150 Men Heard The Gospel In Isolated Rehab Center

The door opened in an Asian country (undisclosed due to Christian persecution) to be able to visit a drug rehab center that housed 150 men. My friend who was also my local guide in that country took me by van on a 4 hour trip through the mountainous tribal range to reach the rehab center. On arriving we were introduced to one of the main rehab coordinators. The coordinator then brought us to a small room where the 150 men were waiting quietly for us to be introduced. During the introduction the coordinator said, “We are hardcore drug addicts and alcoholics, society has despised us, they always humiliate and discriminate us but by the grace of God we got the opportunity to be here." This statement that was made still echoes in my heart today. I saw the faces of these 150 men as they looked so desperate for hope, and you could tell that these men have been on a tough journey.

I was able to share my testimony and the gospel of Jesus Christ. We were able to pray for the 150 men for Gods deliverance, and shared Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." The time was truly amazing, these precious men gave their undivided attention and all heard the salvation message, 13 of them prayed for the first time to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior.

TAKE AWAYS - This was one rehab center out of four that I was able to visit and share the gospel in. One of the major eye openers was how the culture viewed drug addicts in this society. It was made known that once you were labeled a drug addict you were cut off from normal social society. The discrimination that an addict faces from neglect and rejection makes it very difficult to reintegrate. Which keeps a recovered addict from progressing in society.