“Only God Can Change the Human Heart”

1. How and why did you get involved in this ministry?

After I completed the program myself, I wanted to return to my normal life: doing business, making money - living the way I used to. But I had a great feeling of gratitude for literally being dragged out "from that world." And at some point, God especially touched my heart, and I realized that He was calling me to this social and personal ministry.

The key to it all was the Rehabilitation center’s website – they had collected feedback from people who went through the program and their parents. I was greatly influenced by how these people’s destinies changed because of this ministry. I couldn’t remain indifferent to these stories, as well as my personal story of liberation.

This led me to the realization that people need to be helped. Addicts and codependents need help and this need resonated in my heart. However, I never thought that I would spend my personal time on other people, because there are much more important personal goals - this is how I used to reason. Now I have a completely different vision.

2. What is the most difficult part of your ministry?

Each person who comes to the program, that you begin to communicate, interact with and provide assistance, becomes close to you, and you literally absorb their life story into yourself. But you cannot make this person understand your mind, your thoughts or your vision of their situation and make them change. At this moment, you clearly realize that you are only a human being, and only God can change a human heart.

I think the hardest thing for me is to realize my own powerlessness. But we have a mighty God!

3. Please share with us how this program works?

First, we connect with a person on the phone, and then conduct a personal meeting. Then we describe the conditions and requirements of the program, the main one being their desire to participate in the program. Unfortunately, if a person does not have a strong desire to free himself from addiction, then all our efforts will be in vain.

In the center there is a clear daily routine that must be observed, one must be obedient to the guys in charge. We try to instill the skills of self-organization and taking care of the people around us, not merely thinking about ourselves. With these biblical principles and more, we help provide the foundations for their spiritual life.

It is very important to teach obedience, humility, and learning to accept the established rules. I always say that a rehabilitation program is a difficult path, only real men can do it. Real courage, in my opinion, just lies in humility and obedience, the ability to respect others, all in obedience to God.

4. How do people find you? How do they know about this program?

Some people reach out through ads that we post regularly. Some find us via the Internet, and others through “word of mouth.” Some are people who have already started the program, but did not complete it. They come back to us again. Someone went through the program completely, but over time returned to their previous destructive lifestyle, and so they reach out for help.

5. What is the relapse rate?

It is difficult to say, as it strongly depends on each individual person. We try to equip them with all the necessary skills for a sober life. If a person observes these rules and has love and fear of God, then there will be almost no relapse.

Most of the people who turn to us are not ready to obey and do not follow what is recommended. I repeat, we instruct them with the whole set for understanding, but whether a person will comply with this is his personal decision will determine their outcome.

6. What scope of possibilities in serving addicts?

Sin has not left our planet. People continue to use drugs and alcohol. And then there’s internet addiction, pornography, gambling addiction and other types of addictions are actively on the rise. The age at which a person falls into different addictions becomes younger and younger. Even mothers of kids aged 11-14 years old often come to us.

It’s a shame that many are put off by the spiritual component of our program, but we are merely re-instilling some forgotten values which were simply destroyed by our modern society. Not surprisingly, gospel principles have been the most important component of a healthy society recently. So we instill the biblical skills of the Christian life that our ancestors lived by.

Still, almost half of those who come to us for help refuse to accept our help precisely because of the Christian component of the program. But then, many rejected Jesus when they realized He wanted to change their lives too.

7. Does your family support you in your ministry?

After I completed my rehab course, the relationships with my family were completely restored. Plus, how could my mom disapprove of the ministry that brought her son back to life and back to her? My sister also supports me, but it is my spouse who helps me most of all. She gives me wonderful perspective and many helpful tips that I use often.

8. How has the coronavirus pandemic affected your ministry?

I had to rebuild a lot and make separate spaces and rooms for quarantine. For some time, we did not accept people at all, as there were high risks of infection. As it is now, we ask everyone to provide medical certificates and negative Covid result upon admission.

God is still at work and we are rejoicing in every life He changes. He is building His kingdom one rescued person at a time!

"Center for Rehabilitation" at "St. Petersburg Church of Evangelical Christians-Baptists" - Central Church House of Prayer on Poklonnaya Hill   https://poklongora.ru/