Pain can be a prison.
And whether that pain comes from addiction to drugs or alcohol or from past hurts in one’s life, a pair of pastors in New Ipswich say they offer a way out.
Kathie and Charlie Saari conduct weekly recovery groups for men and women at the Freedom Fellowship church in the NeWest Mall. They call it a Christian supernatural identity recovery program.
The groups, one for men and one for women, meet on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. and are open to all persons seeking recovery from any kind of addiction. Family members of those who struggle with addiction are also welcome.
Saari said the recovery groups focus on spirit, soul and body. “God says we are treasures. And we have the great honor of digging for the treasure in [group members] and calling it out.” The groups use the Bible as a teaching tool, as well as other books.
“Addiction isn’t really the problem,” Saari said. “The pain is the problem. People come with pain, which leads them to cover up [with drugs or food] because the pain and hurt is so great.”
The Saaris have ministered to area residents for the past five years, the last of which has been in their church in the NeWest Mall in New Ipswich.
“We aren’t pushy about making people do anything. They are in recovery when they say they are in recovery. You have to meet them where they are at. And shower them with the goodness of God.”
Alison Clark, of Winchendon, Massachusetts, got connected to the recovery groups through her work.
“I absolutely loved the church,” said Clark, a born-again Christian.
And Clark, who has struggled with mental illness and addiction, says the group has a “come as you are” philosophy and the message is simple.
“You are loved. You fall down; you get back up.”
“I understand now about addiction and how tough it is to stop doing something that is making you miserable,” she said.
Clark said the women in the group share a strong connection. “When you leave the group, you have been energized and gained knowledge through others’ experiences…. Kathie helped me see what I needed to see.”
Newcomers are welcome to the groups. The church is located at 800 Turnpike Road in New Ipswich,
For more information, call 801-8125 or 554-7927.
Michele Nuttle can be reached at mnuttle@ledgertranscript.com.