HE LOST HIS JOB, HIS FAMILY, AND HIS HOME — BUT NOT HIS LAST CHANCE

Dmytro first came to the Personal Restoration Center of the Christian Mission “New Life” in 2022. He lived in Velykyi Dalnyk, served as a cook, and spent almost seven months going through the restoration program.

After some time, he decided to leave the center and try to rebuild his life on his own. He found a job and stayed away from alcohol and drugs for about a year. It seemed that the difficult period was behind him.

However, gradually, the addiction returned. At first, he convinced himself that he could control his substance use. But over time, it began to affect his work, health, and relationships with other people.

— At first, I called it moderate and controlled use. Then I started using even at work. As a result, I lost my job and ended up on the street, — the man recalls.

By that time, his family relationships had fallen apart, his loved ones had moved away, and he was left almost completely alone. His money ran out, and he no longer had the strength to work. Irritation and aggression grew stronger, and the people around him seemed like enemies.

For some time, the man lived on the street. That was when he realized that he could no longer get out of this situation on his own.

Several years after leaving the center for the first time, he once again turned to the mission for help. At that moment, he was in a very difficult emotional state and could hardly see any reason to continue living.

— I came back here in a terrible condition. I was irritable and aggressive. I had disturbing dreams and shouted in my sleep. I realized that I could not continue living like this, — he says.

Returning did not instantly solve all of his problems. Restoration required time, patience, and a willingness to accept help. The man admits that in the past, pride and the belief that he could handle his life on his own had stood in his way.

Today, he is working as a cook again. Every day, he prepares meals for more than fifty elderly people living in the mission’s shelter. Over time, there have been people among them to whom he has become especially attached.

— There are grandmothers and grandfathers here whom I have already grown to love. Everyone has their own character and habits. At first, it was not easy for me, so I asked them to give me some time. Now I already know each of them and try to help as much as I can, — he says.

The man does not make grand plans or claim that all his struggles are already behind him. He understands that restoration is a daily choice and constant work on oneself.

— I simply live one day at a time. And what comes next, I place in God’s hands. I realized that I cannot make it without the church and support. That is why I stay here and help wherever I can, — he says.

This story shows that returning for help is not a defeat. Sometimes, admitting one’s own weakness becomes the first honest step toward a new life.

Today, the man continues to work, help elderly people, and grow stronger in his faith. There is still a long road ahead, but now he is not walking it alone.