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Testimony of Connie and Annaline Marais
(Connie and Annaline are the parents of Francois who lives at Alon)
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We are Connie & Annaline Marais of Pretoria. We are in our sixties. Connie is a semi-retired lawyer. Annaline is a housewife. We have four sons of whom two are happily married. All our sons are wonderful, intelligent people. We are a caring family with the normal good points and shortcomings. We as parents were quite democratic in the raising of our children. Our youngest son, Francois, is 29 years old. He did well at school, both academically and in sport. He played first team rugby. He and his friends were a bit rebellious, but basically good kids. From late high school Francois did use alcohol. We were concerned, but trusted that things would not get out of hand. We learned later that he also took dagga now and then. Unbeknownst to us, Francois had a weakness. He is prone to addiction. He attended the University of Pretoria, studying industrial engineering. He sank ever more into drug and alcohol abuse. Until he had to give up his studies in his third year. For a number of years he was in and out of rehabilitation centres. Unfortunately, he always thought that he could be in control and have just a little when he came out. And each time he fell back. He sank deeper into degradation. He suffered badly. As did his family and especially his parents. In July 2006 Francois was arrested while buying heroin in Pretoria. The probation officers at court gave him a chance. The case was postponed on condition that he goes for rehab again for six weeks and then test negatively for drugs for another 6 weeks. If he complied, the case would be withdrawn. We booked him into SANCA. The treatment was wonderful. But what would follow then? A miracle happened. Annaline got to hear of Alon and we made contact with Jonathan Taylor. They were prepared to take Francois. The drug testing was done by Dr Andre Botes who also lives at Alon. Francois has been at Alon since then. He has been very happy living and working at Alon, but there have been a few relapses. His sickness got to him sometimes. He briefly left once or twice and then used alcohol and dagga. But he realised that Alôn was where he wanted and needed to be. And Alôn was always prepared to take him back. If it was not for Alôn he would probably have been back on the streets a long time ago. Francois will always be at risk. He has come to realise that he should never touch alcohol or other addictive substances again. But people inclined to addiction have a weakness. They need ongoing support. And, of course, they must have the will and discipline to fight dangerous urges. Alôn is not a rehabilitation centre. It is a community dedicated to the service of God and Jesus Christ. It has an accredited school and an orphanage. It has a restaurant of the highest quality. Excellent theatre performances from time to time. And various business activities, such as farming, carpentry, metal work, and interior decorating. Some practising professionals also live on the farm. But, most important of all, there is unqualified love and support among everybody at Alôn. It also reaches out to people outside the community. Our son has the privilege of experiencing Alon's love and compassion. The best chance of never succumbing to his sickness again is at Alôn. We hope and pray that he will stay there. Fortunately he loves living and working at Alôn. As an ex addict he can give powerful testimony and make a contribution to the wonderful work done at Alon. |