Brayan Ramírez

“My life was going well. I was involved in the church, I had my family, and a good painting company. But I had the foolishness to allow my workers to use substances – drugs and all that. That was my mistake.

Well, curiosity got to me, and I also tried it. The first drug I took was crack. The boy who gave it to me told me, 'Don't do it, it's going to be very bad for you.’ But I replied, 'Don't worry, I'll know how to control it'. It was all a lie.

Crack is a fast addiction. The more you smoke, the more you want. And all drugs are like that; they lead you destruction. I lost everything. I sold my tools from my company. I spent $25,000 in six months. I hurt my wife and children. I became homeless and I hit rock bottom. I would cry and get sad because I didn't want to live like this. Although I had faith that one day I would succeed, I just couldn't get out.

Some friends from my church took me to my first rehabilitation center. I was there about 15 days, and I thought I was clean. But it took me only a week to fall back. The second relapse was even worse. I smoked up to three grams a day, which is equivalent to $300. I wanted to change, but my body no longer allowed me to.

My church and my family were always praying for me. They took the opportunity to take me a second time to another rehabilitation center. But, again, I failed. I begged the Lord to help me because I wanted something new for my life. I wanted one more chance with my family.

On one occasion when I was high on drugs, I was talking to a tree. It wasn't a vision; it was a literal tree. I said to the tree, 'Why should I change if I'm no longer good for anything? I am worthless. I am nobody, and nobody loves me.’ And there I felt an answer, a voice that said, 'But you are precious to God. God loves you. He wants you to break free from this addiction.’

Even though I was high, I believe that voice was from the Holy Spirit. I went back to another rehabilitation center, this time on my own accord. I stayed a month there. It was still difficult. I like to think that Satan had me trapped in his clutches. But God told me that he was going to help me; that I did not belong in that sinful world. And well, I had to hold on to the hand of God because I wasn't going to make it by myself.

I've been clean for two years now. I have daily struggles. Sometimes I have nightmares. But every night I praise the Lord for helping me overcome another day. There is no age to start looking for God. If you have a chance to breathe, you have a chance to receive God’s forgiveness and live for Him.”

-       Brayan Ramírez, de la Iglesia Hispana de Lexington, Kentucky.