THE HISTORY OF NAAMAN'S RECOVERY

Naaman's started with a miracle. Sterling's life was turned around 180 degrees when he met God's grace through the ministries of Ward Street United Methodist. As Sterling stepped out of a life of addiction he was looking for ways to give back and God gave him a vision for a residential, Christ centered recovery house.

In 2010 Naaman's Recovery Village became an independent 501 (c) (3) nonprofit with a vision not only to transform men's lives but also to transform the local community, The name was inspired by the story of Naaman the Syrian in II Kings Chapter 5, a leper who came up from The Jordan River clean after obeying the command of the prophet Elisha to bathe 7 times.

Since 2010, hundreds of men have encountered the love of Christ through the ministry of NRV and hundreds of folks with servant's hearts have volunteered to assist.

THE BIBLICAL STORY OF NAAMAN

In the Old Testament Book, 2 Kings, Chapter 5, we find the story of Naaman.

Naaman seemingly had everything. He was a general for the king of Aram and was loved by the king for all his victories, including many over the Hebrew people. He was also loved by his men. He was living a life rich in material things, power and prestige. But one thing threatened to take all of that away. Naaman had leprosy, a disease that could ultimately cause him to live a life excluded from all that he had, all that he loved and from all of society – an outcast.

Naaman had all resources at his disposal, but there was nothing that he or anyone else could do. But a captured servant, a young Hebrew slave girl, offered this, “Oh that my master would go see the prophet of Israel. Then he would be healed.” Imagine the pride swallowing that took place to listen to a woman! To listen to a Hebrew! To listen to a slave! But Naaman was at rock bottom. He had tried everything. So, at the urging of his servant he asked his king if he could send him to see the prophet, Elisha.

First, in keeping with what he knew, he would go trusting in his own power and riches. The king of Aram sent with him gold and silver, livestock and a king’s wardrobe to see the king of Israel and buy Naaman his healing. Thinking it was a trick, the king of Israel tore his clothes in anguish, but Elisha, having heard of this, sent word to send Naaman over.

Naaman approached the home of Elisha, expected great things. Elisha didn’t even appear at the door in person, instead sent his messenger to the door to tell Naaman to dunk himself in the Jordan River 7 times and he would be healed. Naaman was furious. His pride was hurt and he thought he was wasting his time. After all, in Naaman’s pride-filled mind, they had much grander rivers at home than the Jordan and why didn’t Elisha come out and dance or chant or wave his arms to heal him. Once again, Naaman’s pride would keep him from God’s healing. But through the urging of his men, he is convinced to go give it a try. True to God’s word, once Naaman was obedient, God brought healing and salvation to Naaman and his whole family.

Isn’t this so true of us? Our pride gets in the way of the healing available from God. We place our trust in our own ability rather than in the One that is the source of all healing.  The simplicity of God’s healing plan tests our faith that wholeness can be ours by trust in Him alone. Sometimes it takes the encouragement of others, even those that seem less powerful than we see ourselves. Finally we are able to take that step and place our trust in the one that created all things, yet still loves and cares enough for each one of us to give up all to seek and save us.