My friend Mike Mom, Kim.

I live in Manitoba, Canada and my son Michael had moved out to BC in 2020.

My son had been an addict for about 20 years. 

When he had informed me he was moving there, I was NOT happy about his decision. 

I told him I was worried for him because the drugs were very bad out that way, with Hastings Street in Vancouver to be the worst (so I had thought). Michael said to me, “Don’t worry Mom, I am going to the island.”

I said goodbye and hugged him and told him I was afraid I would not see him again. 

He assured me he was going to start a new life. 

Fast forward to 2023. Michael called me on April 14th for my birthday. He sounded SO good and I encouraged him to come home. We had such an awesome conversation that when I got off the phone, I was hopeful again.…sadly, that was our last conversation. 

On April 16th my youngest son was at our door to tell me the tragic news that Michael had overdosed.  

My world crashed!!!

Later that day my sister called and said some guy was trying to get ahold of me. 

She gave him my contact. Brother John contacted me on Messenger. He wanted to make sure Michael’s family knew of his passing. 

I was so happy to read his message that he was a street pastor and knew Michael.

He loved my son very much and prayed with him, and prayed for him. THIS meant SO much to me and it still does.

I realized that Michael was not alone out there after all. I have learned that there are caring people out there looking after our homeless and lost souls. I am so grateful for Brother John and thank him from the bottom of my heart for everything he had done for my son and for reaching out to me at the most devastating time in my life.

God Bless you and the work you do Brother John.

My son Michael

29/01/83 - 16/04/2023

Forever loved - forever missed.

Kim Gauthier 

Michael was my friend. We shared a deep connection, and I spent time praying with him, encouraging him, and witnessing his tender heart. He was loved by so many. His mother, now my friend, carries a profound hope—that by sharing Michael’s story, at least one person will reach out for help and choose life.

The opioid crisis is relentless, leaving families shattered and searching for answers. Many parents lose contact with their children, only to receive a devastating call from the police, never knowing the details of their loved one’s final days. As a pastor, I make it a point to reach out to these grieving families, to listen, to pray, and to remind them they are not alone.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

Michael’s passing shook me deeply, but in my own grief, his mother became a source of strength. She has continually encouraged me to press on, to keep reaching the lost, to remind those trapped in addiction that there is still hope. We are all one family in Christ, bound together by His love.

I miss Michael more than words can express. But I know that his life mattered, and his story will not be forgotten. If you are struggling, know that you are loved, and there is help available.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)