Meet Maxim (Max-eem), a young guy Kasey and I met last October at the Salvation Rehabilitation Center in Pestravka, Russia. He was a few weeks or months (I can’t remember) into his rehabilitation from drugs. Not your “typical” drug addict (or what your image of one might be.) He was a straight-A student with a photographic memory…easily passing exams without even attending classes. As he tells it, being the middle child in his family, as well as someone who was always obedient and dependable, resulted in his being “unnoticed” by his parents. And that was the slippery slope for him. In and out of other rehabs…married with a son…but nothing could keep him away from the next drug-induced high.
Until now. Until Jesus. Until he realized that he could do all things through the strength of Christ. And when did that light bulb turn on?
“When you and Kasey came to us,” he said, “and told us not to quit our rehab–that our character flaw was ‘giving in’ to the easy way out of our struggles–that we COULD and MUST finish, and that you would be back to see who would, I understood that it was possible for me. ”
Now you know why I am in Russia. Why I keep returning. Why I love this mission. And why I know God loves me–and Maxim–and you.
Drugs are a terrible disaster and very few people find their way back to their purity. There has to be something they could hold on to, like faith in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. There are even less people who are able to inspire with that faith to the extent that the others would hold on to it. And you are right for your mission, because you are one of those rare individuals that can.
Well…thank you, Galina. But in reality, I have no special ability at all. I only have God’s love that I’m willing to share. Truth is truth in any situation … so I don’t have to know anything about drug addiction (and I don’t!) but I do know that Jesus saves (everyone who asks from everything that falls short of God’s glory).
Amen. You are one of God’s favorite people. He has called you for this mission and your passion shows. We all love you for answering the call.
Thanks, Denise! I feel your love.
Wonderful story of God’s power and love for Maxim. Jesus has really used you to bring a message of hope and encouragement and accountability. Praise God.
Yes, Praise God! So exciting to see young shoots start to grow. And others producing fruit. LOVE IT!
Oh Jeanette, what a wonderful validation of God’s call on your life. This story really lifted me today. Thank you.
Isn’t it just like God…to give us opportunities to lift one another up, even from half-a-world away.
Praise the Lord for choosing us to give the opportunities to share His love.
Amen, brother John!