In the early 1980s, the seeds of SA were sown in Germany, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for many sexaholics. This writing will tell of some pivotal moments and key players that shaped SA in Germany, highlighting its growth and impact.
Without my therapist telling me about SA, I might not be alive today. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all helping professionals understood how effective SA can be?
I joined my home group in Amman, Jordan a year ago today. Back then there was 12 of us, and we had no in-person meeting. We participated remotely in meetings held in Egypt.
The XII Convention of Sexaholics Anonymous in Colombia In the peaceful town of Paipa, Boyacá, known for its hot springs and mountainous landscape, the XII Annual Convention of Sexaholics Anonymous was held last August. At the “Les Foyers de Charité” Retreat House, 42 men gathered under the theme “Hope for Freedom.” For three days, connection and recovery were the central focus of the event, where commitment to sobriety and hope guided every activity.
Different forces propelled us to the first-ever SA India Workshop Weekend in Ashirvad, Bangalore. These forces included life-threatening spiritual bankruptcy, absolute failure of moderation and self-control, and a serendipitous string of events amidst desperate seeking.
I just got back from the SA/S-Anon International Conventions in Los Angeles. This was the first International Convention in the United States since 2020, and the final registration count was 664! There were another 70 people around the world who joined sessions via livestream. Eleven countries were represented (including Kenya, Israel, and Belgium), 40 of the U.S. states, plus Puerto Rico and Washington D.C.
Last weekend (early April 2024), about 20 SA members spent about 14 hours together for “Truro Recovery Day” in Cornwall, UK (Truro is a quant cathedral city in southwest England). One of the smallest groups in the UK (the Truro meeting) hosted this annual event of the southwest corner of England.
One of the highlights of the international convention in Los Angeles was finally meeting my first (and now former) sponsee, John H. After six years of phone conversations and occasional Zoom meetings, we met in person in California. Being my first sponsee, he often referred to himself as my “guinea pig.”
We have seen many miracles. As a worldwide fellowship, SA carries some heavy responsibility. The Support for Institutions and Professionals Committee (SIP) is organized to address one of these responsibilities head on: sharing our message with various helping professionals and larger institutions. We, who have personally benefited from the miracles of the 12 Steps can now take part in informing those who help people every day.
The 2-day online event, “By Faith and By Works” on March 9 & 10, 2024 was a first-time collaboration effort between the Good Neighbors Committees from both regions.
