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Addiction Rehabilitation Center in Volgograd |
The small room was crowded and Dima's expression made it very clear he didn't want to hear what the American Christians were saying. He nervously leaned against the back wall then shifted over to stand against the stair rail. Gary, one of the GAiN team members, was talking to the men about addiction recovery. He spoke of God's love and forgiveness (the Gospel message), inviting each one into a relationship with their Maker.
Gary was acutely aware of each person in the room, their expressions and demeanor. He was drawn to this troubled young man huddled in the back corner and made a point of speaking to him after the group presentation. As Gary gently conversed with Dima, the Spirit prompted him to do something out of the ordinary. Gary took off his watch and gave it to Dima. As he handed the watch to him, Gary explained to Dima that he would commit to pray for him every day. In turn, Dima promised to give careful consideration to the direction of his life and the path he would take in the future. Dima's eyes flooded with tears and one big tear trickled down his cheek as he stood thinking about this generous, loving gesture by a complete stranger. The hard shell a destructive lifestyle built around him, began to crack ever so slightly.
The exchange of the watch and the promise took place in early February, 2011. Gary did not share what he had done with any of the team members but quietly went home and faithfully began to intercede for Dima on a daily basis, sometimes several times a day. Months went by and there was no communication from Dima or anyone at the Rehab Center, but Gary continued praying for Dima's heart and his future.
Fast forward 10 months to mid December 2011. As Gary was working in his bee warehouse, he removed his newly purchased watch and set it on top of a stack of boxes. One of his employees walked by, saw the watch and asked if it was new. Up to this time, Gary had not divulged the story about Dima to anyone. Sensing this as a "divine appointment", Gary took the opportunity to tell his employee about Dima, the gift of his other watch and the promise to pray.
The following day after Gary relayed the watch story to his employee , an email arrived from Nastia, one of the volunteers who worked at the Rehab Center. Gary's heart leaped for joy as a tear ran down his cheek when he read the heartfelt message. Dima wished to express his sincere gratitude for Gary's prayers and support. He had finished the rehab program and became "a strong advocate for Jesus Christ". God answered Gary's prayers by renewing Dima's heart and mind.
Knowing he would be back in the Volgograd region in February 2012, Gary replied to Nastia's email in hopes of somehow arranging a meeting with Dima. But Jehovah Jirah (God the provider) was at work because the Rehab Center in the Hidden Village was already on the schedule for a visit from the GAiN team.
Gary and Nastia, the volunteer from the Rehab Center |
All the residents were waiting for us to arrive in the dining hall. Emotions ran high in anticipation of meeting Dima and hearing his testimony. Our team did the usual performances (including the comedy skit) which seemed to bring great joy to the residents. After the director and several other residents spoke, everyone was served a delicious hot lunch of meat balls, mashed potatoes, pickled tomatoes and baby pickles grown in their own garden from the seeds we brought them last year! The Rehab Center grows much of their own food and has goats, chickens, cows and geese to help train and feed those who come here to make a life change.
Gary and Dima's reunion |
Finally the moment came when Dima and Gary were reunited. A warm hug and deep expression of gratitude for Gary's perseverance in prayer spilled from Dima's heart. His face, as you can imagine, was shining with the light and love of Christ dwelling in him. Dima shared that he never forgot the commitment Gary made to him or the promise he made to Gary. He continued to say, knowing Gary was praying for him made a huge difference. Dima graduated from the program and is now going through training to become a counselor for others who come seeking change in their lives at the Rehab Center.
People often ask, "Why do you spend so much time and money to go on these trips? Do you really think you can make a difference?" The answer is yes, we know from stories like Dima's that a faith filled person can and does make a huge difference to someone who is lost, hurting and seeking change. I would not trade all these wonderful experiences with God for any amount of money, fame or pleasure. When you step back after a trip and ruminate on what took place, you know without a doubt, you've been on the front lines where God is working! There is nothing more satisfying in life than serving Him with like minded people who have a heart for the lost and a passion to follow wherever the Spirit leads.
Dima's peaceful countenance |
Not only does a follower of Christ make a difference in the lives of those who are seeking, we also have profound impact on each other. Gary often leads devotions and always challenges us to walk out our faith and to never say no to God! Serving with passionate, mature Christians keeps us sharp and the fire in our bellies we carry home compels us to even greater service to our wonderful Messiah, Savior and Lord.
Would you prayerfully consider stepping out of your comfort zone to reach out in Christ's love to the least and the lost? What have you got to lose? Perhaps the most exciting experience of a life time awaits you.....will you go? Will you make the sacrifice, leave your comforts at home and take the Good News to those who are dying to hear? I challenge you to consider this! You will never be the same!