by Brother F, Former drug addict.
I was born into a family of officials. My parents gave birth to me late in life and loved me very much. Although we were not a wealthy family of five, I did not lack money when I was growing up. During my primary school years, I was not a keen learner and did poorly. I left school and started to work when I was in primary 6. In 1989, I opened a jewellery processing shop and made over $10,000 a month. I was the first to get rich at that time. With the new-found wealth, I began to indulge in clubbing at every nightclub: singing karaoke, smoking, drinking, and playing mahjong. I did not return home all night.
In 1990, because of ignorance, boredom, and emptiness, I tried my first mouthful of white powder under the lure of my senior. Since then, I lost control and eventually was bound by drugs. Within ten years, I used up all the funds in the shop, and the shop was closed eventually. I began to lie to my parents and family for money to support my drug abuse. I even started stealing and robbing for drug money.
Between 1995 and 2005, two years of re-education through labour, twice in drug rehabilitation, and a difficult life in prison, I was filled with despair about life. More than ten years of drug abuse made my life worse than death.
One day in 2005, when I was wandering in the street, I met a childhood playmate who was also a drug addict but had successfully recovered from his addiction through faith in Jesus. He told me that Jesus was crucified for our sins, and He rose again on the third day. He also said that only by trusting in Jesus can we be forgiven of our sins and get rid of our drug addiction. When I heard these words, it was like finding light in the darkness.
He introduced me to the Faith Garden Drug Rehabilitation Centre run by a missionary. I began to study, read the Bible, and pray every day. God's Word became a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Like a lost lamb, I found my life direction.
The Bible says that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away, all things have become new. After my conversion, I was transformed. These are the main changes in me:
Quit drugs by God’s power: After believing in the Lord, I have completely kicked my drug addiction. In the past ten years, I tried countless times to quit on my own or by force, but the Lord used His power to help me and heal me.
New outlook on life and values: Through studying the Bible, I have come to understand that sin separates people from God. They do not know God; they are empty, self-centred, and squander their lives. But God loves the world. Jesus died for the sins of all mankind and rose again so that we can be reconciled with God and live an abundant life that glorifies Him. Gradually through knowing Jesus, I found the meaning of life, and my heart is no longer empty.
New work attitude: Jesus has made me a new person with a new pattern of behaviour. My attitude towards work has also changed. I used to work in a fast-food restaurant. Although it seemed to be a humbling and hard job, God gave me new eyes to see the meaning of work. I learnt from Jesus' diligence, humility, and patience, to glorify God in all things, and to love God with all my heart and soul, and to love my neighbour as myself.
Serving former addicts: When I left the drug rehabilitation village in 2006, the words of Luke 22:32 were always in my mind. After returning to GZ, I came into contact with drug addicts, and I had a heavy heart for them. I hope to bring the salvation and grace of Jesus Christ to them in my service, so that they too can have a brand-new life.
In 2007, I served at an existing Christian drug rehabilitation centre in GZ, where I studied the Bible with the drug addicts. After leaving the centre for medical reasons, I joined a college student fellowship. Soon after that, I set up a fellowship of about 20 people. Although I shared the Bible knowledge I learnt from the church with others, I always felt inadequate in my understanding of the Bible.
In 2012, the missionary suggested that I go for theology studies. I did not want to, but since he said so, I agreed without hesitation. So, together with my wife, I applied for a theological college in Singapore. I started my theology studies in 2013 and returned to GZ after my graduation in 2016. To fulfil the Great Commission according to Matthew 28:19-20, I opened a small group fellowship at the end of 2016, and established a church in 2018.
Thank God for His guidance. I have been able to grow spiritually in my service and see the importance of the Great Commission. Serving God and His people will be the path of my life.
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