A letter of gratitude from the mother of an addicted man

(Sent to the Rainbow Rehab Centre, Novi Sad, Serbia)

In December 2019 we finally realised we had no control whatsoever over the future. Like fallen leaves carried by the breeze, our winds were fear, uncertainty and hopelessness, with no secure place to rest.

Our whole family needed stability and healing; especially for Nikola our youngest son. A twist that would bring us a miracle. Is there such a thing anywhere? We were completely broken and defeated, in search for a cure. Addiction is difficult to accept and to look in the eyes. It struck where it hurts the most, where one is most sensitive. It destroys families and the most valuable things in life. We were tearing out our souls, struggling and crying for help to be able to deal with it all.

By chance, I discovered the Rainbow Rehabilitation Centre. Rehab, is this what we needed? How will it look? We had no idea. But we hoped that somehow everything would change. I thought, God, how will this be? But that was the answer itself. Stepping into the unknown, we took the invitation given by God, our Father. Then my son and I met people who accepted us so easily; totally understanding our problem and selflessly giving help. We started discovering a brand new world, unknown and vague to us.

Thanks to the rehab centre and Protestant Christian Fellowship, we have learned so much. We learnt that by knowing Christ and inviting him into our lives, we become God’s children. We learnt that the depth of his love heals all wounds and gives strength for new beginnings. In our hearts we have discovered the saving love of Christ that changes everything and gives new life and healing for every single member of the family. Next to love, our hearts were flooded with sincere gratitude for fellowship where our child is fully accepted by all. We are grateful to everybody who contributed and helped us to become gentler during our most difficult moments. It meant even more to Nikola.

We are grateful to Pastor Bera, who by his love to Jesus, selflessly gives an example of how to live what you believe. Thank you for all the patience and persistence and for your special gift of making God’s Word close to our hearts and understandable. The Word comes like a balm to wounded hearts. You teach us how to trust in God and to grow in faith.

Thank you for your prayerful support for Nikola, who now shines as a newborn man. Thanks to everyone in the church who greeted us with smiles, full of understanding and support, with unspoken compassion that caressed the soul, that fills the air like sweet aroma. It was indescribable and crucial to feel like part of a community, to belong there. When in our walk faced with difficulties or hard times, we would go to Saša. He has been a bond between us and what our son was going through. We would often thank him, but he wouldn’t take any praise or personal credit.

We now realise that all the credit and all the praise and glory belongs to the Leader of the Rehab team and leaders. Jesus Christ who died on the cross and paid the penalty for our sins, redeemed us and wrote our names in the Book of Life. He suffered so we wouldn’t. We see our son glowing like a star. Psalm 103:1–2 says ‘Praise the Lord, O my soul. All my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits’. Praise, glory and honour be to God, our Father and Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit who loves us with unchanging love, now and always, in all days, until the end of the earth. Grateful parents.”