An ex-recidivist, drug addict, gangster, homeless person talks to the kids in his neighborhood about how faith in Christ changed his life - and how God can help them achieve their dreams.
by Agata Sobieralska (leading drama workshops “Without a mask”)
At the end of February, a long-expected, special guest appeared in Narnia. Sebastian Zareba – an ex-recidivist, drug addict, gangster, homeless person- visited the Youth for Christ club in Poland with his wife Agnieszka. It was not his first visit to the club. He came last December as our friend to watch a Nativity show put on by the kids at Narnia.
This time he returned to share his life story – a life changed by Jesus Christ. His life was completely changed and restored when He came closer to God. The kids listened, as if enchanted, to the stories of our guest’s childhood spent in the street in the area of the “Bermuda Triangle”, the ghetto-like neighbourhood where Narnia is located. For many of those kids it was like looking into the mirror and seeing their own lives. Sebastian mentioned that his parents got divorced, his grandma looked after him and that there was lots of alcohol in his home. He talked about terrible years spent in a young offenders’ institute and then prison. And he spoke about loneliness and despair.
But he quickly changed the topic and started telling those in attendance the most important thing – about meeting Jesus Christ and having his life totally changed by Him. He went through therapy, was freed from his addictions, returned home, renovated it, paid off all the debts, found a job, got married and now he is helping others to get free from their homelessness and addictions. He is a manager of the Coffee House, a ministry of the Teen Challenge Foundation. He also runs a little hostel for those who are making their first steps in life free from alcohol or drugs.
Sebastian patiently answered all the questions that the young people had- and his main message to them was ” Do not waste your life on addictions” and “There is nothing impossible for God!” Also, “Fight for your dreams and do not give up.”
Some braver kids from the club shared their life stories with Sebastian. Everyone spent some time playing the guitar and singing some songs together. At the end of the meeting, Sebastian received his pencil portrait drawn by Justynka – the club’s oldest member. It was a very emotional moment for him and his wife – as evidenced by the tears in their eyes.
Some photos were taken and a promise was made that the young people will see Sebastian again in Narnia. He is now busy planning some attractions for the club kids.
