DRUG REHABILITATION MISSION

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you… (Acts 1:8)

Looking back on the road of drug rehabilitation missions, I have come to a deep understanding that drug addicts do not readily accept the Gospel, and therefore a driving force is needed behind the motivation to spread the Gospel. This motivation originates from the Holy Spirit, the power of Christ’s resurrection, which enables believers to preach the gospel boldly; this power is revealed in those who obey God.

God’s Marvellous GuidanceAt the beginning of 2003, I brought my wife and daughter to a new area to provide free drug rehabilitation counselling at a community health centre. Faced with a serious drug problem in that area, we prayed to God and asked Him to prepare a place for us. Miraculously, God led us to a leprosy village in a mountain pass. Despite the rugged mountain roads and the dilapidated state of the former leprosarium, the local village secretary was willing to let us use the place and even waived the rent temporarily. Later, we signed a 30-year subcontract with him and set up Faith Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Park, or “Faith Park” for short.

Due to limited funds and insufficient manpower, there were only a few volunteers and trainees at first. The trainees were depressed, and some even asked to leave; the living conditions in the village were so simple that we could only use firewood to cook and keep warm, and we experienced many difficulties as we had to take care of many daily affairs ourselves. But I firmly believed that God knew I was working for Him and that He would provide for my needs.

After several years of service, we built additional garden facilities, trained national co-workers. We also saw the lives of graduates transformed and their willingness to stay in the garden as co-workers. This made us marvel at how God had done so much through human hands.

In 2008, I returned to Singapore with my family for a duty visit, and I was planning to hand over the ministry to the national co-workers. However, soon after, the lack of manpower and resources to support the national coworkers made it difficult for the work to continue. Heartbroken after hearing this, my wife and I prayed together and decided to return. I thank the Lord for giving me the confidence to continue with this ministry, and for the support and encouragement I received from my brothers and sisters in the church. In 2009, I became a missionary with MMS and continued to serve the drug rehabilitation community in that area.

Moving Towards Community CareIn January 2010, I was appointed as an honorary board member by a local public institution. And in June, I obtained the approval of the local public institution to set up a community care centre to help rehabilitated people develop a healthy self-image, correct values, and good interpersonal relationships. It enhanced their confidence and ability to face pressure and temptation. It was hoped that through various services, we could more fully respond to the needs of the local community with the love of Christ.

Conflicts and ChallengesI faced some challenges. For example, when I was invited to be interviewed by the media and journalists, I felt troubled because my personal information such as my name, background, and place of work would be exposed. I would face great difficulties and challenges; though their intentions were good, and the purpose was to let more people know and encourage the good deeds. In this circumstance, my work in drug rehabilitation training was more important.

On another occasion, my co-worker told me that a relative referred by a government official wanted to stay at Faith Park. However, after understanding his background and current situation, it was difficult for me to arrange for him to be trained in Faith Park because he could not accept the rules for admission, such as no smoking and no mobile phones, and so on. Due to his status and influence, it was difficult for him to understand why we had to impose so many restrictions. However, we treated all admission trainees in the same way. The official then stopped contacting me. This was regrettable. But I believed that God is righteous and loving.

Amazing GraceIn order to equip my co-workers, in 2009 I recommended and accompanied a co-worker to attend a theological course. The seminary teachers encouraged me to take the intensive programme. After 3.5 years of study, in December 2013, I received a degree in Practical Theology. I was able to overcome various difficulties such as my weak foundation, busy schedule, and family commitments to complete my studies, which I had not thought of before. I believed it was all miraculous grace.

God’s power is stronger in times of weakness.

Looking back on the journey of these 20 years or so, it has all been a miraculous work of great power; it was never within my own power. God’s power is stronger in times of weakness, and we learn more in times of trouble than in times of peace. Praise the Lord! His marvellous grace is beyond counting.

In 2024, we will continue to promote drug rehabilitation missions. We are still just getting started in that area and have a long road ahead of us. We need the support and prayers of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ!

Who can comprehend this vision? Who can be anxious about it? Looking at this vast harvest field, there are so many who are lost. May the Lord send His workers to do His work.