Sinai’s Story

I used to get off work and pick up a friend to get drunk and high. In 2017, I flatlined from my use. I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, liver and kidney failure, and I had a heart attack. It still didn’t stop me from using.

My family tried to help me. My brother said, “I just want you to be the best version of yourself. We want you to move forward,” and I felt he meant that. My sister-in-law had the MnTC choir visit her church and told me about the program. I’m so grateful my family showed me unconditional love without judging me.

When I finally entered the program, I felt loved and started to see the change. At the time I didn’t have a job, a car, a phone or even a bank account, so early on I committed to myself that I would complete the year long program. I said yes to a new life, and Jesus was right there with me. I dove in and began to uncover hard things from my past. I’m from a large Hmong family of 11. I would ask myself, why do I behave differently than my siblings? What from my past led me here? Working with my care team allowed me to work through my trauma and find new ways to handle myself when difficult things happen.

I love working for the program because I get to be a vessel for change. When someone is battling addiction, the people who lose the most are our loved ones. I get to see people rebuild relationships with their family, their children, and most importantly, with Jesus. It’s the best reward ever. The work we do here is all about making disciples.

Sinai recently received a master’s degree in Christian Leadership from North Central University and is an ordained pastor with the Assemblies of God. He currently works in Strategic Partnerships for MnTC.