Why I’m Investing My Talents and Treasure in CRC

Stewarding Resources

If you look around, there are so many “good” organizations and opportunities to help others. I’m a transplant to Marion County and since day 1 have connected with a local faith community and tried to help that way. In 2019 I felt like that was not enough – I need to find a way to really make a difference. I prayed for guidance. I looked around. I checked out a few organizations. Then one Sunday, Alyson Riley spoke at the church service I was attending. She explained the mission of Champion Recovery Community (“CRC”) and the multitude of ways they needed help. Without being too dramatic, God clearly told me – go talk to Alyson (I didn’t know her at the time). She needs you to help her. She will tell you what she needs.

Well, that was pretty clear and Alyson looked like an approachable person. I caught her after service, and she was more than generous in listening to a bit of my babbling. Turns out, the CRC Board was missing their Treasurer position and they had been praying for a replacement. As a CPA, that role is right in the sweet spot of the gifts God has given me. Well, it wasn’t quite happily ever after at that point. Of course, I argued with God – I have been blessed that I really have had no in depth exposure to the world of addiction, co-dependency and trauma that all of our participants have survived. I am also really busy like everyone else. In the end, I agreed to be their Treasurer, but only if I could also participate in the weekly recovery meetings and help minister to the participants directly – not just as an outsider on the Board.

Circumstances did try to intervene and keep me from being a part of this ministry. My husband had some serious health issues and then COVID hit… But my little exposure was more than enough for me to be part of this needed ministry as soon as the doors opened again. 

It truly has been a blessing to see the participants become women with futures. It is possible with prayer, commitment and hard work to overcome truly horrible pasts and have good things to look forward to.

Laurie Marson

CRC Treasurer