Twenty-five years ago, I was homeless, addicted to heroin, and living without direction. That’s when a street pastor named Cliff approached me and said, “Jesus loves you.” At the time, I rejected God and was rebellious, but I took his business card.
Over the next two weeks, Cliff didn’t give up on me. We kept meeting, and he eventually invited me into his home to detox from heroin. He took care of me and helped me take my first steps toward recovery. Once I was stable, he arranged for me to go to the Teen Challenge Drug and Alcohol Center. Cliff drove me there, set me up, and supported me the entire year I was there.
After I graduated from Teen Challenge, I flew to Mexico City to attend Bible college. Cliff was there for me every step of the way. He even flew down to my wedding two years later, serving as my best man and personal photographer. Cliff has invested countless hours, money, and love into my life. He has never given up on me, no matter what.
Now, I’ve been clean and sober for seven years, working full-time to help others struggling with addiction. I often tell people on the street about Cliff and how his love and dedication to God changed my life. I don’t know where I’d be without him. He’s more than a friend—he’s my brother, and I’d lay down my life for him.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).
I’ll never forget what Cliff has done for me. Love him like my brother.
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