Former drug addict, jail bird and gangster shares his testimony at the Secunda Reformed Chuch of how he was saved from a life of crime

SECUNDA – Mr Wilfred Mckay’s (47) life changed from being a drug addict and gangster to that of a reborn Christian and helper at a rehab centre after the birth of his child.

He was one of several people who shared their testimonies at the Secunda Reformed Church last weekend when their team visited Secunda.

“I grew up in Hanover Park. My father was an alcoholic, but my mother is a stunning God-fearing woman.

“I got involved with politics at school and eventually ended up in a gang at the age of 15. I became addicted to Tik and eventually dropped out of school. I felt that was where I belonged.

“I was a leader and a troublemaker. At the age of 18 I was sent to jail for the first time for drugs and at 21 I went to prison for eight and a half years because of robbery. Again I felt some protection because of my gang affiliations.”

Mr Mckay spent years in and out of prison and was considered to be a veteran by his peers. He eventually spent more time on his drug habit than on the gang.

“I hit rock bottom. You can never get the same high as your first time and you end up chasing that dragon.”

He found out he was to become a father when a friend told him that one of the girls he had slept with, was pregnant.

“I was 35 years old and had nothing, and that is what made me realise I needed help. My son’s mom was also a drug user.”

Mr Mckay seek help from his brother-in-law, Past Craven Engel.

He is now a married man and a father who applies his leadership skills to help others in his community find their way out of drug abuse and gangsterim.