Help Esther and Andy launch new Recovery Ministry

HELLO!

Myself (Esther) and Andy McDougall are launching a new ministry called ‘Aruka’ to support people in addiction in North Lanarkshire. We'd love to tell you about it, and we need your help : )

Aruka is a Hebrew word that means complete healing and restoration (physical, mental and spiritual). This is what we believe is possible for those struggling with addiction and its associated challenges to experience.

We believe it because we've seen it happen!

We have both worked in this field for several years and we’ve seen firsthand the healing, transformation and freedom that is possible when people in addiction get proper support and advocacy to access the necessary help.

WHERE WILL WE WORK?

North Lanarkshire is significantly under-resourced when it comes to addiction recovery support services, and the need in that area is huge. Aruka will be based at Motherwell Baptist Church during this next season, and working alongside them as we establish this work in North Lanarkshire.

WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?

Relationship- We believe that relationship, connection and safe spaces are crucial in order for people to experience healing and freedom from addiction

Faith- We seek to put the love of Christ and the hope of the gospel into action in all we do

Purpose- We believe that every person is created with a God-given purpose. We want to support our staff, volunteers and those we work with to flourish and reach their full potential

WHAT WILL WE DO?

We believe in providing safe spaces, and tailored support to each individual (1-2-1 support, group work, bible studies advocacy and support to find the right rehab program). Aruka is also a Christian ministry, so we seek for everything we do to be shaped by the love of Jesus Christ and empowered by God’s Holy Spirit. We desire for people to encounter Jesus and experience His love, healing and power in their own lives.

One of the primary goals of Aruka in our first year is to support those in addiction, who wish, to gain access to residential recovery support. For those who want to go to rehab, there can be many barriers in the way that can be extremely challenging to overcome. The job of the Auka ‘Rehab Pathways’ teams will be to come alongside individuals, needing support to help get fast and appropriate access to treatment.

Our aim is that the men and women we support have ‘someone in their corner’ for advice, support, encouragement and advocacy as they seek help. We will also provide community recovery support for those who for a variety of reasons can’t or don’t want to access residential recovery.

One of the Aruka board members, Barry Murphy has also experienced the transformative power of gaining the right support to access residential recovery, this is his story in his own words.

BARRY’S STORY

In October 2019 I began to engage with the Glasgow City Missions rehab pathways team. Up until that point I had been in addiction for the best part of 20 years which resulted in long-term homelessness, spells in prison and relationships that were destroyed. The rehab pathways team was brilliant and helped me get away to a Christian rehab called “The Haven” where I came to faith. I spent a year there, then a year at “Teen Challenge” in England before returning to Glasgow.

I have now been free from addiction for 3 ½ years and my life has completely changed. I now work at The Glasgow City Mission as part of the Rehab Pathways team and have completed an SVQ 3 in health and social care. My relationship with my family has also been restored, and more recently I was reunited with my daughter after not being in her life for 6 years. I am also active in my local Church and have just finished my first year at University, where I am studying Theology. I wouldn't be where I am today If It wasn't for the support of the staff at Glasgow City Mission.

THE PROBLEM

The drug death pandemic we face in Scotland is causing untold harm to individuals, families and communities.

THE HOPE

We don’t believe things need to stay this way. We believe that with the right support people, families and communities can flourish and experience complete healing and restoration.

And we are now seeking to establish this life-saving 'rehab pathways' support work in North Lanarkshire!

Our long-term goals, as well as developing our ‘rehab pathways’ teams are also to establish residential recovery homes and social enterprises for aftercare and to give employment opportunities within a supportive community setting.

And we need your help!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

For this fundraiser we’ve had 10 friends (so far!) agree to join us for a mountain climb up the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis!

The climb will take place on June 3rd, to help raise funds for start-up costs for Aruka …

Please consider sponsoring us for this event.

WHERE WILL YOUR DONATIONS GO?

Your donations will help go towards

Contact Aruka

www.arukauk.com

[email redacted]

07889 209 877