R4TW Project - The Hiding Place
The Hiding Place began in 2003 in a small appartment in the city. Within a year it outgrew these premises and moved to 2 separate houses in a nearby village. Currently the Hiding Place is home to 20 male and 15 female former addicts.
Background Information
The Hiding Place offers freedom and hope for the increasing numbers of Kazakhs and Russians caught up in the downward spiral of substance abuse. Addicts join for a two-year programme of detoxification and rehabilitation. Discipleship studies and service in the local community help the former addicts to grow in their faith and become equipped for life and ministry. Many go on to return to their families and find employment while several are currently working as members of staff at the centre. Local government officials have applauded the work of the centre as making a real difference in people’s lives.
In 2008 the Hiding Place will offer 20 men and 15 women the life-transforming opportunity to get to know Jesus and be free from addiction. Funds are needed for operating costs, winter heating and a major renovation of the men's building.
Larissa's Story
Larissa was a mess, lying in front of her house where her husband had thrown her, covered with bruises, blood and dirt.
'She is just crazy and spends every cent she has on alcohol,' explained a neighbour.
'We are all so concerned about her but we do not know what to do? Can you please do something to help her?'
She was brought to The Hiding Place and the leaders explained all that the program entailed: no drinking; no smoking; first 40 days without seeing other family members; and an expectation that she would contribute work wise to the team effort of running the center.
Larissa stood there pathetically puffing on her cigarette as they interviewed here. Olya then asked the critical question,
'So do you really want your life to change?'
Larissa nodded her head, 'Yes, I really want my life to change.'
'O.K.' Olya replied 'We'll let you stay.'
2 months later, Larissa is still going on with the program. She is clean and healthy and is so glad for the chance to follow a new way of life.
Marat's Story
My name is Marat Aidabolov. I was born 1971 in Kentau, South Kazakhstan. From 17 years onwards I used drugs. I was thrown out of the Institute. Three times I had to go to prison. Until I was thirty I lived on the streets pick pocketing . In this life I never found happiness or satisfaction. But then I faced a complete breakdown, as there was no future for me. One day I found myself at the Hiding Place Rehabilitation Centre. There were people as I was but all of them had started a new live with Jesus Christ. I wanted to have the same changes in my life and after I heard the Gospel I responded to it. The beginning my stay in the center was very difficult as I was not used to work and studies, but I was desperate to change and with God's help I finished the studies successfully.
When my relatives saw me for the first time, they didn’t recognize me again! Even now as I meet former friends they cans recognize me as I didn’t only change inwardly but also my face looks so different now.
Now I help at the center others that want to get free, I visit families in the nearby villages and I help them whatever needs they have. I lead a youth group and I counsel youth as I don’t want others to get there where I was three years ago!
Renovation
A major renovation of the men's building is desperately needed.
An international team of builders was not able to come in 2007, but it is hoped that they can lend their expertize at some point in 2008.
The renovation will cost US$ 33,000 to complete. Can you contribute to this vital service for recovering addicts in Kazakhstan?
