Psalm 100:5 "Give thanks to Him...for the Lord is good and his love endures forever.'
Seldom have I observed such desperation for life.
These addicts have been a heart beat from death.
In Maracaibo, Venezuela, 224 found new life in our Savior!
Hugo Chavez, dictator/president, has strong ties to the Colombian Drug Lords. Consequently, help to drug addicts is less than minimal. To further aggravate the problem, he has stated on nation-wide TV, "If you have no food, then rob! If your neighbor has 2 cars, you have a perfect right to steal one of them," Seems that I have also heard about the "redistribution of wealth" here in the USA.
We reached out to people in the Drug and Alcohol "Rehabilitation City", a 7 square block area now housing 130 addicts (75% men and 25% women), desperately seeking freedom from their drug and alcohol addiction. Their ages are from 15 to 72. Backgrounds range from common laborers to lawyers, doctors, and engineers. All have a common denominator...they are without hope!
As a prosperous executive, Ender Lopez received Christ at the age, of 37. His self pleasing life changed the very next day and he began to reach out to others. Nine years ago he launched the "Rehabilitation City". Seeking last chance help. addicts ask to be admitted because of the testimony I of others who have found solutions in this refuge. From the outset, they learn that Christ in their lives offers the first step toward liberation from their slavery addiction.
Impact Team
To be free from outside influences, they are not allowed to leave the compound for 3 months, at which time a 3 day leave is granted, followed by another 3 months of internment. Total program time is 11 months. They pay $1.60 per day for food and lodging (average salary in Venezuela is $8 per day). If they lack resources, they are never turned away.
Family members of addicts were bussed in to our meetings. They came I gladly because their loved ones are finding a new life.
One night as we were leaving the compound, 25 year old Marvin stuck his head through our open car window. "Thank you for coming to share Christ with us. Look at my neck where I was stabbed 20 times and shot in the chest 3 times. I spent 4 years in prison...all because of my drug addition.
Now, Christ has made me free forever!!!'
Marvin
The first night, 93 came to Christ! During our time in Maracaibo, 224 found new life in our Savior!
All staff members are former addicts who have been liberated. Funding comes largely from graduates who have returned to their former professions with success. They give from hearts of gratitude.
Jesus Lopez: "My girlfriend and I lived in a cemetery where we each slept in a tornb every night. With no recourse to feed our drug addiction, we robbed anyone, any place. I even robbed my own parents. I come from an affluent family and enjoyed the best education available here in Venezuela... where my drug use started. My parents sent me to Boston for higher education. That's where I hit on "heavy drugs ". When I returned to Venezuela I regressed to the bottom of the pit. An ex-addict friend told me how he had received new life at the "Rehabilitation City". With nothing to lose and everything to gain, my girlfriend and I sought admittance. Now, 5 years later, my girlfriend (now my wife) and I have found Christ and freedom from slavery. We serve on staff as directors of the women's section. Thank you for allowing me to be your sound technician during this Impact Crusade."
Alexander: "When I approached the director, Ender Lopez, regarding admittance, as a slave to alcohol and drugs, I had not taken a bath in years! Ender told me, 'This place is for drug addicts and alcoholics, not fools! Go clean up and we might admit you,' I was the least among the dregs of society like you can't even imagine. Now, Christ and the valuable teachings about true life here at the center have made me a new creature. On staff, I am in charge of the men's section. Sometimes, an addict in one of my classes exclaims... 'I'm sure there is no hope for me!' I look him in the eyes and tell him... I was worlds worse than you are...Look at me now!!
Thank you for sending me to Venezuela!
Also, 224 Venezuelans thank you! From certain death they now have new life!
Talk about THANKSGIVING!!!!
Carlos & Ruth Perdomo, Bruce Woodman