I came to America at the age of five. After living in Los Angeles for a year, I moved to Las Vegas. Because my father was often away on business, I spent most of my time with my mother and sisters. Because of this, from childhood I had the idea that I should learn to be independent and do my part well so my mother would not worry. Before entering college, I was a child my family could trust.

But good times did not last. After entering college, because I chose the wrong friends, I began drinking, going to parties, using marijuana, taking ecstasy, and so on. Gradually I began using amphetamines. After becoming addicted, life became painful and I could not concentrate in class. This lifestyle forced me to drop out. In less than a year, I could no longer continue the bank job I originally had.

I lived with drugs for five years. My mother felt this could not continue, so she began looking for ways to help me recover. One day she saw a newspaper advertisement for Operation Dawn’s Christian gospel recovery ministry. Because Operation Dawn did not charge fees, she brought me to San Jose Operation Dawn for an interview. After the interview, I felt this place could surely help me quit drugs, so I was willing to stay.

During two years at Operation Dawn, I believed in the Lord and was baptized. I gradually came to understand that drugs are a bondage of sin. During this time, through reading the Bible and understanding God’s Word, and through the daily-life teaching of the coworkers in the village, I slowly moved away from drugs.

I am now taking interior design courses at West Valley College. In my free time I work on campus and also participate in the Associated Student Organization (ASO). I feel very happy with my life now, and I get along well with my family. Every time I have a break, I look forward to eating and talking with my family. I believe I owe my current life to my loving Lord Jesus, and I also thank Operation Dawn.

Danny