazing me. I am blessed and very grateful to be in recovery. God bless you. ~jojo
_______
THANK YOU sincerely for the work you do, your site has been a real blessing in my life and I might not have been able to get to this point of freedom without your support as I live in an isolated place (recovery-wise) in rural Western Australia. The internet has been so important to me as I have traveled the recovery journey over the last 5 years, finding the Lord along the way. –CT
_______
CIR is just completely wonderful. It’s wonderful to open my email and have CIR in there and be able to read and share scripture and thoughts with my brother who is an active user. CIR helps me to stay clean daily but God does the big part. –Stephanie
_______
As a Christian who was in the middle of a major relapse I felt so very alone and the guilt from the failure was about to take me under. When I came to CIR I met others who were where I was at and, more importantly, ones who had made it through. I had been to AA meeting and nothing was really meeting my need. When I found CIR I felt home. What you all have going is absolutely amazing. –CW
_______
Just want to thank you for all the work being done thru this site to help all of us. I noticed a quote from something I had said or put in one of my posts this was a blessing to me. Reminded me that I am on a journey with God to healing… this wonderful site is at the heart of God. Healing the broken. Isaiah 61:1-6 God Bless each of you. –B
_______
Thank you for your ministry. I truly believe there are many Christians who have stumbled and satan has trapped them in some sort of addiction and they do not realize God wants to free them. This is a great place to share the truth!! — Bob
_______
GOSH I’m so glad for this site..to have christian friends and we all share in recovery that is a blessing. –CC
_______
Thank you for jump-starting me; I’d gladly recommend this program to anyone struggling in their walk w/ God! –BC
_______
I first came to CIR, it was last June or July 2008 and it was by accident (although I do believe it was not an accident on the part of the Lord). I was searching the web one night for a good way to commit suicide. I had come to the end of myself. I was a rageaholic, and was fed up with hurting those I love but did not know how to stop. And I just seemed to keep going around in circles. I had lost all focus and sense of purpose in my life. This site came up encouraging those who were thinking of suicide to think of another way first.
I was too afraid to come into the chat rooms because I had never been on a chat room in my life.
But the next morning I asked my husband to show me how and that was the beginning for me of a tremendous change in my life… for the better. I have found new friends and I have found new hope in Christ here. I have found such courage in the shares of others. Each one encourages me to step beyond the boundaries of the fear that was closing in on me and shutting me down.
I know there has been positive change in my marriage because there has been positive change in me. I have become less angry and less filled with self-hatred and self-condemnation as I have come to know more and more of the love of Christ here – both for me and in others. I see Him in these rooms every time I come. Thank you to all of you. –BAPearl
_______
Wow! What a whirlwind of a year it has been for my family. One year ago today, I was called in by the OSI for questioning, I had two computers seize and I was fired from my job. I was bitter for a few weeks to a few months. My health had suffered high blood pressure. Then I joined Christians in Recovery and I was loved, accepted and encouraged to share openly and honestly. I was loved and not judged…..
Speaking of God’s love and peace, our faith and trust, our serenity, no huge miracles, but a small miracle each day in my life it seems. Patience and courage, not worry and fear. I trust and have confidence in God that He will accomplish His will in my life. When I depend on myself, work on things myself, I make my life and my family’s lives worse. Yes, I’ve sinned, but nothing can separate me from the love of God. I will accept the future that God has in store for me and my family, without fear, worry, anxiety and stress. I am thrusting that God will strengthen my family this year. I believe in God’s protection for my family.
I love the fellowship of Christians in Recovery. People may see us a weak and using Jesus as a crutch. I think it was Mike Wornke who said, “Jesus is not a crutch. Jesus is a stretcher. Because you can’t even limp your way into heaven without him.” –CC
_______
God has blessed your efforts in making CIR one of the most active and successful recovery sites on the web and I am so pleased to be a member. –Fisher
_______
This is an awesome way for people to know that they are not alone in the world dealing with hurts, habits, or hangups! –Jena B.
_______
We have established a Group at our Church. It’s been going for over three years now. Thanks to C.I.R. You have given us the Ground Work for a very strong recovery group. It is branching out to other communities…..Blessings. –LM
_______
I never really felt at home in AA because I didn’t have a drinking problem, but a God problem really. CIR has truly given me a balance and learning opportunities. I’ve gone through so many things while here and have grown through Christ.
It’s been a good experience for me and others I know. I can’t tell you enough how much this site helps with mental heath, chemicals and same sex attraction (which I never recognized before). Honesty. Simplicity. I could go on and on. –SM
_______
I am new to CIR and I am finding it very helpful. I have been in recovery almost a year but I have not worked the Steps until now. I have a sponsor here and he is telling me to work the 4th Step. I thank CIR for giving me so much material on this. –Tommy
_______
I am so grateful that God lead me to CIR. I met some awesome and kind people. If it weren’t for CIR and the members that reached out to me, I don’t know where I would be. The positive effect it had on me is absolutely amazing. –Emily S.
_______
About 3 months ago was my last sexually charged chat with an anonymous lady online. I tell you, after I signed off, I felt such shame. I believe a shame, a conviction, from the Holy Spirit. That the next day, I joined CIR. I have been blessed so much since then. — ChuckC
_______
CIR has been a blessing to me and has turned my life around. I have been truly blessed. Thank you for all of your love and help. –Marie D.
_______
You have been a God send more then you know. I appreciate what you do everyday for this web site and the people that come here for strength. My wife and I pray for CIR every night and thank God for how it has helped our marriage. We hope we can in return brighten someones day. Again, I just wanted to say thank you for being Gods vessel to me. –Cedez
_______
This program is WONDERFUL !!! –Jane R.
_______
CIR ROCKS! I am new and am very blessed by this ministry! Amazed at peoples honesty, openness and caring here. God touches me here. You guys are God with skin on for me, thank you. Thank you for all that you do to provide a place to go to, to find healing. God bless. –MoodyCat
_______
After trying a membership for just 3 days, the Lord is showing me that a Bible based recovery program is the only way that I will break the habit of pride and attempting to do it My way. Thank you for sharing this with me. –LuAnn
_______
I am really enjoying CIR and it is already making a difference in my life. I feel as if I have another family. Thank you so much! –Doris
_______
I have found [your Bible Studies] very helpful to me. I feel that I am growing in an important way that I have not been able to do in other support groups. Right now I am picking up the pieces of my life and getting back on my feet. This is one, if not the best, recovery sites that I have found…. I thank you so very much for what you are doing and hope you keep up the good work so that others may be helped. –James R.
_______
After joining CIR and then experiencing a great victory over drinking in a short time I am very excited to be a member and hope to start a support group at my local church. Thank you for your ministry. –J
_______
I truly feel blessed. I’m sure there must be a whole load of behind the scene guys here at CIR, your tireless effort that makes this ministry such a blessing. I want you to know I pray for you. Today has proved you put yourselves out by popping around go say hi, as Obie did today and what a blessing that was… CIR has played a huge part of my life in fact saved my life. I truly believe without CIR I’d be dead. So thank you Jesus for your faithful servants who reach so far to gather up the hurt and wounded in a safe loving non judgmental environment, even when I have messed up here the loving don’t stop!! — Leina
_______
I want to personally thank you for all of the considerate, loving, and thoughtful prayers and encouraging comments that you folks have sent to me. I have struggled with bi polar addiction, and substance abuse for 19 yrs now….. I have a had a very rough time. I just wanted to personally “thank you”,from the bottom of my heart for the messages Don’t ever think what you’re doing doesn’t help folks, because YOU are receiving an email who is eternally grateful for your “pressing on toward the final goal.” –Jeremy
_______
I can tell you wholeheartedly that I LOVE this ministry. I am on another online group that is free and offers a lot of support. But I am definitely hindered in this other group because it is not Christ centered….Please keep up the amazing work, I was truly blessed by my free trial membership. I absolutely LOVED the daily thought that was sent to me. Thanks for the opportunity to offer feedback. –Nanci
_______
Christians in Recovery is awesome. I look forward everyday to checking my email just to get the thought, scripture and prayer for that day. Please continue your work. –Stephanie
_______
My computer is fixed, I can now get on this blessed site. I am so looking forward to the meetings this evening, after I return from my outside meeting. Again, you don’t know how much this ministry gives me strength towards my recovery. –Pam
_______
I LOVE who you are and what you do and you give so many important areas of help to so many people without judgment… thank you. –Kathy L
_______
I’m thanking God I am 100% better than this time last year. Finding Christians in Recovery® changed my world, took away the extreme loneliness and lack of fellowship. It is a wonderful ministry. Through CIR God has been working in me encouraging me.
Through CIR I have made true friends. Isolation was my experience for years but now because of CIR there is no true isolation. –S
_______
Thinking back…5 years ago…it was a normal afternoon…leave work and smoke a little pot in the car before I get home. Why should it be any different today? Except, now the police are surrounding me because someone had turned me in, anonymously of course.
I can say that I found CIR late that night while searching the internet in a desperate search for help. Why the internet…I had never used this before? But it was late, around midnight, and I couldn’t focus on anything except panic.
I found CIR and a few old timers were in the chat room. I remember taking a moment to sign up for a free month all the while thinking it was some scam that I was getting myself into. I had no idea what treasures were ahead of me. Everyone here tried to comfort me in my fear.
What was going to happen to me? Was I going to loose my teaching job? Was my family going to be disappointed in me? Would my husband want to leave me? What we my coworkers going to think? If I loose my job, how will I exist financially? It was terrible in my own head and all I wanted was to escape, and escape as fast as I could.
You all told me to "do the next right thing, to surrender to God, to pray, to attend chat meetings, to read the message boards, to make posts, meditate daily, help others." What did I have to loose? What did I have left? I was a mess!
I was so embarrassed and ashamed that others might find out that I had a drug problem that I wouldn’t leave my house. I definitely wouldn’t go outside near the road at school dismissal time, staff members often drove down my street.
One thing I didn’t do was pick up a smoking devise again. I had the fear of God stamped on my soul. I woke up every morning to CIR. I came on all night. I attended AA and NA meetings every noon. I had a lawyer to get my charges changed from a drug charge to disorderly conduct; I went to AA camp outs and conferences.
I set goals for myself everyday. Included in my goals were lists of things I needed to do, and they were all recovery. Ten minutes of Bible Reading, 10 minutes of prayer, write in my daily meditation journal, go to a noon chat, read 3 posts on the message boards, post one, and take a nap. I had to learn how to take care of myself from scratch. What I was doing may have seemed methodical and rigid, but I did it every morning and carried on all day long. In the evening I wouldn’t go to bed until I reviewed all my lists and prayed for people from cir. I would pray extensively for all the concerns I had heard about all day.
This stuff kept me busy and very sober, not to mention it improved my conscious contact with God as I understood him. Life did get better for me. Yes, I was still a nervous wreck on the inside and prayer, list making, and reading got me headed into the right directions…toward God.
This is a part of my story. I’ve been clean and sober. Yes, I lost my teaching job, my husband did not leave me but loved me more and now he has his own understanding of God in the recovery process, I lived off my savings and some retirement funds but that was only temporary. I was granted another job as a consultant. Now I teach teachers how to teach and lead many staff development presentations for an inner-city district.
God leads me in many directions and brings people into my life that I can help in one way or another. But for some theories of my own, CIR works! I am thankful and have much gratitude.
Any newcomer that needs someone to talk and pray with…I am available. Currently I sponsor one lady and that’s a blessing to us both. I love her dearly and support her recovery. Please feel free to contact me anytime.
With Him,
Shelley in Wisconsin
_______
If you asked me in 1990 if I could ever get sober and live a decent life, I’d have laughed my behind off. No way. I was too far gone.
I can only attribute my recovery to God. He put a little spark inside of me. I dragged my sorry butt to AA and then, thank God, I found CIR. It was not easy (especially at first). But the more I hung out and listened, the more all this recovery stuff made sense to me. I have had to pick up the tools handed to me and use them. I had to take the steps for myself. Nobody could do it for me and they can’t do it for you.
CIR is my home now. I come here just about every day to read and think and fellowship. I feed myself spiritually and hope to help the next person who is new to recovery.
May God bless this ministry. — Bob R.
_______
I just wanted to thank everyone for answering me. I got home tonight to a nightmare and just when I did not think I could take anymore I got on the computer and found your replies. Thank you so much, it has allowed me to make it through the night. I will use all the advice and hope to see you all in a chat room. –Pregnant, addicted, and desperately needing help
_______
CIR was again a life line, just being able to share with people that could relate, because they had been there. Being able to help as well as be helped, being able to share without fear of judgement or rejection, was just so amazing. –Janice
_______
I have been very impressed at the speedy reply I have received every time I have asked questions via email. The advice has always been thorough and helpful. Thank you. –Mike H.
_______
This ministry has been instrumental in turning my life around! I have met so many good friends who have encouraged me and I have also encouraged other friends who are hurting. –Lynette
_______
I LOVE CIR!! It is a tremendous help to me. I am incredibly grateful to my friend who lead me here. — MB
_______
I am earning a Master’s Degree in journalism and am currently doing a study of online Christian addiction recovery groups and the virtual community resources that they use. Your site offers far more than any other recovery site I found. You are doing a tremendous ministry! — Beth P
_______
Today I celebrate one year. Tell everyone who was instrumental in my getting and staying sober I said thank you – that the friends I made at CIR played a huge role and are part of the reason I am alive and celebrating today. It was someone from CIR who encouraged me to check into a treatment center; Someone from CIR who flew down to the US from Canada when I was released and stayed with me for the next two weeks; It was friends from CIR who stayed with me a couple of times when I went through withdrawal from alcohol; It was reading Obie’s testimony over and over; It was my friends at CIR who prayed for me, sat with me, who never gave up on me and never judged me. Thanks!!! –Brenda
_______
I want to thank everyone here at CIR. I have been so very blessed in so many ways since I have come here. Seriously since August of 2006 I lived in hell for a long time. Then I found CIR. I can’t believe how different I am in such a short period of time. God is stripping me of my fleshly desires more and more each day. Thanks to Cir and many here I praise God for this Website and all of you! –Butterfly
_______
I want to express my gratitude to you all for all your support. In a few days God willing I’ll be taking another cake for another year of sobriety. God is so Good. It seems just like it was yesterday when I came across your web site. I love you all. God Bless, Your pal Hank
_______
I teach the 12steps walking with Jesus and CIR’s website has been a blessing not only to me but to the folks I teach. You have so much information that helps with what I teach. I thank you for always being there for the folks that need CIR and your staff’s help. –Gloria M.
_______
I enjoy reading your material. It is a big help in writing to my son who has a problem with drinking alcohol. Thank you for a wonderful ministry. May God continue to guide you and your staff. –Judy D.
_______
Finding Christians in Recovery® has made the end of 2006 great for me. I thank God for the love and prayers and real people. I was at a stage of the year without heart or hope. Nothing was going right for me and it seemed I could only do wrong. I began to take drink with depression. The devil had a road map for me. I was so afraid. I had no church, minister or fellowship. God seemed to be silent.
But in the last 6 weeks I know God has healed. It is a miracle. I can’t even say a date exactly but He delivered me from the desire to drink. Circumstances about me are the same but I have changed. God did it for me! I love you all so much. Thanks for being there. God has strengthened me with a great cloud of witnesses! –Clare
_______
There cannot be another organization/website on earth with such brilliant service on the spot!! Angels working overtime! Thank you for the new dimension in my life. Much Love — Soracha
_______
For my birthday I had bought and drank a bottle of wine. I ended up in a Christian chat room where there was a young lady that had drug problems someone in there had told her about CIR and I took down the site wondering if it wasn’t also a message for me to reach out for help. I ended up coming to CIR I was scared half to death not knowing what to expect. I attended a few online meetings before I had the courage to share. I started to share and found out I wasn’t as different as I had suspected. I posted soon after for a sponsor and luckily got one. She’s been a blessing to my recovery and has supported me threw my first year.[read more]–Anne
_______
The miracle is that I went into CIR for a meeting last night and it was a ssa meeting. Hum…I went in. Just Ernest and me. I confided in him and he not only listened to me but he talked with me as well. I was so blessed that I started to admit what I have been through. He referenced books for me to read and encouraged me to start the healing process. [read more] –Shelley
_______
My recovery birthday is the day I registered at CIR. It was shortly after I joined. I chose it because I began to seriously take on my recovery as a whole: Alcohol, Codependency, Sex/love addiction, Bulimia (teens-20’s), then became Compulsive overeater, Workaholic, PTSD from Childhood rape/molestation….. abuses/bullying of every variety including self-inflicted. I experienced a date rape with an abortion in 1994 (I died/stayed dead in many ways until CIR)….
I think I have an inkling of how CIR feels when it does it’s annual summation of what God has accomplished in and through the ministry. God has done so much more than this… but there is simply not words enough or time to give Him the credit/glory due His name!!!! –Barbara
_______
I was a backslidden Christian until I came here. I still went to church but could not get help for my drinking problem. I am 21 days sober today. I do go to AA at least once a week. I live way out in the country and it is hard for me to pick up and go to meeting at AA. Cir has saved my life and my family is grateful I got help.
Just in a short 21 days they are seeing changes in me. Many people have taken time to help me here at this site!! I rededicated my life back to the Lord. Found a church to go to.
God provided this place for me to recover. All I can say is thank you soooo much CIR Staff!! –Sherri
_______
I’m amazed how God turned everything around for good. Living out in the country I can’t just run to a meeting when I feel weak. That’s why coming to CIR has saved my life and I give God all the glory. Thanks so much for caring and praying and I’m still sober today 13 days and counting. — Royal
_______
THANK YOU SOO MUCH! I almost started drinking again when I got some bad news today I went right away to your sight. A gal who calls herself bj got me through and I didn’t drink!! Thank Jesus and everyone in this ministry. It has saved my life!! –Sherri
_______
A massive big thank you to everyone whose messages, and encouragement I have read, I don’t feel quite so alone anymore, and have made day 5 alcohol free for the first time in years – whoopee!!! — RB
_______
I’ve been coming to CIR about a year now and can’t believe the difference it’s made.
A year ago I was about as low as you can get!! My anxiety levels were sky high and my friends stressed out!!!! I have made lots of starts in recovery, been on lots of anti-depressants, seen lots of counselors, had prayer including deliverance ministry. Being in CIR has made all the difference, giving me people to talk to that don’t freak out because they understand from experience. — Janice
_______
I am brimming over with gratitude. My LORD has rescued me and heals me, taken away my fear and loathing and replaced it with peace and joy. It has been 8 months since I first came to CIR, and then went to my first meeting. From a smoking heap of debris that once had been my life I reached out for help, and Help has never let go of me. Oh yea, there still are struggles, but they are exercises in surrender. I now have purpose in my daily life and hope. — Trev
_______
The wonderful thing that has happened for me is that I started to live a much happier life again. –Willow
_______
The step worksheets have helped me through the third step. CIR introduced me to Christ. I had not known God before. — Robert B.
_______
CIR literally saved my life! I was surfing the Internet with a gun at the ready on my desk. If you had not been there for me, who knows what would have happened. Thank you Christians in Recovery! – Cindy
_______
You made the scriptures come alive for me. I can now apply them effectively to my daily life. You have changed my life forever. – JT
_______
Thank you for your web site. I was totally blown away by the information you make available. You offer real live help given by real live people! – Greg
_______
CIR, you are awesome! I felt so alone and so hopeless. You showed me hope. You lifted me out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings, just like the Bible says. God bless you for caring so much about people and doing something about it. – Jake
_______
CIR is helping me tremendously. It’s like having your own
N.A., A.A., or celebrate recovery meeting at home whenever you feel like you need it….. Thanks, for caring, and being there. Your brother in Christ, Mike.
_______
The daily thoughts are transforming my recovery. I can honestly tell you for the first time in my life I know the joy that come from completely surrendering to God. –Lisanne
_______
I just wanted to let you know that I’m in day 5 of my 60 days to purity. I’ve put a filter on my computer which works perfect. I now focus on replacing my desire for porn with a desire to know Jesus. I just wanted to thank you you were a great comfort to me. –Bob
_______
My user name is Beth. Just wanted to share a little note of thanks. This ministry has not only given me hope, but has saved my life.
_______
CIR has loads of strengths. The personal side of every email you get. The fact that nobody minded me being in chat every day. The fact that I got clean. (When I joined I was in day 1 of cold turkey from a $500 a day heroin habit and with CIR’s help I have now been clean for just over a month). –L.T.
_______
I am not the “classic” alcoholic, but I abuse alcohol. The amount I consume is also very erratic. I am not in denial, I just haven’t been able to relate to programs. I also am offended when I hear the word “Higher Power”. There are many artistic people in AA who use colorful descriptives and the final straw was someone using the word “Goddess” as her “Higher Power”. By no means am I knocking AA. I just didn’t hear a lot of hope the few times I attended.
My point is that I have found your website to be an EXTREME source of information and encouragement. I am still working through the pages, but I don’t think you have left a stone unturned, Praise, God!
For me the “Tools” section has been invaluable. Perhaps having all of this at your “fingertips” (pardon the pun), is the best help I could ask for. I am such an “online” person and being able to get help in my own home is a dream come true. Especially the help that is available on CIR with the ability to connect to other Christians. You know, I once said to someone, “In a matter of speaking, we are all in recovery, who cares how deep you once walked in darkness.”
I look at my drinking as a sin. One God has spoken to me about. And I want this sin out of my life.
CIR has already been a great blessing to me. — G
_______
My husband is an owner of a Christian Substance Abuse Treatment Center in Florida. We use the information you provide along with the daily scriptures you e-mail me. We are helping so many people down here and I wanted to thank you for making the task a little easier. Keep up the good work and the faith. — Nadene
_______
The people at CIR helped me get sober, they stayed with me when I was sick and nursed me, they walked me to Jesus, they prayed for me, they loved me when I was unlovable. CIR SAVED MY LIFE! This ministry has bridged the gap between God and me. God has used CIR to pluck this hopeless wreck of a woman right out of Satan’s hand and give me another chance. I have not been a quick study as far as recovery goes, but my CIR family never gave up on me. -B.C.
_______
I love your ministry it one of most useful recovery tools I have ever used. Thank you for being there when I needed you the most. –L
_______
If it had not been for CIR I would not be sober and I would not be saved. I found every excuse in the world to not go to f2f meetings. It wasn’t until spending time with many of you here who encouraged it that I finally got up the courage to go. The eye contact, the hugs, hearing a voice telling me they care. What a difference it has made in my life.
But CIR is still the reason I am alive today. I was so sick in my addiction that I could not stop even after being told I had only months to live if I didn’t. It was the people right here who convinced me to go to those face-to-face meetings. Also who stood by me as I went into detox and treatment. The people right here are also the ones who lead me to Jesus.
As much as I need that f2f contact CIR is here for me day and night. Many times when I couldn’t get to a meeting I could find someone in the chat room to pray with me or to talk to me while I worked through a craving.
In a nutshell, I find that CIR and face-to-face are equally important to me. For a measly $15 a month I have gained love, support, sobriety, salvation and life. AND I have gained some of the closest friendships I have ever had and will carry with me through life. — Brenda
_______
I live in the woods and have no way to get to NA or AA. I have no drivers license. I also have trouble with AA and NA. I want a Christ based program. None are available here. CIR is my link to recovery. –Jim H
_______
Well with CIR, I can truly apply the truth of Philippians. I can be careful for nothing… but in everything through prayer & supplication I can make my request known to God… & that blessed peace — only found in Him & the joy of sharing with my siblings is mine at last.
I have found a safe haven & resting place in the storm here at CIR. Recovery started today 11-14-05.
_______
My abuse made me very detached. My family is detached still and I find even though I have been in churches all of my life this has greatly affected my function in a body. It just doesn’t happen. Anyway CIR gives me more church than I ever have known. M.
_______
CIR has saved my life by flooding my soul with nothing but Christian support and love. –Deidre
_______
I honestly think this is the best recovery group out there. Everything from the support to the resources available. Fantastic Ministry! –Christine C
_______
Many years ago, I was involved with Overeaters Anonymous, yet eventually quit, desiring a more Christ centered group. So, when I came upon your group, I was so glad to see that someone finally did put Christ in the focus, along with the 12 steps.
–Cathy S
_______
Dear CIR, I can not express my gratitude for your lists of worksheets and checklists!!!!!! I have searched for many years for a “workable” fourth step work sheet that made sense to me. Praise God He is always on time. I am finally at a place where I feel safe to really delve into my past. I am presently staying in a shelter for survivors of domestic violence. I feel safe here both physically and spiritually to do the necessary work to move on and grow as a recovering Christian woman. I am in recovery from many forms of addiction, alcohol, drug, co dependence,etc. This web site has been a true God send. Thank you so much. God Bless you. –Loetta M
_______
I am so grateful for you. While I am in ministry and not making an income, while my husband has been deployed, my daughter in college, and finances tight, you have been a source of encouragement and up-lift. I praise God for you! –Shirley K
_______
What did CIR mean to me?? Everything, my sobriety, my sanity, thank you for everything. My wife had a major hang up about me going to a celebrate recovery program at our church. CIR let me recover with Christians and no “stigma” for my wife. I am going on 3 months sober now. thanks for your love and support!! –mustbenutz
_______
I love CIR. It has helped me through a major speed bump in my life .I love the people I have met here .I love the forum of being anonymous being my addiction is sexual.
_______
I love CIR! It has definitely been a God send. I’m a recovering addict whose faith is in the Lord. I read your recovery thoughts out loud to my family daily. I’m a single mom and have been clean for 10 months. I cling to the word of God to be my stability and life raft when turbulent waters hit. I still have suicidal ideation pretty bad….but He that is within me is stronger than he that is in the world. Your web site is an incredible source of wisdom and encouragement.
— KimK
_______
“CIR’s strengths are definitely it’s staff and it’s members…. the sponsors, mentors, etc. the chat and the chat meetings. It has met my needs and is still meeting my needs as I am in the beginning of my recovery.
_______
learned so much in a short amount of time. I have a long way to go but having hope makes such a difference.
A member of CIR is my sponsor and has been an absolute Godsend. As far as I am concerned she has gone above and beyond the call of sponsorship. She has walked with me and prayed for me through some very tough moments. Since coming to CIR I have learned more about myself, my addiction and about God. –Brenda
On of my toughest times was drinking at night after kids went to bed, so meetings have been a Blessing to me in the evenings. –TC
Jesus. I will be forever grateful. And I love your posts and emails, they are perfect reminders to me when I get too busy and caught up in the world. Reminds me to be “in” the world not “of” it.– LB
One really good thing is that I’ve gotten a
The Life Recovery Bible
I’m an avid reader and can go through 300 page books in a day when I want to. I’m reading this Bible from beginning to end and I must say I’m understanding the meaning of what I’m reading this time. The guides and indexes in this Bible are extremely helpful and I’m able to see how God’s word really relates to me, or I to it.–Cris
has uplifted me when I have needed it the most. I thank all of you for your never ending support and all the hard work that has gone into CIR to make it what it is today. I love all of you. — Jack
blessed us. — K & N
I urge you to continue with this journey of love and may God bless you always. Thank you for shining the light so that I may see my way back to the right path in Jesus name. — Nick
leaders for the excellent job they are doing. Thank you all so much, you are really a light in a very dark tunnel for most of us. God Bless each one of you.
Christians in Recovery is NOT a large, impersonal ministry. It is a network of individual Christians who are in recovery. Our expenses are large. We each help to carry the burden of the cost to provide this ministry. Learn more.