CR Ministry News

Dear Brothers and Sisters: On Tuesday August 31st of 2004, God worked a great miracle in Nicaragua! The first graduation of the Chemical Recovery Ministry in Central America was celebrated by over 160 people!!! The first two graduates, Vladimir Gutierrez and Martin Diaz, were also appointed as the new Nicaraguan leaders of this powerful ministry. This ministry will help countless numbers of Central American people be freed from the sin of addiction to alcohol, drugs, and tobacco; for many, alcohol is just part of the culture. This year God spoke loudly of His will to change this!! My name is Sergio Arguello and I serve as a Deacon in the Central Region of the Los Angeles Church. I was born on October 20th 1970 in Managua Nicaragua. My Father was able to get me out of the country during the revolution of 1979. My life changed radically as I arrived in the United States I now had every opportunity at my reach.

It has been an amazing year for us to see how powerfully God has been moving, not only in our personal lives, but in the CR Ministry. In September of 2003, Kip and Elena had asked Lana and I to come and speak to the church about the CR Ministry. For many years the Portland church had been promised the CR Ministry and many dreams and hopes were not fulfilled. In our own hearts we had be praying for God to use us in anyway that He wanted in order to keep the dream of CR alive within our churches and to bring hope to many suffering addicts, wherever that may be.

November 21st marked the first Los Angeles and San Diego CR leader's retreat. Leaders from LA and San Diego regions joined together for a time of strengthening and encouragement. Our training was incredible as we practiced mock journals both humorous and enlightening. We shared real life journals that renewed our humility and gratitude for our loving Father. We realized that we were undeserving of the love that has freed us from all that has enslaved us.

We joined in breaking bread together and celebrated with a thanksgiving dinner. The weekend also served as a send-off for an incredible couple, to the Portland, Oregon church of Christ. Russ and Lana Preston along with Craig ? were asked to go up to Portland to lead the Congregational CR Ministry and to duplicate the work Will and Rose Ashley had performed with the LA congregational CR ministry.

On December 6, 2003, Tom and Deborah Fonseca were appointed as Deacons over the chemical recovery ministry in the East region of the Los Angeles Church of Christ. Tom and Deborah Fonseca have served faithfully under Will and Rose Ashley since 2001 as regional CR leaders.

After being recognized for their faith, dedication and wisdom by God, they have been given charge to oversee the ministrys growth and well being.

Tom has been in recovery for 14 years. He was a member of AA until he was baptized in 1997. He and his wife Deborah have had the privilege of baptizing both their son Tommy and just recently, their daughter Rachel, into Jesus Christ.

Their example and leadership has strengthened many and brought many to faith. We look forward to hearing many great things from the Fonseca's in the future.