This evening we had our first ever HUM-ANON meeting here at Helping Up Mission. Based on the Al-Anon and Nar-Anon models, it is designed for loved ones of men in our 12-month residential Spiritual Recovery Program.
I admit I was a bit concerned that I might be the only person at the meeting. But we planned it, scheduled it, announced it and met! There were 6 of us there to share our experience, strength and hope tonight. Of course, God also showed up and He brought Mary Jo, a veteran of Al-Anon, to offer wonderful insights to the group.
It was a small beginning. But I also observed an interesting phenomenon tonight. The guys all knew why I was in the building on a Saturday evening and a dozen were just hanging around to ask about the meeting. Another dozen saw me later and asked about it or told me about family members who are planning to come in the future.
It appeared to be important to the guys to know how things went. A lot of them knew it was a small group and they wanted to know how I felt after it was over. Since I could express genuine enthusiasm about the group – after all, I thought I might be the only person there! – they appeared to express relief and even pleasure that it was a good meeting.
As is always the case when we serve others, from both the meeting and the response of guys afterwards, I am pretty sure that I got a lot more out of the evening than anybody else.
Maybe I will see some of you here next Saturday evening.
God is good, all the time, and everyday He is right on time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Spiritual Life Director