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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

https://www.facebook.com/113004743860644/

Abundant Life Outreach Ministries, 13617 Kaltenbrun Road, Houston, TX (2026)

07/13/2022

WHO WE ARE

We are a Christian-based non-profit ministry dedicated to providing free counseling services, and addiction recovery programs for homeless people living in homeless shelters within the city Houston. Our services help those with bipolar, depression, anxiety disorder, trauma, grief, loss and substance abuse disorders live better lives.

OUR APPROACH

We use a holistic approach, to serve the whole person (mind, emotion, spirit and body) to ensure optimal result. Our intervention program include the use of biblical truths, evidence-based principles (CBT, DBT, EFT, Gestalt therapy etc.) and faith-based/therapy addiction recovery programs to change the lives of these overlooked men and women.

We provide assistance to people of all faith. Yet from our very beginning, Abundant Life work has been and continues to be motivated by God's love.

CASE MANAGEMENT

The philosophy of our mental health and substance abuse is to focus on each individual's strengths, abilities and interests rather than their disabilities. Our professional staff views the client as the director of the process and concentrates on building a strong relationship with them to enhance the process.

Our goal is to ensure that individuals with mental health problems are receiving the full array of needed and appropriate services we offer to ensure that they attain optimal level of functioning.

As for those with substance use disorder, we provide high quality residential drugs and alcohol treatment services which includes detox program, 12-Step recovery program, drug and alcohol education, counseling sessions, healthy lifestyle skills, discipleship and empowerment class.

In addition, we provide long term support to assist the individual even after they leave the emergency shelter to ensure they do not fall back to their addictive behavior.

In keeping with the tradition of our faith-based values, we make sure that all individuals in our services and programs are treated with love, respect, and dignity and that they receive the individualized services and support they need to thrive.

OUR LEADERSHIP

Rev. Raphael Chynwuba (BA, MA, CCC, CCRT) is an ordained Pastor/Evangelist and a Board Certified Christian Counselor. He is a member of American Association of Christian Counselors and National Association of Christian Counselors.

He is the founder and president of Abundant Life Outreach Ministries which exist to empower homeless individuals with mental health and/or substance abuse problems to thrive. His passion is to see sinners saved and broken lives restored.

07/13/2022

SERVICES WE PROVIDE

Abundant Life Outreach Ministries provide transformational programs and services for homeless brothers and sisters with mental illness and substance abuse problems.

Sadly, often people viewed them as society rejects because of their condition; but it shouldn't be, they are God's children just like anyone else. They need our help, empathy and love. The programs and services we provide for them include:

- Biblical and Evidence-based Counseling services for those with mental health conditions

And for those struggling with substance use disorder, we provide

- Detox program (if needed)

- 12-Step Recovery program

- Drug and Alcohol Education

- Healthy Lifestyle Skills

- Discipleship and Empowerment Class

- Social services and Guidance

- Long term support Services

Our programs and services are tailored to meet each person's unique problem to manage, to heal, to overcome, to comfort, to encourage, to love and to give hope.

YOU CAN SUPPORT WHAT WE DO

Our services are free, however, we are a 501c3 organization, so we depend on donations from individuals, groups, churches and organizations who share in our common vision to give these vulnerable and neglected members of our society a better chance to life, which they would not otherwise have, except someone or an organization like ours steps in to help them.

To make a donation, you can do so by mail to:

1211 Stuart Street, Houston, Tx 77004 or by

Phone (832) 661-5902

04/18/2022

THE RELEVANCE OF EASTER

Often, unbelievers and people of other faith argue why on earth Christians make a big deal about Easter. They ask questions like, is Easter still relevant? And does it matter? Considering it's an event that took place over 2000 years ago.

This article is not meant to try to convince or persuade or argue about the relevance of Easter but to present the facts and allow you to decide for yourself.

Indeed, the question whether Easter is still relevant today is nothing new because people especially atheists, agnostics, critics, and skeptics over the course of history have asked similar questions. Some preachers have been killed or hackled in the pulpits for preaching the message of resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Apostle Paul was challenged by philosophers of his day in Athens for speaking on the message of the cross. They were extremely rude to him that they called him in Greek spermologos that is "a guttersnipe". But that never deterred him because he had a face to face encounter with our Risen Savior while on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians.

In his letter to the Corinthian church, he summaries his message of resurrection this way, "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Apostle Paul in this verses made it clear that Christ death, burial and resurrection was on behalf of sinful humanity and it's the heart of the gospel.

To help us understand why Christians make a big deal about Easter; I'll liken it to a supper bowl. Two teams - the kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world headed by satan are playing in the super bowl final. They have played for four quarters.

The kingdom of God is down by two points, there's 3 seconds left in the game. However, we have 70 yards field goal, but the possibility of making it is very remote. So, satan and his cohorts were already celebrating, because no kicker have ever made a 70 yards.

The kingdom of God Team head coach calls time out, to strategize on how to make sure the goal kick is successful. Afterwards, he sends our star field goal kicker on the field. The two teams takes their positions, the referee blows the whistle, the ball is snapped, the kick is up ... and it's good. Our team wins the supper bowl. As you can imagine, every believer goes into a wild jubilation and celebration. That is exactly what Easter is like, for believers.

It is the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, three days after His crucifixion. He rose in victory over satan, sin, and death, paving the way for all who will believe in Him, not to perish but to have eternal life.

The story of Resurrection or Easter is not just good news but it's the best news because it somehow resonates with our human condition. The Bible speaking about the human condition says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Also the scripture says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

Primarily, Easter speaks to our need than no other event in history. Apostle Paul alluding to this, writes, "And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile, you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17). However, the good news according to the Bible says, "But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

The importance of Christ resurrection is not only an event of enormous significance but it's central to the Christian faith and salvation plan of God in human history. The death, burial and resurrection of Christ in a moment of time changed everything.

The Resurrection or Easter gave us a new identity. We were dead in our trespasses but now alive in Christ (Galatians 2:20). Easter brought us protection and safety. The only safe place on earth, is to be in the hands of our faithful God (1 Peter 1:3-6).

Easter is about forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration. We owe a sin debt we could not pay but Christ paid the debt for us with His own life, that we might be reconciled with our heavenly Father. The fact is that all humanity can find forgiveness through our Risen Savior.

Easter was the end of religion (man reaching to find God through his own ways). But Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). Easter gave us a relationship with God and do away with religion.

New hope was made possible on Easter. We all died in sin due Adam's fall in the Garden of Eden. But we pass from death to life when we give our lives to Christ. Because of Easter, we are partakers of Abraham's blessings and co-heir with Christ (Galatians 3:29).
Easter affords those who died in Christ, of resurrection during the second coming of Christ.

Now, all these things are only made possible due to Easter. No other world religion can offer you any of those things. We love shopping on black Friday because of the great deals retail stores offer us. Easter has offered everyone an excellent deal that does not require money or any effort of your own. It is a free gift. The only requirement is to call on the name of Jesus and you will be saved and all these things shall be added unto you.

Have a happy Easter celebration.

01/20/2022

IS MENTAL ILLNESS CURABLE?

In the past, people were blamed and stigmatized because they had mental illness and they were told not to expect very much from life. Fortunately, that is no more the case, in recent years, due to good information on causes of mental illness and improvements in treatment, it can be managed and recovery is possible. Mental illness can be cured when treated appropriately and early, some people recover fully and have no further episodes of illness.

For example, not too long ago, a young woman (name withheld for privacy reason) was brought to our ministry for counseling. She had extreme anxiety, bipolar and schizophrenia disorders. Because of these conditions, she was constantly having psychotic episodes, at times cutting herself with sharp objects, restless, agitated and even combative.

After evaluating her, we used our holistic approach in her case. And after ten intensive sessions with her, her condition began to improve, the psychotic episodes and other symptoms she was experiencing ceased and overtime she recovered fully.

Now, this is not to suggest that all sufferers of mental illness fully recover because mental illness include many different conditions that vary in degree of severity, ranging from mild to moderate to severe. According to the National Institute on Mental Health, two broad categories can be used to describe these conditions: Any Mental Illness (AMI) and Serious Mental Illness (SMI).

Any Mental Illness is defined as a mental, behavioral and emotional disorder. It can vary in impact ranging from no impairment to mild, moderate and even severe impairment. And Serious Mental Illness is defined as a mental, behavioral and emotional disorder resulting in serious functional impairment which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities.

With that in mind, for some people, their mental health conditions may recur through their lives and require ongoing treatment just like some physical illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease etc. Like these long term diseases, mental illness can be managed and the individual can live full and productive life. For instance, people with diabetes who take their medications regularly and make some lifestyle changes live long and full life. Likewise, individuals with serious mental health can live normal life if they keep to their treatment plan.

Ironically, the traditions of compassion, understanding, sympathy and support given to people with physical illness are often denied those with mental illness due to false perception based on some of the damaging stereotypes.

While some mental illnesses may be genetically predisposed, biological factors such as chemical imbalance in the brain, a traumatic brain injury and life experiences such as stress, trauma, relationship breakdown, abuse, loss, social isolation, substance abuse, major physical illness or disability contribute to the onset of a mental illness.

This presupposes that anyone could be vulnerable to mental health condition. Common mental disorder affect one in five adults worldwide. Recently in the news it was reported that some sports celebrities such as Naomi Osaka (tennis superstar) from Japan, and our own Simone Bile (Gymnastic superstar and Olympic champion) are dealing with mental health issues, which goes to underscore the fact that no one is immune to mental illness.

Interestingly, some people are more comfortable to say they have a nervous breakdown than admit they have mental illness. Whatever you decide to call it, is of less importance, what matters is to seek help, as early diagnosis and treatment gives you a better chance of recovery.

In some Christian circles, mental illness is viewed to be the result of sin, disobedience, self-indulgence, personal cross to bear, demonic attack or lack of trust in God, which they believe will disappear as you go deeper in your faith. Nothing can be farther from the truth, because mental illness like physical illness impact people with a deep faith in God, thus, has nothing to do with the strength of a person's faith.

The Bible is replete with God's servants who suffered from mental illness such as Elijah (1 Kings 18:4), Job (Job 30:15-17), Jeremiah (20:14), Jonah (Jonah 4:3). Even Charles Spurgeon an English minister, widely known as the prince of the preachers struggled with depression and anxiety. So proper treatments which may include medication, proven psychotherapy, biblical counseling, prayer depending on the condition are needed to help the sufferer deal with their illness.

The key to recovery begins with having hope. Without hope, a person will give up and not try anything that can make their life better. Most people who suffer from mental illness do not seek help because they fear being devalued, stigmatized, isolated, ignored or discriminated against if it's known that they have mental illness. This is unfortunate because most people who receive appropriate treatment and support recover or get substantially better.

If you or someone you care about is dealing with mental health problem, give us a call at (832) 661-5902 . Don't be in denial or wait hoping it will go away on its own. Be honest with yourself. Your condition can be managed or overcomed. We look forward to working with you. God bless you.

01/19/2022

BECOME AN AGENT OF CHANGE AND HELP HOMELESS PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROBLEMS (Donate Today)

Abundant Life Outreach Ministries is excited to be making a difference in the lives of homeless people with mental illness and substance abuse disorders, will you join us?

We can't do it alone, we need you to join us. Your financial support is what makes it possible for us to provide them with free comprehensive biblical and evidence-based counseling services and recovery programs. The power of giving, volunteerism and even small, simple acts of kindness goes a long way.

Please join Abundant Life, to help these homeless men and women with bipolar, depression, anxiety disorder, trauma, grief, loss and substance abuse disorder manage, mitigate and overcome their conditions.

BECOME AN AMBASSADOR

You can help us share the news of this "financial support" with your family members, friends, and co-workers. There's nothing you do to improve the lives of these less privileged ones that will go unrewarded by the Lord. Give if you can. Every donation helps.

Our fight to change their lives is more vital now than ever before. Since covid-19 pandemic, the number of homeless people dealing with these disorders have gone up astronomically.

We are sincerely grateful for those that have been supporting us all these years. However, your financial support today will not only enable us to serve them, but you will be making a difference in their lives as well. Become an agent of change.

The need to help these brothers and sisters is an ongoing endeavor and Abundant Life Outreach Ministries is here to continue the good fight. They are counting on us.

HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE BEING USED

Our Counselors and Facilitators are volunteers - they don't receive any salaries. Every donation you give is used for operating cost, to help these brothers and sisters. Together we can give them a chance to experience better lives. Donate Today. All donations are tax-deductible, we are a 501c3 non-profit organization - EIN: 30-1272142.

Your support of any amount will be greatly appreciated. Thanks and God bless you. You can give through the mail or over the phone.

Rev. Raphael Chynwuba (President)
Abundant Life Outreach Ministries
1211 Stuart Street, Houston, Tx. 77004
Tel: (832) 661-5902
Email: [email protected]

12/25/2021

DON'T MISS CHRISTMAS

A woman was asked by her friend, "How are you preparing for Christmas?" Her response was, "Am not sure if I am preparing for Christmas or Christmas is preparing me for bankruptcy after all is said and done".

There is no doubt that Christmas is the most joyful holiday of the year in the world. It's celebrated by all people, nationality, religions and even atheists. But amid the bustling and buying, decorating, traveling to be with family, gifts under the tree, and turkey dinners, if you are not careful you might miss Christmas.

In recent years, Christmas has been hijacked by greedy corporations using marketing ploy to take consumers' money. In 2016, the total Christmas holiday sales in the US alone exceeded $1 trillion. These grinchy corporations have manipulated what used to be a wholesome day of celebrating the birth of our Savior into something materialistic and superficial.

They are deviating away from the core meaning of Christmas. Now they use a blanket term "holiday" for Christmas. It has gotten to the point that when you hear the word, the true meaning of Christmas is not the first thing that comes to mind. But the truth still remains that it is the time to celebrate the birth of the Christ child. When God sent His Son Jesus into the world to be the savior of mankind.

In reference to the true meaning of Christmas, Matthew in his gospel account writes, "Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of king Herod, behold wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying where is He who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him. When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled and all Jerusalem with him" (Matthew 2:1-3).

If you take a close look into this text exegetically, you will find three important principles that will help you that you don't get to miss Christmas.
Firstly, you have to have the right perspective about Christmas.
It is not about Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reminder or the commercialism of Christmas rather it's about the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah alluding to the prophecy of His coming says, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).

According to the gospel of Matthew, the wise men from the East knew about the true meaning of Christmas which is why they traveled thousands of miles to see the new born king of the Jews. Over the years, we've been thought in church, even in seminary I was thought that the wise men were astronomers by the fact they referred to a star which they saw.

But on the contrary, these men were converts of Jewish scholars who had migrated to the East with copies of the Old Testament manuscripts. So they thought them about the prophecy concerning the "star" that would "come out of Jacob" (Numbers 24:17). In fact they were called "wise men" by the gospel writers because of the deep revelation they had about the advent of Christ, although they were gentiles.

Apparently, when they saw the star, it was a no brainer, they came to Jerusalem looking for the One who had been "born king of the Jews". If you don't have the right understanding of Christmas, you'll be sucked into the trappings associated with Christmas and you may end up with huge debts, family fights, decorating related injuries, heart attack, overindulgence, seasonal affective disorder etc. The Bible warns, "My people perish for lack of knowledge..."(Hosea 4:6). Don't be fooled by the secularism of Christmas and miss Christmas.

Secondly, you have to know the reason for Christmas.
The reason for Christmas is not really about family and tradition or the positive experiences we derive from the festivities. They are the superficiality of Christmas.

As a matter of fact, Jesus coming was to save us from our sins. The wise men from the East knew this, so they came to worship Him. The fall of man in the Garden of Eden caused all of humanity to be born with a sinful nature, thus, we are unable to please God on our own merit.

The Bible puts it this way, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Jesus came to pay the price for the sins of the world by dying on the cross that we might be reconciled to God. God's infinite love for man led Him to give His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

So the true reason for Christmas is the celebration of God's incredible act of love. Jesus' story is one of love and hope that brought salvation to all humanity.

Thirdly, you have to put in check your desires for Christmas.
Christmas is not about what you want but about the gift of God to us in the person of His Son. While the wise men's desire for Christmas was to worship the One sent by God, Herod on the other hand, was troubled by Christmas due to his self ambition to preserve his kingship, though he did not come from the line of David.

When your desire for Christmas is about what you want, you could become a victim of the secularism of Christmas and miss Christmas. Herod was threatened by the birth of Jesus, who was touted to become the king of the Jews according to Scripture. Ironically, what he didn't know was that the kingship of Jesus wasn't earthly but spiritual.

Unfortunately, he became the Grinch of Christmas, because he had a wrong understanding of Christmas; driven by melancholy and paranoia he killed all the children and all his opponents. And sadly, he died a gruesome death. You guessed it he missed Christmas.

This Christmas, remember the true meaning of the holiday and celebrate God's incredible act of love. Celebrate it out of gratitude for what God did for us and remember His gift, worship Him and rejoice in the promise of heaven.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

08/30/2020

CHANGING THE LIVES OF HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

Did you know that mental health and substance abuse problems are the #1 cause of crime, domestic violence, incarceration, callous shootings, gang violence, school drop-outs, and homelessness?

This is why we consider our free counseling services, and addiction recovery programs we provide these homeless brothers and sisters dealing with these disorders, so vital, not just for the lives that are changed to the glory of God but also for preventing the impact these problems pose on family life, the economy and public safety.

In 2017, over 553,000 Americans were homeless, sleeping on the streets and emergency shelters. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimated that at least 50% of them had co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders.

As a matter of fact, the stress of experiencing homelessness itself amplifies poor mental health and encourages fear, anxiety, depression and substance abuse.

HOW WE HELP THEM

Abundant Life Outreach Ministries partner with homeless shelters to help these America's most vulnerable homeless veterans, at-risk youths, men and women returning from prison and other individuals to live a healthy, safe and productive lives.

At the moment, we are working with Magnificat House and Center for Empowerment in Houston, Texas - both are homeless shelters for men, women and families.

YOU CAN SUPPORT WHAT WE DO

The services we provide to these neglected members of our society are free of charge. However, we are a 501c(3) non-profit organization, so, we depend on donations from individuals, groups, churches and organizations to do what God has called us to do. Donate Today.

You can give by phone, call (832) 661- 5902 or by mail
Abundant Life Outreach Ministries
1211 Stuart Street, Houston, Tx 77004.
Email: [email protected]

Abundant Life Outreach Ministries

07/13/2022

07/13/2022

04/18/2022

01/20/2022

01/19/2022

12/25/2021

08/30/2020

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Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm