Christian rehabilitation centre for Raslouw

Bethsaida Recovery Centre rehabilitates addicts in a Christ-inspired environment and releases them back into the Raslouw community as transformed people, it has said.

Administrator Jenet Clingen said the centre was born of the need to inform all parents and families across all races, cultures and ethnic groups of South Africa that there is help for them and their addicted loved ones.

“It is an in-house Christian-based non-profit organisation that believes that Jesus Christ is the foundation of healing, recovery, transformation and the renewal of the mind.”

Clingen said most people find it very hard to accept the truth about their loved ones’ addiction.

“It’s tempting to hear what you want to hear and see what you want to see rather than accept an unpleasant reality. However, denying that reality can be dangerous for your child or loved one and for the rest of your family,” she said.

“Families need to get support, develop awareness and addicted loved ones need to get effective professional help.”

She said all the fundraising efforts for the operation fall on the centre’s charity shop.

“Alongside that, the shop brings huge value to our local community, offering previously loved goods, including household items, men’s and women’s clothing, children’s clothing, toys and books, furniture, household linen and other useful goods.

“In addition, these uplift and boost the relationships between the centre and our surrounding communities,” she said.

Clingen said the centre was founded by Johan and Dr Marieta van Rooyen (doctor of theology, pastor and counsellor), the parents of two once drug-addicted sons.

“Their youngest passed away in 2012 due to drug addiction,” she said.

“This family wants to take hands with parents and families who are going through the same pain and frustration.

“It is also of the utmost importance that people must move away from the ’stigma’ idea and realise that there is a person’s life at stake.”

Clingen said all the staff at the centre are former addicts.

“They share this information with care, compassion and professionalism,” she said.

She said the centre was inspired and ordained by God “because Jesus is the only answer to any addiction or behavioural problems”.

“There is no short-term answer to this problem as any person needs to change their present thinking patterns to God’s thoughts about them and for them, which is based on the Word of God,” she said.

The centre is open to men and women across all races and cultures older than 18.

It does not admit patients with mental illnesses.

For help, contact Jenet Clingen on 064 600 0104.

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