PETALING JAYA: By the time he was 17, Simon Bakar had fallen into a daily pattern of drug abuse, taking meth and cannabis.
His drug habit led him into the world of online gambling, where he racked up as much as RM10,000 in debts.
Despite this, his father’s love for him is unchanged.
“My father came to me, hugged me, and cried. He asked me how he could help; all I had to do was tell him.
“From there, he went to his savings account and withdrew money to pay off my debt,” he said.
On July 25, 2021, Simon made the decision to seek help and was admitted to Kenosis, a drug rehabilitation centre in Miri, Sarawak. The recovery journey proved challenging, particularly during the detoxification stage.
“As a meth addict, my whole body shook for the first two weeks after I stopped taking drugs. My only thought was ending my life,” he said.
With the support of Pastor Robert Danor, the staff, and his family, Simon successfully achieved sobriety and joined Kenosis as a member of staff.
Kenosis caters to a wide range of drug addicts, aged from 14 to 50 years.
Its comprehensive programmes consist of a two-week detoxification process with check-ups, followed by 15 months of classes, therapy, prayer, exercise, and skill development to aid in recovery.
Handling newcomers from diverse backgrounds poses challenges, not to mention varying levels of violent behaviour and addiction.
Pastor Danor considers his task a divine calling, being a father figure to 30 drug addicts and helping them take a second chance at their lives.
The 55-year-old, who has been at Kenosis since it opened in 2016, emphasises the significance of helping people involved in drug abuse through a spiritual and loving approach.
“I consider each person who comes through our doors my own child and will guide them with a fatherly approach”, the father of three sons said.
“Everything we do is done with love. Without love, it would be impossible for us to dedicate our time to be with them in this place. “Love strengthens relationships, opens eyes, and touches hearts.”
“In the first three months, newcomers struggle to overcome drugs, smoking, and alcohol habits. They are also prohibited from bringing their phones in here, which would hand them reasons to leave Kenosis,” he said.
Nevertheless, witnessing successful transformations brings him joy and strengthens his resolve.
Many former drug addicts now lead responsible lives and some have become pastors.
Lakui Baru, a 23-year-old from Lawas, considers Robert “a father” and dreams of becoming a pastor like him.
“Robert is like a father to me. He supported me when I needed help, unlike my real father, who rarely visits due to distance.”
Lakui said his father also battled addiction but conquered it, becoming strict in his teachings. Inspired, Lakui became the first of his three siblings to overcome drug abuse.
“My father doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that his children are drug addicts, unlike others who feel ashamed. “If he can overcome drugs, why shouldn’t I?” he added. “This has become my strength to change, and I did.” - FMT
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