My name is Benjamin. I’m 38 years old. I was born in Derbent, Dagestan. From the age of 12, I was «educated» on the street. As a result, theft, deception of parents, cigarettes, booze. In 14 years I became addicted to marijuana, and in age of 15 tried for first time to take drugs. God gave me the gift to be a musician. But unfortunately I have not always used my gifts as I perhaps should have. I performed for weddings and concerts. It was easy money. ... At 18, in the army, I realized that I was addicted to drugs. I wanted to build and establish a family, but because of all the drugs, everything fell apart. Leaving my wife and son, I came to Israel. I have served six and a half years in prison for theft. I tried to get out of the «system» of drugs, but digressed into alcohol dependence. After the death of my father, during a spiritual crisis, I returned to drugs despite strong efforts, on my part, to avoid them. Thank God, some believers brought me, three separate times, to the rehabilitation center. I wanted to «shoot-up» and get high, so left the center. The 4th time I returned on my own. Now I am very grateful to God for His having mercy upon me. I understand that He loves me. I’m grateful that I can now communicate with his Son, take part in the music ministry, and go forth as the Lord leads me. I’m very well and happy.
My name is Benjamin. I’m 38 years old. I was born in Derbent, Dagestan. From the age of 12, I was «educated» on the street. As a result, theft, deception of parents, cigarettes, booze. In 14 years I became addicted to marijuana, and in age of 15 tried for first time to take drugs. God gave me the gift to be a musician. But unfortunately I have not always used my gifts as I perhaps should have. I performed for weddings and concerts. It was easy money. ... At 18, in the army, I realized that I was addicted to drugs. I wanted to build and establish a family, but because of all the drugs, everything fell apart. Leaving my wife and son, I came to Israel. I have served six and a half years in prison for theft. I tried to get out of the «system» of drugs, but digressed into alcohol dependence. After the death of my father, during a spiritual crisis, I returned to drugs despite strong efforts, on my part, to avoid them. Thank God, some believers brought me, three separate times, to the rehabilitation center. I wanted to «shoot-up» and get high, so left the center. The 4th time I returned on my own. Now I am very grateful to God for His having mercy upon me. I understand that He loves me. I’m grateful that I can now communicate with his Son, take part in the music ministry, and go forth as the Lord leads me. I’m very well and happy.