My name is Steve and I'm from Brampton, Ontario. I was raised in an awesome Christian home with a mom and dad who taught me the difference between right and wrong. As I grew up, my family's moral values separated me from my peers. As I got older, though, I began to feel left out. I found myself always trying to fit in, and as a result, started placing way too much value on my friendships. I started making important decisions based on what my friends thought. It wasn't long before my friends convinced me to try marijuana at a party. I thought that I had found my avenue to social acceptance in smoking weed and partying with my friends. At first, I would get high with my friends, but as time went on, I started smoking alone. At that point, my social habit became a full blown addiction, and I did whatever it took to get weed in order to get high. As time went on, I progressed to harder drugs. Five years later, I was a full blown cocaine addict. My attempt at social acceptance caused me to become an anti-social recluse. Life lost all meaning and purpose, as drugs controlled my life. I knew something needed to change, and fast! My parents were trying to convince me to come to Freedom Village; I eventually agreed. I came to Freedom Village on October 4, 2004, broken and ready to change. On December 12, God extended His hand of grace to me, and I accepted Christ into my heart. The stories I was told growing up became a reality in my life. Jesus has restored my family, and even brought my sister here. God has transformed both of our lives. I have been changed from a hopeless drug addict to a son of the King!
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