Andrey has been addicted to drugs for most of his life. No one ever imagined he would become an evangelist and work for the Bible Society in Kazakhstan. For more than 40 years, Andrey’s days were marked by a gruelling cycle: in and out of prison, only to fall back into drugs and crime.
Upon his most recent release from prison, he broke that cycle and entered a rehabilitation centre. He needed help not only to stay off drugs, but also to rebuild his shattered life.

Inspired by a Former Gang Member

Andrey’s physical condition was a cause for concern—his weight was well below normal, his hair was falling out due to drug use, and he had almost lost all hope. It was then that he met Vlad, a former addict and gang member who had now become a chaplain at the rehabilitation centre. Vlad’s story of conversion inspired his life.

‘I was amazed when he told me that he had once prostrated himself before God whilst still a gang member, because gang members never prostrate themselves before anyone,’ said Andrey.

Andrey heard the Gospel for the first time through Vlad and surrendered his life to Jesus. After a month, it wasn’t just his inner self that had changed; he had also put on weight and his hair had started to grow back.

“People didn’t recognise me,” he said. “I used to feel like a leper; just as it says in the Bible, everyone shunned me. But Jesus said, ”I have come to seek and to save the lost.””

Becoming a PA Group Leader

Five years have passed since then. Now, Andrey works for the Bible Society in Kazakhstan and serves at the rehabilitation centre where he experienced his conversion.

Andrey is now the leader of a men’s group that meets there every week. The opportunity to share and serve gives him an incredible zest for life. “We gather together, enjoy coffee and *kustil* (a traditional Kazakh biscuit), and open the Bible,” he said. “We seek answers and ask profound questions.”

Your support enables Andrey and other members of the Bible Society team to carry out ministry in several of the 70 Christian rehabilitation centres across Kazakhstan, as well as to provide Bibles and Christian literature for them.

“Everyone at the rehabilitation centre wants their own Bible,” said Andrey. “Many addicts have vision problems, so Bibles with large print are vital for them.”

Andrey also distributes Bibles to various churches, seminaries and Bible colleges throughout Almaty, the capital of Kazakhstan. In addition, once a month, he teaches Bible classes at a local prison.

Let’s Join in Supporting

In Kazakhstan, more than three hundred partners of the Bible Society have supported the ministry for recovering addicts in Kazakhstan. The Kazakhstan Bible Society hopes that more people will support and pray for their ministry. Support from partners ensures that more people experience the life-changing power of God.

 
In Indonesia, the Indonesian Bible Society raises funds every year to distribute 155,000 Bibles to 155,000 people in need. These Bibles are distributed to God’s people living in the remotest corners of the archipelago, as well as to those around us who cannot afford a Bible of their own. The support of our Bible Friends has enabled the Indonesian Bible Society to act as a bridge, sharing the Good News with an ever-growing number of people. Your prayers and compassion have transformed the lives of many people, lifting them out of despair into lives that please and glorify God.

Adapted from: biblesociety.org.uk