When someone struggles with a drug addiction, it is easy for them to feel as though they are going through it all alone and that no one cares for them or that they are far beyond any help.
Candis Lakay, 35, from Davidsonville has conquered her drug addiction and is now a spokesperson for mental health and addiction treatment and is a symbol of inspiration in her community that has been suffering under the scourge of drug abuse for many years.
The mother of one came from a life of alcohol and drug abuse and as a result she found herself in and out of hospital because her heart and lungs kept failing.
After being homosexual for most of her life, Candis met a man named Craig Jacobs and at the age of 33 she fell pregnant with her daughter.
She admits that she thought the birth of her daughter marked the end of her drug use but she continued using.
“We lived together in a flat when our daughter was born and thought everything was okay but after excessively using drugs, we found ourselves without a place to stay and had to live on the streets eating out of dustbins.
“I got so drunk on some days that I blacked out and woke up in strange places,” said Candis.
Her sister told her about Jesus Maak Nxa (JMN) Safe Haven and their three months program, Candis decided that she needed the help and took on the program.
JMN Safe Haven is a faith-based foundation that is aimed at bringing awareness and solutions towards all kinds of abuse through the gospel of Jesus Christ with the purpose of discovering who you are in Christ.
In her stay at JMN Safe Haven, Candis said that she found her true identity in Christ as she came to know who God is in her life.
When she goes into detail about her journey, she mentions having Bible studies and learning God’s plan and purpose for her life as well as seeing how God has transformed her and the way she looked.
“I want to thank the Lord for his love and patience and for never letting me down or giving up on me.
“I don’t regret being here or getting to know God because I know what drugs and alcohol did to me all these years and now that I know better, I never want to go back to that sad life,” explained Candis.
She said that she loves her new self, and believes that she will be a better mother to her daughter and a better daughter to her mother.
Her goal is to remain connected to the vine and to be obedient to God’s calling for her life.
“I would like to thank my mother for always being my support and for her love, I would also like to thank my spiritual mother and father Nicole and Clarence for their love and the patience they’ve had with me,” said Candis.
