India (MNN) — A new report says the UN’s global “war on drugs” is a failure that has “left a series of disastrous impacts” in its wake.
According to the report, there’s been a 145-percent increase in drug-related deaths over the past decade. One in five prisoners worldwide is detained on drug-related charges. Violence is on the rise in places like Mexico as a result of drug trafficking.
Set Free Ministries’ Dean Vander Mey says their partners in India see those “disastrous impacts” first-hand. But, they’re also seeing addicts find freedom through Christ.
“There’s a lot of really amazing things going on – even as we speak – that all transpired in the last 60 days.”
Set Free India began in the early 2000’s following a conference about spiritual warfare. It grew quickly, expanding to include hospital and prison ministries, as well as teaching and discipleship.
When local believers identified the addiction problems in their community, Set Free helped them start a small center to help addicts find freedom through Christ. However, as word got around, the center soon grew.
(Photo courtesy of Set Free Ministries.)
“It’s a drug addiction center,” Vander Mey explains, “but it’s also turned into an orphanage. They also care for the mentally ill, because [there aren’t any] places there for people with special needs.”
Drug use is on the rise globally, and India is no exception. Community needs are increasing and it is time for the center to grow again.
This month, Set Free India is starting work on a new recovery facility for drug addicts and alcoholics.
“We just purchased land there,” says Vander Mey, referring to a location unnamed for security purposes. “Our $30,000 gift got more than ten-fold return because the government came along and said, ‘we are going to spend at least $400,000 on new buildings for these addicts.’”
Praise God for this development, and pray for Set Free India as it begins construction. Ask the Lord to open the eyes of local believers.
“The churches there, for some reason, are not engaging in helping the orphans and addicts among them.”
Vander Mey adds, “they’re almost forgotten… so we’re praying that the Church [will] engage and help us help the poor and sick among them.”
Tomorrow, we’ll learn how God is using Set Free India in prisons and hospitals throughout the nation. Visit the Set Free India page here for a sneak peek!
Header image courtesy of Pexels.
