On his July 29 article published via Controversy Extraordinary blog site, Bro. Eli Soriano told of living examples of former drug addicts who “struggle hard through faith to let go their vices and addiction to obey God’s call,” proving that transformation through faith is achieved by the mercy of God.

“There is Hope for Drug Addicts” is the second installment of Bro. Eli’s blog series published through controversyextraordinary.com site about the campaign of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte against illegal drugs and the biblical reformation that former addicts undergo through faith. This followed the entry, “Drug Addiction: The Mystery Begins with Proving” published on July 23 this year.

Change is Possible

“Change is possible,” wrote Bro. Eli using the pseudonym “Mr. Controversy” in his analysis posted on morning of that Friday. The international televangelist then drew on scientific and biblical avenues of rehabilitation and renewal.

Bro. Eli quoted a study by a developmental psychology professor from the Bristol University, published by the Daily Mail in 2009, about people being hard-wired to believe in God, which he said is a key factor for individual change, including drug addicts.

Reiterating the harm to one’s health of drug addiction, Bro. Eli said that work of faith is a more powerful tool in rehabilitating former illegal drug users. “I am a witness to this fact that in the Members Church of God International (MCGI), the powerful hand of God has been recreating people through the power of faith.

Bro. Eli used verse 4:12 in the Book of Hebrews to emphasize his point about the power of faith, which says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

“The word of God is received – if received – and it is what works within one that believes,” he further said.

Heeding God’s Call

Bro. Eli concluded his blog with the following reassuring words: “In a drug abuser or addict, the abuse becomes abuse and the addiction becomes addiction due to repeated behavior. But the cycle can be broken when that vacuum in man responds to the call of God for change.”

Bro. Eli mentioned how some ministers and many members who are former drug addicts were reformed through God’s help and mercy, and are now living examples for others who want to change.

“I have seen how these men– former drug addicts-struggle hard through faith to let go their vices and addiction to obey God’s call. Now, with God’s help and mercy, some of them have become able ministers of the gospel and are living examples for others who want to change. There is really hope for drug addicts!” the blogging preacher said.

Support in Nation-Building

Then in a previous entry, “MCGI and Duterte’s Fight Against Illegal Drugs,” he assured the Chief Executive about his and the religious group’s support to his fight against illegal drugs.

“For this, we, the Members Church of God International (MCGI) are one with our President and the entire police establishment in the country for this great task of rebuilding our beloved nation. We are willing to help with our prayers, with our pockets (though we have little), with our programs in television and in radio, to disseminate information and counseling in areas where they are needed.”

Another living example of a former drug addict and pusher whose life was changed after listening to Bro. Eli Soriano through the Ang Dating Daan (The Old Path) program was reported by UNTV News and Rescue.

Reformed Life

In the news clip, the person only identified as “Burgundy” recounted his involvement in a large illegal drug trade in the country. He further explained how his consumption of illegal drugs badly affected his physical and mental health.

“There Is Hope For Drug Addicts” was shared on the official Facebook page of Mr. Controversy X garnering about 2,000 shares overnight. Likewise, Mr. Controversy posted the same on Twitter with the hashtag #ThereIsHopeForDrugAddicts.

Written by Ma. Therese Quita