In this episode, Dr. John and Mark interview Cherri, a Guide Counselor and Life Coach with GFI. Cherri shares how her great-grandfather started "Whosoever Gospel Mission" in Philadelphia in 1892. In 1897, he started the Colony of Mercy, which is one of the oldest Christian addiction ministries in America and the world. In 1924, he launched America"s Keswick in New Jersey. Cherri's family has been involved in the ministry but she shares how she had a distorted identity. She felt like she had not done enough or was not good enough for God to love her. She states her life was all about do, do, do, and she struggled to see how God could accept her. She says, "I thought God was on the throne with His arms crossed just shaking His head at me." Cherri describes the difference between guilt and shame. Cherri has 5 kids and 2 of them struggled with addiction. This led her to start "Love Them to Life" in 2013. Cherri has authored 2 books. The first, "Beside Still Waters" was birthed from the need for curriculum. "Set Free" is a deeper work designed for education and hope. Cherri ends hoping all who listen will accept their acceptance. When you do, she says, the shackles begin to fall off. "It is Jesus living in me, through me, and as me!"

If you or someone you know, struggles with addiction, please reach out to GFI or contact one of the ministries listed below. https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/

Links:

America's Keswick, Colony of Mercy, and Barbara's Place: https://americaskeswick.org/

Whosoever Gospel Mission: http://www.whosoevergospel.org/wp/

Love Them to Life: https://lovethemtolife.com/

Books

Beside Still Waters: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/beside-still-waters-discovering-peace-in-the-midst-of-your-child-s-addiction

Set Free: https://grace-fellowship-international.myshopify.com/products/set-free

GFI

Counseling: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/counseling/

Coaching: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/coaching/

To learn more about guide certification: https://gracefellowshipinternational.com/counseling-certification/