Go! & Express

Pastor’s book brings hope instead of condemnati­on

- FAITH MTWANA

Pastor Curt van Heerden will be embarking on a special book tour to mark the launch of his new book, Addicted to the Addict, which explores the struggles of addiction and recovery.

The tour will visit Buffalo Flats Primary School Hall in Buffalo Flats from February 29March 2, before going on to Qonce.

Van Heerden, who is based in Johannesbu­rg, wrote the book with the hopes of offering advice and hope to families and individual­s who are battling with substance abuse or are struggling to remain consistent in their recovery journey.

“It’s all about bringing hope for the addict, perspectiv­e for the recovering addict, and healing the affected families and communitie­s.

“The book’s key theme is bringing healing to those suffering from addiction and to their families. It is about more than just recovery from their addiction, but it is also about the consequenc­es thereof,” Van Heerden said.

The book, which was published in November 2023, was inspired by Van Heerden’s observatio­ns of how families, drug addicts, and recovering addicts struggle to make sense of what they are going through and are ostracised from their communitie­s because of the stigma attached to addiction.

Denzel Fuller is a local pastor who shares Van Heerden’s passion for helping the community through this anti-drug initiative and will be joining Van Heerden throughout the tour.

“In reading the book, you find wisdom and anecdotes that prove that life does not end with addiction. My prayer is that someone who is battling would hear a testimony which resonates with theirs and find the courage to break free,” Fuller said.

Van Heerden is not only a renowned preacher, but he is also a certified counselor and life coach. He is also the CEO and founder of the Institutio­n of Grace, the organisati­on that is spearheadi­ng the book tour.

“We want people to have ongoing conversati­ons beyond just the book. We would love to develop relationsh­ips with community leaders to see how we can approach recovery and support for addicts from a holistic place.

“Bring your son, daughter, father, mother, husband or wife to these talks. There is hope on the horizon and a future beyond the limitation­s of addiction,” Van Heerden said.

The book will be available for R300 at the various book tour events.

 ?? Picture: SUPPLIED ?? ADDICTION SUPPORT: Pastor Curt van Heerden has written a book aimed at supporting those struggling with drug addiction called ‘Addicted to the Addict’.
Picture: SUPPLIED ADDICTION SUPPORT: Pastor Curt van Heerden has written a book aimed at supporting those struggling with drug addiction called ‘Addicted to the Addict’.

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