Poland
Two trains. One track. Thousands of pounds hurling down the track at high velocity.
The end result can only be a disaster.
When the train of false beliefs about oneself, the world, God and the people around us flies headlong toward the truth, the same thing happens. Disaster.
Feelings of hostility and isolation cause a total derailment—psychological problems, addictions, divorces, law violations, and homelessness.
Here at New Life Center, we don’t do repairs because men don’t come with spare parts. Rather, we make an effort to lock arms and keep in step with the man in need—the man whose life has meaning for us, in spite of everything that has happened.
The effort to accompany such a troubled man leads to various results. But those who begin their therapy by looking for the God revealed in the Bible gain a new life—and a fresh start.
Darek graduated from the New Life Center 7 years ago. This is his story.
A Slippery Slope
My name is Darek and I’m 37 years old. For seven years now I’ve been a believer—but it wasn’t always like this.
Before I came to God, my life looked completely different—one big mess really. For many years I lived in the streets, homeless and addicted to many things.
It was my addictions that drove me to the streets. It was my pride, my greed, my envy, and my hatred for the people around me—and probably for myself, as well—that put me on that slippery slope.
My life sunk so low I landed twice in the hospital, and there I realized my life was senseless and hollow.
In 2009, I left the hospital, and somehow I found my way into one of the evangelical fellowships in Warsaw. I’ve been a part of that church ever since, and I’m very happy with the time I’ve spent there.
That’s where I first met the people who told me about God and about Jesus—the One who is risen, the One who is alive. They kept sending me to different Christian rehab centers to help me change my life.
It was clear I just wasn’t able to do it alone—though I tried many times. But the time spent at the centers was all for nothing. Every time, I would drop out and hit the streets again.
Then it happened.
I remember it was sometime before the New Year’s Eve. A brother from the church invited me over to his house. For some reason I didn’t like this idea, and every time he asked, I would think of an excuse.
In the end, however, I ended up going. The day after, the first day of the year, he took me back to Warsaw. I remember I just stood in the street and wondered what to do next.
I tried to pray, even though I had no idea how. I was stumbling over the words, and tears were just flowing from my eyes. I suddenly realized I had just given my life to Jesus.
A week later I found myself at the New Life Center in Dluga Goslina. And there, I learned about the real love—God’s love. I also learned a lot of things I’d never even thought of applying in my own life.
My time there gave me the opportunity to look at the world from a completely different perspective. I finally saw what I had to do turn my life around.
Today I know that everything I achieved at the center I owe to God alone. The fact that I am a changed man, He takes all the credit for that—the real living God, the One who was, is, and will be in my heart for the rest of my days.
This year marks the seventh anniversary of my graduation from the New Life Center.
I am a part of a fellowship of believers, I have a steady job and a roof over over my head. Ever since, I’ve also been completely free of all my addictions. Again, for that I give thanks to God alone.
I know that even though I may slip up from time to time, I am on my way—the Way who is the Lord Jesus Christ. I hold on tight to His principles, I read God’s Word, I pray and trust our Lord, who in His grace gives me enough strength every day never to return to my past life.
Just to close up, some words from Proverbs.
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Prov 3:1-5).
More Success Stories
One undeniable proof that we see in the life of a changed New Life Center resident is the ability to hold a job and be known as an honest and loyal worker.
We are very happy to be working with Hilding Anders Poland Ltd., a mattress production company.
Thanks to the management’s attentiveness, openness, and professionalism we were able to get a few of our graduates hired there. And we are proud to report that they are known around the company as responsible workers and amazing people.
For the last six months, New Life Center residents, Mateusz and Mariusz
Now, they are building on this foundation at work.
Mariusz hard at work.
Mateusz hard at work.
Thank you for your support of the New Life Center!
About the Author
Summer Kelley is a writer and follower of Jesus living in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and three kids. She’s had the honor and privilege of telling ITMI’s stories since 2006. Summer loves reading, the outdoors and Coca-Cola Classic.