Junior Hernandez first told his story of recovery in the Cassville Democrat 2 years ago on February 24, 2021.

Hernandez Celebrate Recovery testimony was part of a 12-part series published in the Cassville Democrat, one step of the 12-step program for each month of the year.

Hernandez said throughout his journey to recovery he learned, you get out of it what you put into it.

Hernandez got clean from methamphetamine in March 2014, through a prison treatment program, and he never used it again.

Unfortunately, he struggled with more than just methamphetamine.

His alcohol use increased over the years, even after two DWI’s he didn’t feel like he had a problem with alcohol because alcohol is legal.

The second step in the 12-step program is to believe that a greater power can restore one to their sanity.

After attending church, getting saved and baptized, Hernandez began his journey with Celebrate Recovery.

“Once I accepted God, I knew I didn’t have any power, and I admitted that I am powerless and he is in control,” he said.

Today, Hernadez continues his journey for himself, and for those he can help.

“A lot has changed in the past two years,” he said. “I still serve in CR and am a chemical dependency small group leader.

“I have been a part of a group called Broken Chains for the last two years.”

Broken Chains is a motorcycle enthusiast group who found healing from their hurts, habits and hangups through CR.

“It is awesome how God works,” he said. “God uses each individual character and person to reach different people in society.

“Broken Chains is about sharing love and talking about Jesus Christ.”

Hernandez said the Monett CR group has grown tremendously over the years.

“It is a blessing to see how God has moved into peoples lives,” he said. “When I first started CR I was struggling with drugs and alcohol, but now, I don’t struggle with chemical dependency so much.

“I still struggle with negativity and pride. I beat myself up a lot instead of letting go and letting God handle it.”

Hernandez’s advice is to go to CR and to keep going back.

“Keep coming back,” he said. “It works if you work it, but it don’t if you won’t. Work it because you are worth it.

“Recovery is not just about drugs and alcohol; it is from everything from A to Z in this world. We all have a hurt, habit or hangup.”

Note: Updates on those featured in the 2021 Celebrate Recovery series will be printed each month this year on the last week of the month.

To add or update any meetings, people may call Mark Barton at 417-766-5449.

Tuesday

— Celebrate Recovery Cassville at the First Baptist Church in the loft. Meal is served at 5:45 p.m. and large group is at 6:30 p.m., childcare is provided nursery to 6th grade. People may contact Mark Barton at 417-766-5449.

Wednesday

— Shell Knob – Celebrate Recovery at the Viola Victory Church at 29604 State HWY., 39. Meal starts at 5:00 p.m., meeting starts at 5:45 p.m. Childcare is provided For more information call Jessica at 417-239-9001.

— Seligman Celebrate Recovery at Mozark Fellowship at 28277 Frisco Street Seligman MO. Meal is at 6:00 p.m. and meetings starts at 7:00 p.m. For more information call Loni at 417-827-2737.

— Cassville noon to 1:00 p.m. AA meetings at 1308 Harold Street Cassville MO. And 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. NA meeting at 1308 Harold Street Cassville MO.

Thursday

— Monett Celebrate Recovery 6-9 p.m. at the New Site Baptist Church at 1925 FR. 1060 Monett MO. 65708. Meal at 6: 00 p.m. Childcare and nursery up to 5th grade. The Landing for 6th to 12th grade. For more information people can reach Allan at 417-461-6802.

— Cassville from 8 to 9 p.m. AA meeting at 1308 Harold Street.

Friday

— Cassville from 6 to 7 p.m. NA meetings at 1308 Harold Street, for more information people can call Sarah at 417846-2045.

Saturday

— Cassville from 10 to 11 a.m. SMART meetings at 208 West 8th Street. Alliance counseling. For more information people may call Loni at 417-827-2737.