ABC Schools

The Addictive Behavior Counseling School was created at the request of Dr. Bruce Thompson, then Dean of College of Counseling and Health Care. But we realize now that this school was born out of the heart of God longing to reach out to people largely rejected by society and even the church. Among these, are people addicted to alcohol and other drugs, sex addicts, prostitutes, adults and children living  on the streets, HIV/AIDS people many of whom are not paid attention to in society, nor welcomed in the  church. Jesus, if He were here in the flesh, would likely be right among them, for these are the very kind  of people He spent time with 2000 years ago. So we believe this school is relevant to the needs and cries of people on the fringe of society. Addicts of every kind are found in the top levels of society, too. Professional people are alcoholics and sex addicts and covering their addictions well. But they have  cries of emptiness, loneliness, isolation too! God is for ALL who are hurting. 

The first Addictive Behavior Counseling School began on the University of the Nations campus in Kona, Hawaii in September, 1989 under the leadership of Darv & Carol Smith and Miriam Young. There were 12 students from 5 different countries. This school had 2 outreaches: first to India, Singapore, Malaysia and the second outreach to the Micronesian Islands of Guam, Yap and Palau. Dr. Mel Hanna and Darv led the 1990 Kona School with outreaches to Hong Kong and Micronesia. As a result of an ABC school outreach project researched by Barbara Kasko-Holm and Pat Michels, a rehab program called "Omult" was established in Palau with the help of Linda Subris. This was a prototype for cooperation between various groups, churches, community agencies and ABCS bringing new methods and new teachings into counseling/ rehab approaches. Jungmi pioneered celebrate students did outreaches to Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara, California rehab programs.  Some went on to obtain certification as drug and alcohol counselors. In this year a  new school in Kyiv, Ukraine was begun under Natasha Shur’s leadership. 

In 1999 there was a major shift to expand ABC leadership tp the next generation. In  Kona, Hawaii twelve former students were encouraged and blessed to step into  leadership roles. Linda Subris was released to lead the Kona ABC in 2000. In 2002  Jungwoo Cheon and Fuana Tmarsel initiated ABCS in Jeju, Korea. Robert P. with  Asahang Kasar pioneered ABCS in Lonavala, India in 2006. Debra and Jeremaia Nakora  led the first ABCS in Fiji in 2009. Also in 2009 Jonathan Mumbi, YWAM leader in  Zambia led the first school in Worcester, South Africa. In 2010 the first ABC began in  Uganda. Brazil began its ABC schools in 2011 under the leadership of Paulo and Ieda  da Silva. Mongolia was the site for several 6-week workshops under Jung Mi Park’s  leadership. In a little over a decade God has increased schools, locations and leaders. We are in awe and grateful. 

Schools have continued in many of these locations every year or every other year. The  first mainland USA school began in Salem, Oregon in 2021 under the leadership of  Sandra Beuren and Gustavo Lima and Gabriel Alvim. In the last few year years current leaders are: Abraham Kim in Kona, HI, Dae Jong Lee  in Jeju, Korea, Humbert Perez, Edkarla and Evandro Adriano in Brazil, Gabriel Alvim  and Sandra and Gustavo in Salem, Oregon. 

We are praying for future schools in Viet Nam with Chau, in Singapore, and again in  Worcester, South Africa and one day on the island of Trinidad. 

There are rehab programs in India set up by ABC grads Ashang Kasar (men’s program)  and another with Mayola Ngamchio leading a women’s and men’s rehab program. In  Currtiba, Brazil Paulo has been running a successful rehab program. We are grateful  for the hard work and visions fulfilled in these places. ABC is committed to pioneer  ministries in the nations through our outreaches which are generally in developing  nations. Our vision from the outset has been to have culturally diverse schools in  keeping with scripture and YWAM values. God has given us students from every  continent. We are grateful for His guiding hand in shaping these schools and making  them faithful to the written Word and guided by the Spirit. 

We acknowledge that these schools and programs began in the heart of God.  Addiction in all its many forms is a source of hurt and pain over the whole world. The  scripture repeatedly describes God’s heart as tender toward those who are broken,  acknowledge it, and need healing and the care of a shepherd. God sees the big  picture of the needs of the world and we want to see those needs through His eyes.