Testimonies

Denis’s Story

“This feeding program gave me the chance to change my life.

“I was addicted to drugs (heroin) for 12 years and didn’t see any way out. My goal was to find a heroin fix twice a day to feel normal. In addition, I became seriously sick with two very dangerous diseases.

“When I saw your team distributing food for free, I was very suspicious. I thought, ‘That’s impossible – somebody gives without wanting to gain something.’ I couldn’t comprehend this.

“For me, I maintained a neat hairstyle and clothing, but the others smelled bad and had dirty clothes. And yet your team could hug them and shake their hands. Your team talked with them like equals – like they were on the same level with you. We who live on the street can tell those who are faking it immediately. Your team loved us sincerely. I came to understand that God loves me and wants to give me a chance to change my life.

“Now I’m in a recovery program with other drug and alcohol addicts. We pray and study the Bible together. Please pray that God will strengthen me.”

Tony’s Story

In December 2009, Tony came in contact with Gene and our ministry team in Israel. At 23 years old, Tony had been on the streets of Tel Aviv since he was 13 and was a drug user.

He was married to a young woman, *Maria, who was in her early 20s. Maria was kicked out of her home when she was 15 and had been living on the streets as well.

On this December evening, Tony and Maria came to get something to eat from our team. The team had shared God’s love with them, and Gene toldTony and Maria about God’s plan for their redemption and a new life.

It was not long before Tony accepted Yeshua as his Redeemer and Lord. Some time later, Maria also accepted Yeshua as her Lord.

Since then, Gene has been working with Tony and Maria. He has helped them get into an apartment of their own, and they are beginning to participate in a church fellowship.

About three weeks ago, Tony called Gene and said, “I have something to tell you – I want you to be the first to know: Maria is pregnant and we are going to have our first baby.”

Gene has become not only a spiritual mentor to Tony and Maria, but a spiritual father to them as well.

Michael’s Story

“Before I came to know God as my Redeemer, my life was a mess. I had filled it with all kinds of sin: alcohol, adultery, speaking evil of others, along with many other sins.

“I heard of the men’s shelter and was allowed to come into the program. There, I started reading the Bible and praying. I asked God to forgive me of my sins, and He did. My life is turned around now. I am feeling so much better and my health is improving.

“I have found peace in my heart and I find joy in working and being useful. It is on my heart to help people. I have a new foundation for my life in Messiah and He gives me a sense of purpose and hope. I have had the great joy of being baptized in the name of Yeshua HaMashiah (Jesus the Messiah).

“I want to serve God with my life and with my music. My desire is to learn the Word of God and to live according to His Word, as it says in Ephesians 6:17: ‘And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.’

“I am grateful for Gene and the men’s shelter.”

Alexander’s Story

“My whole life has been one of searching for pleasures and sin. When I was 27, I became an alcoholic. My life became a living hell and I was continuously drunk. I was arrested and placed in jail. After I got out of jail, there was no change and I continued to drink and live in sin.

“I got involved in adultery and my wife left me. Not long after that, I was arrested again and put in jail. There I realized there was no hope and no help. Then I thought about God and what I had heard about Him, that He has never forsaken us. I prayed, crying out to God, asking Him to forgive me and the sins in my life. God forgave me and I felt a peace and a calm.

“When I was released, I asked Gene and Sasha (one of the men helping Gene in street ministry) and they told me about the men’s shelter. They allowed me to come live there. God is performing miracles. I am reconciling with my wife and I want to restore our family. I am free from alcohol and cigarettes. I give praise to our Savior Yeshua. I want to devote my life to serve Him.”