Abandoned by his mother, a drug user by age nine, on cocaine by 15… Life has not been easy for Antonio, but as BMS mission worker in Brazil, Julia Stanbrook reflects, there is hope in his commitment to God and to improving his life.
I asked the Lord how can it be: the world is so full of violence, abuse, oppression and hatred; how can such a good God let all this happen? He told me that he was bigger than it all – and he showed me the life of Antonio. When Antonio was nine he was rejected by his mother who told him that he was not her son.
It was at the age of nine he started using drugs. By 15 he was on cocaine, at 20 he was using a mixture of whatever he could get his hands on.
Soon after meeting Iracema (a Brazilian missionary and church planter) in São Benedito town square he soon gave his life to Christ. Ever since, he has been on the tough journey of leaving the addiction behind.
He has been back in rehab for eight months and has now come back to live with his family where they have a farm outside São Benedito.
As you might expect, given his family history, this is a difficult arrangement.
His family seem to see him as once an addict always an addict. His father’s view is that if you don’t want to get burned, simply keep away from the fire, but I have a feeling it is not easy.
He is aware that if he returns to drugs it would probably be the end for him, but he is struggling here because all his ´friends´ and peers know him from his old way of life.
Antonio is feeling alone and frustrated as no one seems to understand what he is going through.
When I saw Antonio recently, he had left his house at 5.30 in the morning to walk an hour and half down the dusty road to make it to the morning prayer meeting at 8 am, (you have leave that early and walk slowly so you do not arrive at your destination covered in sweat). It is this commitment and the desire to keep on the straight and narrow, often despite family and friends, that showed me the victory in Antonio´s life and that he truly is a trophy of God´s grace.
This to me is a reminder that whatever happens to us on earth, even if we are rejected by those who are meant to protect and nurture us, God is bigger, he can use any situation for his glory and he can heal us from all problems.
Please pray:
Please pray for Antonio in this difficult time:
- Iracema and others have concerns with him living here and has encouraged the family to send him to live with his sister in Brasilia away from his old way of life.
- Please pray that the right doors might open and provide a future for him, and for healing in his body and relationships.