Beech Tree News Network

The Andrea's Mission, a bible-centered recovery program,  held its 4th annual graduation ceremony on Sunday, November 11th at Cool Springs Baptist Church. The four graduates included: Amanda Havens, Savannah Lindsey, Emily Ball, and Connie Hunt.

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The Ceremony began with the opening by Leslie Cardwell, director of  the Andrea's Mission program. She thanked everyone for coming to support the graduates. Bro. Jeremy Brooks then gave the invocation.

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Debra Duncan took the stage after  to give her remarks. "Today, You're here before us clean and swept out. Hopefully you have internalized those disciplines. The prayer, the study, the worship, the praise, the humility to seek godly wisdom from friends and other people around you. To be able to fast, meditate, and be obedient to the word," said Duncan.

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Tracy Cowles was set to give remarks to the graduates as well, but was ill and unable to attend the event. In her place, Jimmy Flener was drafted to assist in presenting the certificates of completion.Each graduate shared their thoughts.

The first graduate to walk the line was Amanda Havens. "If you allow it, God can make beauty from ashes," said Havens.

Next, was Connie Hunt. "I'm a new person, I'm a changed person," said Hunt after receiving her certificate.

The last recipient was Savannah Lindsey.  "I will never forget pulling into Andrea's mission for the first time. The sign alone brought me hope." Lindsey said.

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Graduate Emily Ball gave her testimony about the impact the program had on her. "Through Andrea's Mission and Celebrate Recovery, I learned how to rely on God. Today one year later, thanks to God, I'm alive, clean and sober. I now have a home, a car, a job, true friends through Christ, and an amazing church family," said Ball in her testimony. "I continue to see lives changed every day through Christ."

"I want to thank my family, who have never let go of me.  I should have been dead years ago, but God had much bigger plans for me than I had for myself," added Ball.

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 Closing remarks were given by Jimmy Flener. "The community has just loved these girls," said Flener. He went on to state "Celebrate Recovery was just a prayer answered." and "I'm so thankful that God set you up, and gave you the heart to do this" Flener also discussed the Andrea's Mission For Men program, which will be able to handle  a little over 10 recovering men.

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 Music was performed  by the Cool Springs Praise Band.  Also each graduate received a gift bag and refreshments were served.