The first annual Walk for Recovery event was held Saturday morning in Jena where over 100 people participated in a walk through downtown Jena and a special celebration service at the Jena Town Park amphitheater.
The event was sponsored by the LaSalle Parish Celebrate Recovery, a biblically based twelve-step recovery program which is operated by the LaSalle Ministerial Alliance.
With September designated as National Recovery Month, the event Saturday recognized those who are recovering from grief, fear, addiction, depression or anxiety. It allowed participants who are in recovery to walk in celebration and for support for those who have loved ones currently in the process of recovering.
“Pretty much everyone is affected by hurt, hang-ups, grief, addiction, depression and anxiety,” one of Celebrate Recovery’s team members, Lori Andrews said. “This was an awesome event that celebrated Jesus as the only One who can heal us from everything.”
The walk began around 10 a.m. at the corner of US 84 and LA 127 and walked east on US 84 until Third Street. At Third Street, walkers then followed the walking patch to the Jena Town Park where the service began at 11 a.m.
Carrying the banner and leading the walk was Christy Joy and Anita Elliott.
For over an hour, attendees worshipped through music led by the Sanctuary Family Worship Center Worship Team and heard powerful testimonies of those who had been delivered from their additions and hurts through a personal, life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ.
“Thank you to all our participants and ministry partners who are making a kingdom impact in our region,” stated Patricia Nealy, CR Team Member and the one whom God gave the vision to conduct the walk. “Today was a great success in united in prayer and promoting hope in Christ.”
The CR team thanked the following organizations for their assistance: LaSalle Parish Celebrate Recovery, LaSalle Ministerial Alliance, Fresh Start Recovery, Louisiana Adult & Teen Challenge, New Vision and LaSalle General Hospital, Hardtner Medical Center, Lincoln Nova Vital Recovery, Millie Mattered Overdose and Addiction Recovery, LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Sanctuary Worship Team.
For more information, check out the LaSalle Parish Celebrate Recovery Facebook page.
