These days, whenever people hear about drug addicts, it’s either a report about an addict that was killed or arrested by the police. However, a church in Manila is trying to help recovering addicts find their way back into society.
I feel as if I’m already with the Lord
According to a report from ABS-CBN News, the San Isidro Labrador Parish in Manila, has a program wherein recovering drug addicts can earn a living for themselves through carving and painting various figurines of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Holy Family.
Through the sculptures, they can earn a commission that helps them immensely so that they can support themselves and not depend on drugs for their addiction and their income.
One former drug user shares, “Even if my life here on Earth will be cut short, at least I feel as if I’m already with the Lord. Just look at our work. This is what I always tell the younger addicts, that life is a gift. You should always put it to good use because you are still young, you can still do many things. Unlike me, I’ll likely be found dead on the streets soon.”
Addicts are also given acupuncture therapy
The group Rise Up, who are advocates against extrajudicial killings give free acupuncture therapy and lessons to the recovering drug addicts in the San Isidro Labrador Church.
Nardi Sabino, Rise Up convenor, shares, “Acupuncture will give balance to their bodies, especially to what we call the Yin Yang. At the same time this also helps people recover from ailments. In practice, there really are people who get cured by this. So this is what we want to introduce to everyone, especially the poor, that there is a way to help our brothers and sisters involved in drugs”
Since President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, a huge number of drug addicts have surrendered to the government. However, government support isn’t enough to provide rehabilitation services for recovering drug addicts. That’s why programs such as the ones implemented in the San Isidro Labrador Church are a godsend for addicts who chose to give up their habits.
Reverend Gilbert Bilena adds, “Drug addicts are losing faith, that’s why they are on the wrong path in life. So it’s important to bring back their faith. We have to return to them and give them back to the Church and have firm faith in God so that whatever challenges and difficulties they may face, they always have Him.”
Hopefully, more initiatives and projects that help recovering drug addicts are established. It’s important for us to always remember that at the end of the day, it’s up to all of us to help each other out so that our country can be the best that it can be.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
READ: Parents Beware: Illegal drugs look like vitamins and marketed as “recreational”
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