Religion feature: Pastor, community member join forces on recovery group

Substance abuse has touched the lives of Laura Leeder-Martinez and David Lombrana. Now they are touching the lives of others through a recovery group New Creations at Legacy Life Family Church called New Creations.

CNJ staff photo: Benna Sayyed

New Creations leader Laura Leeder-Martinez, left, Legacy Life Family Church pastor David Lombrana, middle, and New Creations administrative assistant Misty Maldonado, right, discuss New Creations, a recovery program which started Wednesday at Legacy Life Family Church.

Leeder-Martinez kicked a 12-year methamphetamine addiction about five years ago. As a child, Lombrana witnessed his father undergo a spiritual transformation from an alcoholic and drug addict to a highly spiritual person.

"I don't believe once an addict always an addict," said Leeder-Martinez, who became a licensed substance abuse associate to help people recover from drug addiction. "When you look at your problem with spiritual eyes, once you are forgiven, you're a new creation. That puts a whole new face on recovery."

"I'm really excited about it," said Lombrana, "I think it will be a great opportunity to reach more people."

The New Creations group meets in the church sanctuary Wednesday nights for praise and worship and then discusses a different topic each week. Topics include triggers and cravings, rebuilding trusting relationships, avoiding financial ruin and spiritual growth.

After discussing the topic, the group determines how to solve the problem from a biblical standpoint. Group sessions end with prayer.

The group offers sponsorships to people dealing with addiction. Also, church members are available by phone at all times to help group members struggling with their addiction.

Leeder-Martinez said she was arrested for on drug charges after nine years of substance abuse. She said she now works closely with some of the same police officers who arrested her and probation officers she dealt with as an offender.

"Recovery is not a bad thing," Leeder-Martinez said. "Recovery is a thing to celebrate. I want people to be able to ask for forgiveness and walk into their probation or parole office with their head held high."

Leeder-Martinez said her goal is to give someone confidence to shake their addiction. She asked recovering addict Misty Maldonado to help start New Creations. As Leeder-Martinez' administrative assistant, Maldonado acts a sponsor for women, leads group discussions, mentors women and prays for and supports group members. Leeder-Martinez said she believes Maldonado will improve the group by bringing strong faith and sharing her experience with drugs and crime.

"I know when I had an addiction I had a hard time talking to people who didn't have addictions," Maldonado said. "I feel that people will be able to talk to Laura and I because we've been there."

What: New Creations recovery group

Where: Legacy Life Family Church, 622 Main Street

When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays

Cost: Free. Childcare is provided.

Information: 769-2461.