Source: The Health Connection Newsletter | 1st Quarter 2022
Portuguese Union | Inter-European Division (EUD)
After several attempts to host the Journey to Wholeness addiction recovery training since the pandemic started, the Portuguese Union was finally able to launch the long-awaited event on March 4-5, 2022, at the Lifestyle Center in Penela. Pastors, health professionals, and lay leaders were thrilled to come together in the beautiful mountain setting and become empowered to facilitate 12-step Christ-centered groups for people struggling with compulsive addictive behaviors. “Addictions have only increased during the last several months of this pandemic,” said Dr. Alberto Pereira, who shared the prevalence of addictions in Portugal. “As a church, we must be ready to respond and minister to those struggling with a message of hope.” Pr. Paula Amorim, women’s and children’s ministry director, and Pr. Daniel Bastos, health ministry director, collaborated in hosting the event. “We must work together to equip our churches on how to respond,” said pastor Amorim, Union president, “we must follow Jesus’ method.” The book Steps to Christ: Recovery Edition, was launched in Portuguese during the event, and attendees left motivated to start support groups in their churches.
