He Was Addicted for Over 20 Years

Raymond Patrick's Story

Raymond Patrick was 17 when he began his addiction to cigarettes, which lasted 20 years. Afterward, he quit smoking and began to vape, making his juice. Raymond also started to smoke weed at the age of 21 years old and would do it every day multiple times a day. Not only was Raymond addicted to weed, cigarettes, and vaping, but he was addicted to gambling. Both Raymond and his mother would gamble even though they had nothing financially.

His health began to decline, and he suffered eight strokes but showed no signs. One morning, Raymond woke up and was unable to walk. Due to his difficulty walking, he had to walk with a walker for ten months. The eight strokes caused him to have a bad memory, which wasn’t a problem.

All the health problems, addictions, and financial problems made Raymond feel empty and depressed.

“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (Psalm 9:9)

Raymond’s mother began to watch The Universal Church on the television and invited him to attend. It was then that Raymond started to come and change his life. With time, he no longer needed his addictions. The emptiness and depression left, and he was filled with peace and joy.

Raymond says, “I’d rather have the Holy Spirit in my life than drugs, cigarettes, and gambling.”

Now, Raymond truly is delivered from the vices and feels better without them because he is filled with the Holy Spirit.