HOPE TRIUMPHS

FEELING EXPLOITED AND ABUSED?

Image credit: KHOA VO on Pexels.

By REVEREND TONY ZEKVELD

It grieves me to hear of countless international students, especially girls, who are being exploited, taken advantage of, because of their difficult financial situations.

They are coming to our colleges and universities in Canada with honorable intentions. Many students come alone with the intent to study hard, set high goals, and want to please their parents.  

Now I speak personally to you students who are in a pressing financial situation. Your triple tuition rates, high rental fees for living, and the limited hours you are permitted to work, leave many of you in dire straits. You are frustrated. You feel the shame in talking with your parents who sent you here with their good wishes. You are all alone. And some of you are being exploited, ‘forced’ into underground activities, for not being able to pay your rents. So you offer payment in other ways. 

Pregnancies are on the rise and few men want to take responsibility for their action. It grieves me to hear of students who see no way out, no one to talk to, and numerous are ending their own lives. Yes, well-intentioned, brilliant students; traumatized. 

But you need to talk; you need to share with someone who really cares, who really wants to help you emotionally, and help you find a way out. You may contact us, or if you are a girl, you may contact my wife, Arley-Ann, or text her at 416-740-0172. Feel free to use a pseudonym. It’s strictly confidential. You may also meet with her, one-on-one, in confidence, if you desire.

Your more important questions are, ‘What do I do now? Where do I go from here? How do I deal with my shame and guilt? Is there are a way out?’ Do talk about it. Don’t bottle it up.

If you are a young fellow, feeling at the end of your rope or perhaps involved in substance abuse, wanting out of this lifestyle, contact me or text me at 416-740-0543. I am a pastor and the Hope Centre is also here to provide counsel, to encourage, and to offer hope. Our aim is to rebuild lives.

We are located in Brampton. You may text at your own convenience or chat with us on the website at www. hopecentrebrampton.com.  Our aim is to help you get the New Year 2022 on a new footing.

If you want to talk more, feel free to phone or text Reverend Tony Zekveld (“call me Pastor Tony”) at Hope Centre at 416-740-0543. His email is hopecentre@primus.ca and website: www.hopecentrebrampton.com.