HOPE TRIUMPHS

SHE WANTED TO END IT ALL

Image credit: ANTHONY TRAN on Unsplash.

By REVEREND TONY ZEKVELD

One year ago, a young international student came to study at a Canadian university. She had full intent to make her parents proud. She set high goals for herself.

Almost a year later, she is broken, feeling lost, and walking a path she never thought she would. Life was so lonely that she sought out friendships with those who ended up using her for their own pleasure. Shame and grief now cling to her. In fact, at one point, she considered ending her life.

In that context, we offer the hope of forgiveness which God offers through Jesus. We may find our new identity in Him and make a fresh beginning. We encourage her to call and talk anytime.

Loneliness, especially during this time of COVID-19, has itself become a pandemic. It has its own casualties. Mental health issues and suicide rates have sky-rocketed. Anxiety and stress have intensified to breaking point levels. The demeaning life of pornography has become the meal for feeding sexual appetites, escalating abuse in the home and on the streets.

I recall one lady who attempted to end her life two or three times, but by the grace of God, she did not succeed. She went to counsellors for help; she received good care in a Christian mental health institution.

But what helped her more than anything to overcome her depression was extended family reaching out to her, saying, “Come over whenever you want”. She came often and would talk and talk and talk. This family really cared, gave themselves for her and loved her. She came to see in practical ways Jesus’ love in them and how Jesus gave Himself for us, taking upon Himself our shame and grief on the cross, offering a new beginning, a new life to all who trust on Him. Though she is still careful and does take some medication at times, she is now happily married and enjoys a thriving relationship with her husband and new friends.

If you are in a such a situation, where you want to end your life, we beg of you, don’t take this path. There is a way out.

There is hope, honestly.

If you have no one to talk with, do give us a call. We can talk. Our phone number is 416-740-0543.

Reverend Tony Zekveld can be reached at 416-740-0543 and tzekveld@primus.ca. If you would like to learn more about Hope Academy, feel free to visit www.hope-academy.ca.