Participants and speakers of the two-day seminar on substance abuse prevention, organized by Hope Restoration under Teen Challenge, pose for a group photo at Bethesda AG Church, Dimapur on May 3.
DIMAPUR, May 5 (MExN): Hope Restoration, a ministry under Teen Challenge, conducted a two-day seminar focused on substance abuse prevention at Bethesda Assemblies of God Church in Dimapur on May 2 and 3. The event stressed the important role churches can play in addiction prevention, intervention, and recovery, bringing together more than 150 participants from local churches, institutions, and community organizations.
The seminar aimed to foster partnerships between faith-based groups and addiction specialists to create holistic responses to the growing crisis of drug and alcohol addiction in the region.
KK Devaraj, Executive Director of Teen Challenge India, opened the seminar by stressing the “moral imperative for churches to respond with compassion and care” in addressing addiction within communities. Dr. Jacobus Nomdoe, Executive Director of Teen Challenge South Africa, shared theological insights on addiction, exploring the themes of brokenness and healing through the lens of faith.
Personal testimonies from individuals who had overcome addiction were a central feature of the workshop sessions, offering hope and lived experiences to participants. Speakers also encouraged the establishment of church-based recovery ministries called “House of Hope,” envisioned as support centers for individuals and families affected by substance abuse.
The seminar concluded with a commitment ceremony, during which participants drafted concrete action plans to begin or strengthen addiction recovery ministries within their congregations and affiliated organizations.
Rev. Moses Murry, Senior Pastor of Bethesda AG Church and General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God of East India, chaired the seminar. In his closing remarks, he extended gratitude to the speakers and attendees, stating, “This is a step toward healing our communities and restoring lives with the love of Christ.”
