A life without drugs

He begged the police to put him back in his prison cell when he realised the people who were there to take him “home” were taking him to a rehabilitation centre in Steenbokpan. These strangers drove all the way from a farm in the Bushveld to a prison in Hillbrow after a desperate call from his mother. They were there to give him hope - a possible escape from a life of drug addiction which stretched over 12 year.
That was 16 months ago and today Levon Gravett works at The Centre of Hope on the farm of Danie and Surita Steenkamp to help other addicts like him. He recently gave his testimony during a morning service at the Agapé church in Lephalale.
“Although I was arrested for shoplifting and desperately ill from the drugs I have been using, I did not want to go to rehab. I have been in and out of rehab, but I had no desire to give up the drugs. When police told me I had no choice I decided to see it through for a few months and to then return to my old life. When I arrived at the centre, I was still very ill and in a lot of pain.
One evening I couldn’t stand the pain anymore. I have been hearing from the counsellors at the centre that my only hope was a new life in Christ. I prayed: “God if you are there, take away this pain.” The next morning I woke up without any pain and I knew that my life would never be the same again. I believe that God has a purpose for everybody and mine is to help young people who have given up on life and on themselves. I hope that my testimony can give hope to addicts and their parents – that there is a way out.
For information on the Centre of Hope in Steenbokpan phone 014 766 0046 or send an email to info@thecentreofhope.co.za. - Valerie Cilliers (valerie@noordnuus.co.za)