I am extremely grateful to Rev. Yao and Operation Dawn.
My name is Wang-Chuen. I am now 28 years old. I was 22 years old when I came to Operation Dawn in San Jose and at the time, I had a major issue with drugs. I was addicted to methamphetamine and had been for 8 years. Operation Dawn’s drug rehab program was directed by a Rev. Yao.
At first, as any person would, I was skeptical of going into the program, or any program for that matter. Me and the Rev Yao did an interview and assessment first. It was during that time, I came to feel good about entering the program. Rev. and Mrs. Yao talked to me about my problems, but not only that, he related to them and understood where I was at, something that was very important to me at the time because no one, including my own mother, could do that at the time. The program was for one year and a half, but I stayed for two years.
Later on, I realized that they were originally from Taiwan, and I was the first person they ministered to and they have been the people spending 24/7 to encourage me. Through the program Rev. and Mrs. Yao really helped me to quit drugs by helping me to face my root problems that led to drugs.
There is much of his philosophy that he has shared and taught me, probably too much to fit in this testimony, but one thing is that he taught me to take ownership of my problems, be responsible for them, face them and learn how to deal with them.
This took a long time, but is another reason why I Operation Dawn for my success. For in Operation Dawn, Rev. and Mrs. Yao gave the time, resources, encouragement and care that I needed to help me deal with my issues. I have been off drugs for 6 years now. I am currently a student at San Jose State University. My major is Social Work and I am on track to graduate this May of 2011.
I am extremely grateful to Rev. Yao and Operation Dawn. They are still helping me as I am still connected with them through living at a half-way house they have. I attend the monthly Operation Dawn meetings, weekly Bible studies ran by Operation Dawn, and I frequently go the House of Dawn to spend time with the guys and staff there, doing many sorts of activities like joining their classes, sharing some of my experiences, playing sports, etc. on a weekly basis. All of that has served as support for me to continue my school and obtain my degree, as well as staying sober.
Wang-Chuen
March 07, 2011
