“Many of us need a second chance. But are we truly able to receive it?”

By God’s grace, Steven received a second chance in life, choosing to live for God and loving a community that needs him.

Growing up in Keningau, Sabah, Steven was a playful child, often frustrating others with his tricks and earning punishment from his dad. He spent his childhood visiting his grandma’s bustling café and exploring the nearby mountains. Those were blissful years when he was an innocent child and life was easy.

The Fall

As a teenager, Steven did not have a good relationship with his parents. There was a lack of communication at home, and he preferred spending time with friends outside. This rebellious phase eventually led to drug abuse.

For six years, Steven tried to quit drugs but without success. His father had beaten him with a water pipe and iron rod to make him stop. But his addiction led to more lies, borrowing from loan sharks, and ultimately estrangement from his family, evading their search as he roamed the streets alone.

His health also deteriorated and he was hospitalised due to gastric bleeding from excessive drinking. By then, Steven felt like he had lost his dignity and confidence, and contemplated suicide four times.

The Turning Point

In November 2021, when he was 27 years old, he stood on a bridge and tried to jump off. But somehow, he couldn’t muster the courage. Amidst the dismal situation, God was watching over Steven. Shortly after, he received a call from his family urging him to come home. With no other options, he resolved to go home.

Steven recalled, “When I arrived, the one who opened the door wasn’t my family but the father of a close friend who had successfully quit drugs. This elder used to tell me about Jesus and I would scold him until he left. This time, he said only one phrase: ‘You’re finally home.’ I ignored him and went into the house.”

“My friend’s father showed me images of an addiction treatment centre in Kajang, Selangor. He explained their anti-drug programmes, their daily routines and prayer devotions. At the time, I really wanted to scold him again.”

Despite that, Steven’s father, who had finally acknowledged and admitted his drug use, firmly urged him to change. His father offered two options – quit drugs or face estrangement – as he had threatened to disown him.

Not wanting to sever ties with his family, Steven agreed, reasoning that it was worth the effort. He reported himself to the police and Agensi Anti Dadah Kebangsaan (AADK), and travelled from Sabah during the lockdown. “The process was not easy, but I went through every department, bought a flight ticket, and checked into the treatment centre,” said Steven.

The Recovery

At the centre, Steven was confined to a recovery room for two weeks. He was fatigued from severe sleep deprivation as most addicts are. He recalled happily, “The centre provided plenty of food, and we could eat as much as we wanted. Gradually I regained my energy. There was also a TV from outside the window which broadcasted Christian testimonies, and I would watch since there was nothing to do.”

But due to years of drug use, he had issues with his bladder. The pain was unbearable and painkillers did not work. One night it was so painful that lying down was impossible. In desperation, Steven recalled TV programs on how to talk to God, and decided to try it. He went down on his knees and prayed, “God, if You’re that powerful, let me have a good sleep tonight, so that I will believe that You are a true God.”

He repeated it many times and eventually fell asleep. Previously, he would wake up multiple times during the night, needing to urinate every 10 minutes. But that night, he slept until morning.

The next night, he faced the same issue and prayed again. This time, he talked more to God, reflecting on his life, shedding tears and crying aloud. A senior noticed and gave him a Bible. God began the spiritual healing process from then on, guiding Steven through His Word.

In May 2022, urged by his family, Steven visited a doctor for a check-up. Praying for healing, he made a promise that he would stay at the center if God healed him. He did this half-heartedly, not really expecting God to answer. To his surprise, his condition didn’t turn out as bad after a month of tests. The doctor even said he could recover up to 60%. A year later during another check-up, his bladder was completely healed, with no wounds at all!

The Reconciliation

Steven then prayed for reconciliation with his family, vowing to serve God if his relationships were restored. Over time, communication improved slowly through short letters. Despite the brevity, he cherished the contact.

Once, he invited his dad to an anti-drug event in Sabah, but his father’s curt response was, “I’m not free. If I got time, I’ll go. If not, I won’t go.” This left Steven disheartened and he refrained from expecting too much.

But during the event itself, he noticed his parents in the audience as he took the stage. Overwhelmed with emotion, tears streamed down his cheeks. It was the first time he apologised for the years of pain he had caused them and to himself.

“Our God is truly wonderful,” Steven said, realising that God had His own timing and had orchestrated this moment of reconciliation. From then on, their relationship improved. His dad confessed, “This is the first time you’re being a son and the first time I’m being a dad. Since you gave me a chance to forgive you, I hope you’ll give me a chance to be a good dad to you.”

>>READ: When We Just Can’t Stop (Overcoming Addiction)

>>READ: Breaking Free From Addictions

>>READ: Why Am I So Lonely?

The Life Purpose

Grateful for a new life, Steven chose to stay on at the centre to serve God, helping other addicts on their journey to recovery. “My parents wanted me to return home, but I felt it wasn’t the right time,” Steven explained. He has been clean for three years, and he now coordinates activities, leads devotions, and offers encouragement to members regularly. There are challenges while guiding and mentoring them, but he’s willing to face them based on biblical principles like humility, patience and mercy because he understands the struggles of addicts and the journey to recovery.

Today, Steven is grateful for a supportive group of Christians who has welcomed him into a church community. He was initially worried that he would be treated differently, but they showed only love, patience, kindness and no judgement. He also expressed gratitude to his friend’s father for introducing him to Jesus and the center, acknowledging their role in his transformation.

“The Bible is my treasure now,” said Steven, who emphasises the importance of reading God’s Word everyday and also engaging in devotionals like Our Daily Bread. The end of his drug journey has marked a fresh start, and as life unfolds, Steven believes the path will not always be easy, but it’s ultimately our choice on how we navigate those paths.

He urges communities, including churches, schools, and families, to pay more attention to young people and those around them, encouraging them to ask, “How are you?” – a simple question that can save lives.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
(2 Corinthians 5:17)

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