Tobolsk Rehabilitation Center
The vision is about to become a reality. The plans that God laid on the heart of Pastor Timofei in 2005 to start a rehabilitation center to minister to the increasing number of drug and alcohol addicts in Russia are now coming into place. At times the needs seem so overwhelming. Could we actually make an impact? None of us realized the miracles God was going to provide to in order to take this step of faith. From purchasing the property to finding a director, God has led us each step of the way. Many individuals and churches have been a part of bringing this rehabilitation center into existence. Thank you for partnering with us.
God has brought a unique person to head the ministry of the Rehab center. Maxim is a former alcoholic and drug addict (pictured above with his fiancée, Larissa). He grew up in a rough family. He was always getting into trouble along with his older brother. At age 9 he was gambling with adults, drinking, smoking and doing drugs. At the age of 16 he killed a man and was sent to prison. While there he began to make plans for his life after he was released. He figured that Americans had lots of money so he was planning to go to America and continue his life of stealing money, taking drugs and living life as he wanted.
When he was finally released he visited his brother who had moved to Moscow. Maxim realized that there were enough rich people in Moscow to steal from and that he didn’t need to travel all the way to America to fulfill his dreams. So he joined his brother selling drugs. He became a major player in the drug scene in the city. But once again he was caught stealing and was sent back to prison for a second time. When he was released this time he returned home. Quickly back to using drugs, Maxim was 27 years old, his hair falling out, and weighing just over 100 lbs.
His dad had heard about a place that helped drug addicts. He asked Maxim if he would be willing to give it a try. Max agreed and entered a rehab center operated by one of our national churches in Southern Russia. There Max found Christ. And he found freedom from his addictions. Max shares: “Ever since I accepted Jesus into my life, I’ve never had a desire to take drugs again.” The rehab center had no program. They just walked day by day with those who needed help. The commitment to the rehab program was a year. When his time was up at the rehab center Max began visiting old friends and acquaintances to tell them about Jesus. On one occasion he returned to the town where he grew up. He felt led to go to the police station. They all had known Maxim from when he was a young kid since he was in constant trouble. Maxim shared his testimony to the officers at the station. When he was done the police chief asked him: “Maxim, would you be willing to go to some schools and share your story. I’m not a religious man, but I have known you your whole life. Whatever has changed your life is real. Maybe your story can help other kids from getting into trouble.”
In April of this year Maxim felt God leading him to begin a rehab ministry in a new place. He didn’t know where, but he knew God was speaking to him. At the same time, Pastor Timofei called the church that runs the rehab center where Maxim found Christ. When asked if they knew of someone who could start the rehab ministry in Tobolsk they immediately responded -- Yes, Maxim. Together Maxim and the Tobolsk church prayed and fasted about this decision. Sensing God’s leading, Maxim then moved to Tobolsk in May. Two months later Vadim, his best friend from his former rehab center, came to join him in this new ministry in Tobolsk. Together they are prepared to share the good news of Jesus Christ while helping men and women find freedom in Christ and freedom from their addictions.
