Rising Above Ministries Slave Lake

02/19/2026

**BIG NEWS**

We have been working very hard for over a year now to get Rising Above Ministries Slave Lake up and running full time. We are not there yet but we are getting a little closer every day!

We just started renting a new space and are currently in the middle of setting it up but we need your help Slave Lake!

Some things that we are looking for right now are:

- Mini fridge
- Foldable eight foot tables (6)
- TV with a mobile stand (a TV around 55")
- Mobile white board
- 3" binders (20)

If anyone from the community is able to help us out with acquiring these things please DM us on Facebook or email us at info@risingabovesl.com

We also want to take a moment and say a huge thank you to all of the people who have donated to our ministry so far. We are so happy and blessed to say that so far with the help of all of the amazing people of this community we have been able to raise tens of thousands of dollars for this ministry.

All of the work so far to get this ministry up and running has been from volunteering. We have all spent countless hours volunteering because we believe in the mission of helping people overcome addiction, break free of cycles of defeat and find hope beyond brokenness.

Right now we are focusing on raising $250K to be able to step into this ministry full time. Any donations from the wonderful people of this community, whether one time or recurring make a huge difference and goes towards making this community a better place for everyone.

If you are interested in donating please visit our website where you will be able to make a donation as well as find more information about who we are and what we are trying to do.

https://www.risingabovesl.com/Donation

Stay tuned, when we have our new space ready we will be having a grand opening and we will be inviting members of the community to come and check it out!

God Bless you all!

Donate to Rising Above Ministries, Slave Lake

02/02/2026

We are going to continue a series about all of the addictions that we help people deal with here at Rising Above Ministries Slave Lake.

Addiction is different for each individual but the source is often the same. Addiction is not the problem, it is an attempted solution to the pain we feel inside.

Gabor Maté defines addiction as a complex psycho-physiological process where a person craves a behaviour or substance for temporary relief or pleasure, but suffers negative consequences and struggles to give it up. This definition encompasses not only drug use but also various behaviours like gambling, shopping, and internet use, highlighting that addiction is rooted in emotional pain and trauma.

Today we are going to talk about Opioids.

Opioids are a class of powerful drugs primarily used to reduce moderate to severe pain. They work by binding to opioid receptors on nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body, blocking pain signals and inducing feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and happiness.

Opioids are highly addictive, and their misuse or high-dose usage can lead to dangerous side effects, including severe, fatal respiratory depression.

Opioids can be natural (derived from the poppy plant), semi-synthetic (chemically processed from natural opioids), or synthetic (manufactured in laboratories).

Natural Opioids (Opiates): Morphine, codeine, o***m, and thebaine.

Semi-synthetic Opioids: He**in, oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and oxymorphone.

Synthetic Opioids: Fentanyl, methadone, tramadol, and meperidine. Fentanyl is exceptionally potent, 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine.

Opioids carry significant, life-threatening risks, particularly when misused or taken with other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines (psychoactive perscription drugs).

Regular use of opiods can cause the body to rely on the drug to feel "normal," leading to addiction (Opioid Use Disorder).

Over time, higher doses are needed to achieve the same pain-relieving effect.

Right now we are facing an opioid epidemic, this is a severe, public health crisis marked by a dramatic rise in opioid overuse, misuse, addiction, and overdose deaths since the 1990s, stemming from prescription pain relievers, he**in, and potent synthetics like fentanyl, causing devastating medical, social, and economic impacts, unfolding in waves from prescription misuse to illicit he**in and then synthetic opioids.

Most people are aware of these dangers and yet will continue to use opioids until they have serious health consequences and major disruptions to the quality of life.

Why?

Because people believe that the pills will give them something that they can’t have without out it, such as a feeling of peace.

There is always a deeper underlying reason as to why people continue an unhealthy habit or addiction despite negative consequences.

At Rising Above Ministries Slave Lake we have a unique process called Inner Healing. This is a process that quickly uncovers the root issues that addictions or other destructive behaviours are attempting to mask. This process includes working with traumatic and painful memories to get to the source of our core beliefs. It’s our faulty beliefs that are the cause of our problems.

This is where people can find lasting transformation and real healing.

If opioids are something you struggle with, we invite you to check out Inner Healing today and book a meeting with one of our trained facilitators.

https://www.risingabovesl.com/InnerHealing

We will help you overcome addiction, break cycles of defeat and find hope beyond brokenness. 🙏

01/26/2026

We are going to continue a series about all of the addictions that we help people deal with here at Rising Above Ministries Slave Lake.

Addiction is different for each individual but the source is often the same. Addiction is not the problem, it is an attempted solution to the pain we feel inside.

Gabor Maté defines addiction as a complex psycho-physiological process where a person craves a behavior or substance for temporary relief or pleasure, but suffers negative consequences and struggles to give it up. This definition encompasses not only drug use but also various behaviours like gambling, shopping, and internet use, highlighting that addiction is rooted in emotional pain and trauma.

Today we are going to talk about Cannabis.

Although cannabis is a plant and has had some positive benefits for some people, it is still very harmful and can have negative consequences for both short term and long time use.

Short-Term Effects (While High)
- Cognitive: Impaired coordination, reaction time, concentration, judgment, and memory.
- Perceptual: Senses may seem more intense, time may slow down.
- Psychological: Anxiety, fear, panic, paranoia, confusion, or hallucinations.
- Physical: Faster heart rate, lower blood pressure (causing dizziness), increased risk of heart problems.

Long-Term Effects & Risks
- Mental Health: Linked to depression, anxiety, su***de risk, and psychotic episodes, particularly with high-potency products or early use.
- Brain Development: Harmful to developing brains (adolescents), potentially causing lasting cognitive deficits.
- Respiratory: Bronchitis, lung damage, increased phlegm, and potential for lung injury from va**ng.
- Cardiovascular: Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, especially for frequent users.
Addiction: Dependence, withdrawal symptoms (irritability, sleep issues, appetite changes).
- Other: Increased risk of testicular cancer, severe cyclical vomiting (Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome), and dental problems. Loss of motivation and ambition.

High THC content increases the risk of severe psychotic episodes, delusions, and prolonged psychosis, sometimes requiring hospitalization or leading to misdiagnosis.

While cannabis can have therapeutic uses, its intoxicating effects and potential for harm, especially with frequent use or in vulnerable populations (adolescents, those with pre-existing conditions), are significant, impacting mental, cognitive, and physical health.

People will use Cannabis because it numbs them, dissociates them and soothes them from the internal pain and trauma that they are experiencing.

Most people are aware of these dangers and yet will continue to use cannabis until they have serious health consequences and major disruptions to the quality of life.

Why?

Because people believe that the cannabis, w**d, ma*****na, etc… will give them something that they can’t have without out it, such as a feeling of peace.

There is always a deeper underlying reason as to why people continue an unhealthy habit or addiction despite negative consequences.

At Rising Above Ministries Slave Lake we have a unique process called Inner Healing. This is a unique process that quickly uncovers the root issues that addictions or other destructive behaviors are attempting to mask. This process includes working with traumatic and painful memories to get to the source of our core beliefs. It’s our faulty beliefs that are the cause of our problems.

This is where people can find lasting transformation and real healing.

If cannabis is something you struggle with, we invite you to check out Inner Healing today and book a meeting with one of our trained facilitators.

https://www.risingabovesl.com/InnerHealing

We will help you overcome addiction, break cycles of defeat and find hope beyond brokenness. 🙏 ❤️‍🩹

01/20/2026

We are going to continue a series about all of the addictions that we help people deal with here at Rising Above Ministries Slave Lake.

Addiction is different for each individual but the source is often the same. Addiction is not the problem, it is an attempted solution to the pain we feel inside.

Gabor Maté defines addiction as a complex psycho-physiological process where a person craves a behavior or substance for temporary relief or pleasure, but suffers negative consequences and struggles to give it up. This definition encompasses not only drug use but also various behaviours like gambling, shopping, and internet use, highlighting that addiction is rooted in emotional pain and trauma.

Today we are going to talk about Alcohol.

Alcohol has been around for a very long time, even Noah struggled with alcohol over four thousand years ago. Almost every culture has engaged with alcohol and has been struggling with it ever since.

Alcohol, primarily ethanol, is a psychoactive chemical produced by fermenting sugars from grains, fruits, or vegetables, acting as a central nervous system depressant that slows brain function and causes intoxication in drinks like beer, wine, and spirits. While used socially and culturally, it's also a toxic substance with dependence-producing properties, affecting mood, cognition, and motor skills.

Alcohol has significant negative effects, from short-term impairment (slurred speech, poor judgment, nausea) to severe long-term consequences like liver disease, heart problems, various cancers, brain damage, weakened immunity, and increased risks for mental health issues (depression, anxiety) and injuries, affecting overall health, relationships, and safety.

Alcohol is a legal substance for adults and is socially acceptable and even encouraged for many social gatherings, but it is an extremely dangerous and toxic substance. There is no such thing as a "safe amount of alcohol". Any alcohol has a negative effect on your brain and body, too much alcohol will lead to alcohol poisoning.

People will use alcohol because it numbs them, dissociates them and soothes them from the internal pain and trauma that they are experiencing.

Most people are aware of these dangers and yet will continue to drink until they have serious health consequences and sometimes even to the point of death.

Why?

Because people believe that the beer, wine, cooler, cider, shot, etc… will give them something that they can’t have without out it, such as a feeling of peace.

There is always a deeper underlying reason as to why people continue an unhealthy habit or addiction despite negative consequences.

At Rising Above Ministries Slave Lake we have a unique process called Inner Healing. This is a unique process that quickly uncovers the root issues that addictions or other destructive behaviors are attempting to mask. This process includes working with traumatic and painful memories to get to the source of our core beliefs. It’s our faulty beliefs that are the cause of our problems.

This is where people can find lasting transformation and real healing.

If alcohol is something you struggle with, we invite you to check out Inner Healing today and book a meeting with one of our trained facilitators.

https://www.risingabovesl.com/InnerHealing

We will help you overcome addiction, break cycles of defeat and find hope beyond brokenness. 🙏 ❤️‍🩹

01/15/2026

We are going to start a series about all of the addictions that we we help people deal with here at Rising Above Ministries Slave Lake.

Addiction is different for each individual but the source is often the same. Addiction is not the problem, it is an attempted solution to the pain we feel inside.

Gabor Maté defines addiction as a complex psycho-physiological process where a person craves a behavior or substance for temporary relief or pleasure, but suffers negative consequences and struggles to give it up. This definition encompasses not only drug use but also various behaviors like gambling, shopping, and internet use, highlighting that addiction is rooted in emotional pain and trauma.

Today we are going to talk about ni****ne.

Ni****ne is available in several forms, including natural ni****ne extracted from to***co, synthetic ni****ne created in laboratories, and various delivery systems such as ci******es, e-ci******es, ni****ne pouches, gums, patches, and lozenges. Each form has different methods of consumption and varying levels of addiction potential.

By it self, in its purest form is not necessarily harmful and could actually be quite helpful in a variety of ways but is still very addictive.

It’s when we look at the highly synthetic versions that are filled with all kinds of chemicals that are both very harmful and highly addictive.

Let’s look at ci******es today 🚬

People smoke ci******es for various reasons, including peer pressure, parental influence, stress relief, and the pleasurable effects of ni****ne, which can create feelings of relaxation and focus. Additionally, smoking often becomes a part of social routines and habits, making it difficult to quit.

Ci******es contain over 7,000 chemicals, with at least 70 of those known to cause cancer. Many of these chemicals are harmful and can lead to serious health issues.

Most people are aware of these dangers and yet will continue to smoke until they have serious health consequences and sometimes even to the point of death.

Why?

Because people believe that the cigarette/ v**e/ cigar/ chew etc… will give them something that they can’t have without out it, such as a feeling of peace.

There is always a deeper underlying reason as to why people continue an unhealthy habit or addiction despite negative consequences.

At Rising Above Ministries Slave Lake we have a unique process called Inner Healing. This is a unique process that quickly uncovers the root issues that addictions or other destructive behaviors are attempting to mask. This process includes working with traumatic and painful memories to get to the source of our core beliefs. It’s our faulty beliefs that are the cause of our problems.

This is where people can find lasting transformation and real healing.

If ni****ne is something you struggle with, we invite you to check out Inner Healing today and book a meeting with one of our trained facilitators.

https://www.risingabovesl.com/InnerHealing

We will help you overcome addiction, break cycles of defeat and find hope beyond brokenness. 🙏 ❤️‍🩹

01/08/2026

Happy New Year! 🥳

We praise God for another wonderful year to continue working on our mission.

Helping people overcome addiction, break cycles of defeat and find hope beyond brokenness ⛓️‍💥 🙌

We are planning on opening up an addiction treatment center in Slave Lake, AB. We offer a six month sober living program that specializes in something called the HELPS model.

H - housing
E - employment readiness
L - life skills
P - personal development
S - spiritual formation

All of these things work together and lead to our unique one-on-one sessions called “Inner Healing” to help people be truly set free and to have lasting transformation.

We are not yet up and running but we are working very hard to be up and running as soon as possible.

In order to make this happen, we need the support and generosity from this community and everyone who believes in what we are doing.

Addiction has had a devastating impact on many individuals and families, we want to change that and offer a solution.

If you want to know more about who we are and what we are doing, please visit our website.

If you feel called to donate to our organization, whether it’s a one time or recurring donation, you can do that on our website as well. We are blessed to have had a wonderful member of the community step up and pledge to match up to $1000/ month so your donations can go twice as far.

We look forward to serving this community and helping “Slave Lake” become “Freedom Lake”!

Thank you and be blessed 🙏❤️✝️

Rising Above Slave Lake - Welcome

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from Rising Above Ministries Slave Lake 🙏❤️✝️🎄

Let us praise the birth of our lord Jesus, he is the reason for this season.

He has given us the greatest gift there is and this gift is available to anyone who wants it.

The gift of salvation 🙌

Through him there is hope, joy, perseverance, strength and eternal life in the kingdom of heaven.

It doesn’t get better than that.

God bless you all, looking forward to serving this community in the new year!

12/12/2025

John 13:34-35

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Mother Teresa was once getting interviewed on a radio station and the host asked her if there was anything they could do to help her.

She thought for a moment and then she answered,

Go out into the streets tomorrow morning, find someone who believes that they are alone and convince them that they are not.

Kindness is one of the most powerful and beautiful gifts that you could possibly give someone.

It doesn’t always have to relate to financial giving, it could be your time, energy or even your words.

This is the time of year where people need it the most, reach out and bless someone’s life, love them like the lord loves us, make someone feel loved and appreciated.

It’s up to us to make this world a better place and it starts with the kindness and love that we give to one another.

God bless and Merry Christmas
🎄✝️❤️

12/06/2025

Christmas is a wonderful time of year, taking time to celebrate our saviour Jesus Christ and enjoying all of the beautiful gifts of this life.

But Christmas is not always so easy for some people.

Sometimes this is the hardest time of year.

While everyone is busy enjoying their families, this time of year can often be a painful reminder of what’s missing or we have to deal with people that we struggle with most.

Many people get pushed further into addiction and destructive tendencies during this time of year.

If you are struggling during this season, we encourage you to reach out to Rising Above Ministries Slave Lake and book an Inner Healing session today.

We use the term “ Inner Healing” to describe the one-on-one sessions that are available to our sober housing participants and to the community.

Inner Healing gives individuals from all walks of life the opportunity to be set free from faulty thinking and find freedom and healing. This model is powerful and its positive benefits can ripple into every area of your life. Inner Healing can help:

- married couples
- young adults
- singles
- divorcees
- widows and much more

The reality is Inner Healing is for everyone and can benefit anyone!

We would love to help you find peace and freedom in your life.

If you are interested in learning more and booking with us, please visit our website:

https://www.risingabovesl.com/InnerHealing

11/30/2025

You may think an addict ain’t worth it, but I promise you — Jesus does.

That’s the part people forget. That’s the part society overlooks. That’s the part the world gets wrong every single day. Because when someone is drowning in addiction, most people only see the mess. The chaos. The consequences. The broken promises. The pain.

But Jesus sees the person.

He sees the battle behind the behavior.
He sees the trauma behind the choices.
He sees the heart beneath the hurt.
He sees the potential beneath the ruins.
He sees the soul beneath the struggle.

People will give up on an addict long before God ever will. They’ll judge from a distance. They’ll criticize what they don’t understand. They’ll label, dismiss, and walk away. But Jesus moves toward the very people the world avoids.

He doesn’t wait for you to get clean to love you.
He doesn’t wait for you to fix yourself to accept you.
He doesn’t wait for you to be perfect to call you worthy.
He meets you in the darkest corner of the darkest room, looks you in the eyes, and says, “You’re still mine.”

Addiction doesn’t disqualify you.
Relapse doesn’t erase you.
Rock bottom doesn’t define you.
Shame doesn’t own you.

Jesus fought for the broken — not the polished.
He walked with the outcasts — not the favored.
He healed the sick — not the self-righteous.
He restored the lost — not the already found.

So when people say, “They’re not worth it,” understand something: their vision is limited. Their grace is limited. Their patience is limited.

God’s isn’t.

He’ll chase you through hell to bring you home.
He’ll sit with you in your withdrawals.
He’ll cover you in your relapse.
He’ll whisper hope into your hopelessness.
He’ll love you when you don’t even love yourself.

Addicts aren’t throwaways. They’re the very people God specializes in saving.

So if no one believes in you… He does.
If no one sees value in you… He does.
If no one thinks you’ll make it… He does.

And His belief carries more weight than the world’s doubt ever will.

— j. anthony | |

11/26/2025

Welcome to Rising Above Ministries Slave Lake!

Please enjoy this short presentation to learn more about who we are, what we do and why we do it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us:

Through Facebook
Phone: (866) 588 - 5405
Email: info@risingabovesl.com

You can also visit our website:

https://www.risingabovesl.com/

We look forward to connecting with you 🙏❤️

11/20/2025

We are proud to call Slave Lake home and we are looking forward to serving this community on a full time basis but we need your help to do it!

As a nonprofit organization we are funded through various sources, including individual donations, government grants, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising events.

We are so honoured and grateful to announce that we have had a member of the community step up and pledge a donation match up to $1000 per month towards Rising Above Ministries Slave Lake.

Our mission is to help people overcome addiction, break cycles of defeat and find hope beyond brokenness.

If you are passionate about this mission and want to help the members of this community that are struggling with addiction, please consider donating to our organization.

Every gift, whether one-time or monthly, helps us provide the tools for lasting change. Together, we can bring hope, healing, and freedom to those in need.

If you feel called to support us please click the link below:

https://www.risingabovesl.com/Donation

You will also be able to find more information about our organization.

If you would like us to come and present to your business in the Slave Lake area feel free to DM us on Facebook or email us at info@risingabovesl.com

God bless everyone who has supported us so far and have partnered with us. We are grateful to help change lives together!

Donate to Rising Above Ministries, Slave Lake