(Submitted by Rev. Von Berlin)
By God’s Grace Ministries seeks to help men, women and children find out who they are separate from addiction and/or abuse. We all hear about addiction and domestic violence but we don’t hear about those who are related to or are friends of the addicts and/or abusers. Not only do they become “co-dependent,” they take on characteristics that define who they are as related to the addiction or abuse in their homes. This new identity is not who they want to be.
Without some change, their perception of who they are as co-dependents may last a life time. This is like a child being bullied, other children’s words are taken to heart and the child perceives of himself or herself by what has been said about him or her. The longer a child is bullied the greater the chance of an identity crisis. So it is in the lives of those who are or have been exposed to addiction or abuse in their homes.
Children in the targeted homes suffer from role reversal with an addicted or abusive parent. Often in school they are withdrawn and do not achieve according to their ability,they do not finish projects, they shy away from making friends and they do not necessarily know what is normal behavior.
Our Christian ministry uses the Bible as a text to learn who a person is according to God and how using God’s given gifts they may find a proper identity and direction for their life.
Rev. Von Eric Berlin MDiv, is an adult child of an addictive family. He grew up in BG and graduated from BGHS. Beyond seminary, he was trained as a resident chaplain at Lutheran Hospital, Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He also served as a prison chaplain for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. Pastor Berlin served many years in parish ministry but is now retired. He is not a counselor but a pastoral caregiver.His caregiving is without cost, except for donations of non-perishable food items for those who need it most.
By God’s Grace Ministries is offering a group orientation meeting on Monday, Aug. 20, at 6:30 p.m., at 325 E. Wooster St. Bowling Green. More information is available by calling 419-352-9328 or 440-371-9637.
