Alem’s Hope

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
1 Peter 2:16

Alem's Hope*

At 13 years old, Alem became addicted to drugs. Like many other kids his age, Alem was already too familiar with the stresses of life. Every day he encountered the harsh reality of hunger, homelessness, and violence within his community. It is only natural to search for a way to cope, and when his friends offered him an easy escape from it all, why would he say no? 

But the relief the drugs offered Alem would never be enough to set him free to thrive. In fact, his stresses only became worse as his addiction deepened. He skipped school, quit extracurriculars, and cut off close relationships. His only priority was the next high. Alem spiraled deeper and deeper into his vulnerable, isolated state. 

Alem was desperate for a way out of his addiction and the life he'd ended up living. One afternoon, hopeless and alone, Alem found himself in a RiverCross Freedom Club. As he listened to the audio drama, he heard a story of freedom - and freedom was exactly what he'd been searching for. Alem pulled the club facilitator aside and opened up about all the struggles he'd been facing. 

Now 14 years old, Alem has been set free from his addiction and developed healthy coping strategies. Praise be to God that Alem has found the freedom he was searching for and has been set free to thrive. 

*Although the stories we share are true, some identifying details have been changed.