A New Chapter

Contributed by Angeline D. Brauer, DrPH, MHS, RDN

When I first began my service as Director of Health Ministries just over nine years ago, Adventist Recovery Ministries (ARMin) was going strong. In the previous five years, nearly 400 individuals had been trained in the Journey to Wholeness addiction recovery program. Many were leading the 12-step support groups we now call “Journey Groups.” But some, understandably, encountered obstacles—some couldn’t sustain a group, and others struggled to launch due to lack of support or resources. The work of ARMin was at risk.

There were many reasons for this, but it became clear: something had to change. We could not continue to operate this critical ministry in a way that was unsustainable. At a time when more and more people—including those in our churches—were struggling with addictions of various kinds, we needed to refocus and rebuild.

In 2021, we began developing a grief support program with nurse and chaplain Teresa Nelson. Around that same time, we formed a working relationship with Ingrid Slikkers, Director of the International Center for Trauma Education and Care at Andrews University. Later that year, Dr. David Sedlacek expanded his involvement by serving as ARMin Coordinator, building on his previous work as a Journey to Wholeness trainer.

As we prayed, planned, and collaborated, a unifying theme emerged. The collective wisdom of these colleagues revealed something profound: trauma, addiction, and grief are inextricably linked. As the burden of suicide grew heavier in our communities, we recognized its deep connection to this web of pain. We began referring to these as the TAGS of life—Trauma, Addiction, Grief, and Suicide—markers of profound suffering, loneliness, and spiritual brokenness that cloud the image of the Creator in each person.

These four TAGS also carry heavy stigma. They are often misunderstood, and the journey to healing can be long and difficult. That is why we knew the next chapter of Adventist Recovery Ministries had to expand. We could no longer focus on addiction recovery alone—we were being called to minister to the full spectrum of human pain. The love of God and the hope He offers is the balm needed for those who have experienced one—or all—of the TAGS.

With this renewed vision, we are reviving the Journey to Life newsletter. In each issue, you’ll find information, inspiration, and resources related to trauma, addiction, grief, and suicide. As our collective understanding grows, we will become more compassionate and better equipped to meet the diverse and nuanced needs within our churches and communities. We’ll learn to recognize their struggles not as weaknesses, but as wounds. And in doing so, we will better reflect the healing heart of God.

This new sense of mission marks just the beginning. The next chapter of ARMin is still being written—and we invite you to be part of it. Whether you’ve been trained through Journey to Wholeness, are professionally engaged in one of the four TAGS, or have been personally impacted by them, we welcome you to join us. Let us walk this journey to life together.