Inoke Yanuyanutawa, a young man from Tailevu, faced significant financial struggles that led him down a path of substance abuse—a decision he now deeply regrets. Currently enrolled in rehabilitation at Adult and Teen Challenge in Fiji, Yanuyanutawa has come to understand the grave consequences of his choices.
Reflecting on his experiences, he explained, “I was really on my own, finding my own ways to survive on the streets, so, yeah, I got into drugs.” He acknowledges that the allure of drugs often leads individuals into a cycle of crime and self-destruction. His descent into addiction rapidly escalated, pushing him closer to incarceration at a young age.
Despite past missteps, Yanuyanutawa emphasizes that he has worked to distance himself from a life of crime, focusing instead on overcoming his drug addiction. “I never tried to get back into a life of crime,” he states, recognizing that he has the power to redirect his life positively.
He delivers a hopeful message to the youth, advocating for spiritual redemption: “It is never too late to get right with Christ.” Yanuyanutawa described a transformative moment when he realized that, much like he could live a troubled life, he could also choose a positive path. He strongly believes that faith in Christ can lead individuals away from darkness.
“There’s always time to change,” he affirms, indicating that life’s challenges can be overcome through faith and determination. He warns that negative influences, symbolized by drugs, often mask true fulfillment and happiness. “But no, it is not life; we can live life in a good way,” he concludes.
This inspiring story serves as a reminder of resilience and the potential for transformation, highlighting the power of faith and community support in overcoming personal battles. Yanuyanutawa’s journey from despair to hope illustrates that it’s possible to reclaim one’s life, no matter how difficult the past may be.
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