A social crisis
94% of pastors agree that addiction is one of the most prevalent issues that their congregation members face. Addiction does not discriminate; affecting people of all cultures, races, ages, and socio-economic circumstances. In South Africa, 8.7 million people struggle with addictive disorders, which destructively impact their own lives and the lives of millions more around them. And yet, inequalities in treatment access mean that 5 out of 6 do not receive the help that they need.

Recovery ministry
Project Exodus is an initiative of Anthem Recovery, a justice & mercy ministry of Anthem Church in Durban North, supported by the foresight and leadership of Pastors Richard and Jaci Mun-Gavin and the Eldership team. Launched in late 2018, Project Exodus has partnered with numerous churches across the country to help them establish and build groups and recovery ministries. This is achieved through information sharing, education, training, mentorship, and resource provision.

Church, arise!
Project Exodus is a response to social and Biblical mandates, built on the firm belief that the local Church is a critical, untapped resource in achieving this and securing more equal access to sustainable addiction solutions, for all people.

A new season
Each member of the Project Exodus team has a powerful recovery testimony and has gained decades’ worth of education, equipping, and experience. The team has worked extensively within rehabilitation facilities, out-patient treatment programmes, aftercare systems, and governmental organisations, including the Central Drug Authority (CDA). Called into a new season of reaching out to the unreachable, Project Exodus’ permanent, qualified staff members are passionate about making professional rehabilitation options available and accessible for all South Africans, across communities.

Equipping and empowering
The team’s mission is to equip churches with expert, current knowledge and relevant skills; educating and training them to establish their own recovery ministries or groups, providing communities with effective, accessible and affordable rehabilitation resources. Project Exodus’ confirmed vision is to continue establishing a large network of Christ-Centred Recovery Services which facilitate a course of spiritual awakening, practical empowerment, transformation, and restoration. 

Redirecting lives
Luke 15:4 tells us about the shepherd, looking for the one lost sheep, leaving the 99 in the wilderness and searching diligently until it is found, picked up and joyfully carried back to the flock. Project Exodus is a strategy inspired by this compelling Scripture, encouraging and empowering the Church to go after, carry home and restore to rightful position, the “ones” who have wandered.

Out of slavery
Louise Swart, a Deacon at Life Changers Church, Cape Town, has personally experienced the devastating destruction and bondage of addiction as well as the joy of finding freedom in recovery. Introduced to substance use as a child, by 18 her life had spiralled out of control. Broken and living a life of trauma, Louise was saved by the merciful embrace of Jesus. Today, she is a spokesperson for Project Exodus: “Project Exodus is a Christian Recovery Ministry, implementing innovative new strategies to address addiction and expand a culture of recovery in society. The heart of Project Exodus is that no one is left behind.”

All over SA
During ongoing training and development, individuals, churches and communities are equipped with knowledge, skills, mentoring, and expert resources, which are in line with God’s Word, consistent with international best practice, and validated by years of research and practical application. Exodus Recovery Groups and Recovery Programmes now run on a weekly basis, in multiple church locations, in Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Nelspruit, Kimberley, and Port Elizabeth, with Facilitator Training Workshops taking place nationally on a regular basis, to accommodate partnership needs.  

Working together
Churches may partner with Project Exodus for empowerment in one or more of the following areas:

• Awareness and Prevention
• Screening and Referral
• Recovery Group Facilitation
• Recovery Programmes
• Specialised Addiction Counselling

Did you know that addiction is not limited to the abuse the of substances? Many other compulsive behavioural problems are considered addictive in nature: compulsive gaming / gambling / sexual behaviour / viewing of pornography / internet use / self-harm / eating disorders…

“I firmly believe that the Church has to be involved in the toughest challenges that our cities can throw at us. Project Exodus is an incredible program and partnership that enables local churches to have a big impact in the recovery of those suffering with addiction. It has to be one of the most exciting things that our church has run at, and we cannot wait to hear more and more God stories of wholeness and healing through our partnership with Project Exodus.” – Pastor Mark van Pletsen, Life Changers Church, Cape Town

“I am really excited about what Project Exodus is doing. Project Exodus has brought the subject of compulsive behaviours and addictions to the pulpit where they belong. This is in response to the Commission for us to set the captives free. The project also helps to demystify mental illness, thus ensuring that the Church becomes socially relevant. On top of that, Project Exodus empowers and equips churches to be able to actively help its members.” Mapule Ratshefola, Clinical Psychologist and Elder, Sanctuary of Hope Church, Johannesburg. 

SOCIAL MANDATES
“First and foremost, no one should be left behind in the delivery of prevention & treatment interventions. Much more needs to be done to ensure affordable access to scientific, evidence-based care for the those that desperately need it.”
World Drug Report, UNDOC, 2017

KEY OUTCOMES OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DRUG MASTER PLAN, 2017:
1. Reduce the biopsychosocial and economic impact of substance abuse
2. Strengthen cost-effective interventions to empower vulnerable groups
3. Ensure the sharing of current good practices in reducing harm
4. Support the ability of all people in SA to deal with problems related to substance abuse

Date published: 18/03/2019
Article source: JOY! Magazine