New beginnings with New Life
New Life is a Christian support group for people who suffer from drug addiction.
SECUNDA – Drug addiction is a huge struggle and not everyone knows where to begin when they want to make that big change of stopping.
Aftercare support groups are hard to come by, but with New Life there is hope.
New Life can help you by giving you the tools in guidance and support when taking steps both before and after recovery.
New Life is a Christian-based support group that works with the Lighthouse Church in Secunda.
Recovering drug addicts Mr Johann (Wacky) Botha, Mr Gert van Zyl and Ms Adeline Hibbert spoke to the Ridge Times about their involvement in drugs and how New Life has given them hope and the opportunity to become a part of society again without being judged or looked down upon.
“We want to help people by bringing Jesus into their lives, but we also want to help them gain their self confidence to the right level so that they are confident enough to go out on their own,” Mr van Zyl said.
Drugs are easily accessible in and around Secunda and many journeys begin with the involvement with alcohol and the wrong group of friends.
Ms Hibbert said: “The first time I walked into New Life I felt so at home, I felt safe and could speak my mind and I could tell my story of mishaps and failures without being judged.”
Drug users will do anything to get their supply, even if it means dealing in the drug, stealing or harming others in order to get their next fix.
“I wanted to get clean and to meet Jesus in my life.
“We began with just three members in September last year and to date we have over 30 members,” Mr Botha said.
New Life works with councillors and rehabilitation programmes and will help you whether you are addicted to drugs, alcohol or even if you have problems with aggression or abuse.
New Life is available 24/7 to everyone of all ages and race who want to make a change or who have relapsed and need a support system.
“These guys are the real deal,” said Past Derek Chester-Brown of Lighthouse Church.
For more information, contact Mr Botha at 074 193 1670 or Mr Van Zyl at 076 325 9155.
