"After I lost everything, I reached out to God, ‘Show me how to pray, for I want to be saved.’ I heard a small voice in my heart: ‘Pray in the name of Jesus.’ So in Jesus’ name, I asked for help."
Amongst the stunning landscape of the Western Cape, Alrick is setting up for the day. He and his colleagues laugh and share stories as they prepare freshly made street food in their mobile kitchen. Their camaraderie is obvious, it is warm, genuine and deeply rooted in shared experiences.
A couple of years ago, this moment would have been unimaginable for Alrick. His life was spiralling through the grip of addiction, isolation and despair.
But today, thanks to your support and Alrick’s determination and faith in the Lord, he is thriving and an inspiration to others in his community.
The hidden struggle
Alrick’s story begins at just 12 years old, when he started smoking. It wasn’t long before he delved into alcohol and Tik (crystal meth). Despite his growing dependency, Alrick managed to hide his addiction.
After school, he moved to Worcester to be closer to his girlfriend, Abigail. But instead of building a future, he fell in with the wrong crowd. “I failed multiple drug tests at work,” he admits.“But I always made excuses. I was ashamed. I didn’t want anyone to know I was addicted.”
Rock bottom
Eventually, the façade crumbled. Abigail, heartbroken, asked Alrick to leave. He returned to his parents’ home, but his behaviour grew volatile. “I became aggressive,” he says. “To me, it felt normal. But after yelling at my mum and fighting with my dad, they asked me to leave too.”
“I lost everything,” Alrick recalls. “My job, my car, and my home. I started sleeping in my parents’ car, sneaking into their garage and leaving before they woke up.”
The turning point
It was during one of those nights, lying in the back seat of the car, that everything changed.
“I remembered learning about prayer when I was younger. I asked God, ‘Father, show me how to pray, for I want to be saved.’ I heard a voice in my heart say, ‘Pray in the name of Jesus.’ So I did, I asked for Jesus’ help.”
The very next day, Abigail messaged Alrick unexpectedly. She had seen one of Alrick’s old friends and that he had been completely transformed after attending Change Makers’ rehabilitation programme. That was all the encouragement Alrick needed. He asked her to book him in.
A journey of restoration
In February 2021, Alrick began the 6-month rehabilitation programme with Change Makers.
“It was there that I realised how God had answered my prayer,” he says. “I began to pray for many things … for recovery, forgiveness, and reconciliation with my parents. Gradually, God answered them all!”
Free in Christ
Today, Alrick is an assistant manager at Change Makers’ catering business, which provides employment and apprenticeships for other young men in recovery.
He also volunteers with a local Mountain Club, mentoring youth from disadvantaged backgrounds and sharing the gospel as they hike the mountain range.
Best of all, Alrick has rebuilt trust with his parents and with Abigail. The two are now married and are building a future rooted in faith and new hope.
Thanks to your support, Alrick’s story is no longer one of addiction and shame, but of redemption and restoration.