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| Maksim, Sergey and Gena, set free by Jesus |
Once addicted, always addicted. Once a thief, always a thief. That's right, or isn't it?
Thank God, at Traveling Light we know this is NOT true. Every year we encounter tens, if not, hundreds, of people who have received a new life against all odds. Men like Maksim (do you recognize him?), Sergey and Gena from Kiev. (Please check our projects tab to see how you were able to help them in 2011 and 2012)
They can tell you bizarre stories of their lives on the street, in prison, on drugs and alcohol. Horrible stories of a life in hell on earth. Condemned or ignored by society because of their wrong choices. If we wouldn't know any better, hopeless cases...
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| Maksim in New Dehli, India |
Maksim used injection drugs for sixteen years and has been in prison twice (five years). Gena lived on the streets and was involved in criminal activity for thirty years. He also used injection drugs for twenty years and was in prison. twice. Sergey used drugs as well. Hopeless cases? That's what most people would think.
Somehow they came in contact with Teen Challenge. During their time in the rehabilitation program they encountered the love of God. A God who showed them unlimited grace and picked them up from the deepest pit of darkness.
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| Gena has many reasons to smile again |
Maksim has been clean for more than three years, Gena more than four years and Sergey even longer. Last week Maksim returned from a mission trip to India with YWAM as part of the DTS (Discipleship Training School) he attended. Gena travels all over Ukraine and gives drugs prevention classes. And, oh yes, Sergey is the National director of Teen Challenge Ukraine.
Hopeless cases? God has a different opinion and so do we at Traveling Light. Please, never forget that your gifts are so much more than just funds to support a program or project. Humans lives are being changed, forever, for eternity! There is no better investment... this is literally storing up treasures in heaven. (And by doing so you will never be in a financial crisis).
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. [John 8:36]