Addiction—whether substance-related or behavioral—is a serious health crisis that deeply affects the emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual well-being of individuals and families. While recovery is never easy, there is hope.
Under the leadership of Pastor Lunel Cherenfant, the Beree French Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 13020 NE 8th Avenue, North Miami, FL 33161 is expanding its ministry to include a Community Health Addiction Recovery (C.H.A.R.) Ministry with a focus on drugs, alcohol, tobacco, social media, food addictions. Realizing the importance of preparation to launch an addiction recovery program, Pastor Cherenfant and the Beree members are having an extensive “Addiction Recovery” Rally August 2-August 29, 2025 with a health fair scheduled for August 16, 2025.
On August 2, 3, 2025, over 20 Beree members were trained as C.H.A.R. facilitators. Prior to the in-person training, the facilitators completed the Journey to Wholeness online course offered by the North American Division, followed by a power packed in person training conducted by Darryl Banks, a Journey to Wholeness Trainer and Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Health and Disability Ministry, Director by the Southeastern Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists. The training consisted on information about addiction, interactive activities, and a simulation of a C.H.A.R. group meeting. Participants were fully engaged in learning their roles and responsibilities as facilitators, and the available resources available to support individuals with addictions.
The C.H.A.R. Program, a vision of Pastor Cherenfant and the Beree members, offers a Christ-centered solution designed to improve the overall mental, physical, and spiritual health and support those who are ready to break free from addiction. The C.H.A.R. program scheduled to launch on October 4, 2025 offers FREE, person-centered counseling and support services to individuals committed to overcoming addiction. The meetings will be held year-round twice a week.
With the addiction crisis that is plaguing our nation, churches, communities, and families, the C.H.A.R. is a noteworthy and much needed ministry within the church. To learn more about how to start an addiction recovery program in your church – Contact Dr. Jennifer Sankey Battles at 352-720-5206 or Pastor Cherenfant at the Beree French SDA Church 305-652-8114.
