Faris was 10 years old when his Jewish family moved to the Middle East from Europe. His parents kicked him out of the house at age 14, and he soon began experimenting with drugs.

Remarkably, he graduated from a top culinary arts school and worked as a cook in several prestigious restaurants. But as his career took off, he became increasingly addicted to drugs. His job and relationships eventually unraveled. Hooked on heroin, Faris began collecting bottles from the city’s streets in order to support his habit. He knew that only God could save him.

Faris had been living on the streets for seven years when an East-West missionary met him.

The missionary assessed where Faris had been living. His home was an old mattress in an abandoned storage building, his backyard was a litter-filled parking lot, and his neighbors were pimps, prostitutes, dealers, and fellow addicts.

Faris had reached the point of desperation and asked the missionary to help him. The missionary contacted the director of a Messianic rehab center, who agreed to take Faris in. The missionary visited Faris daily, praying for him as he detoxed and reading the Scriptures to him. In time, Faris found the true source of strength: Jesus the Messiah. He learned that he could find fulfillment in the Savior rather than the temporary high of drugs.

Faris eventually became clean and began working alongside the East-West missionary to make disciples in his community.

Today, Faris boldly shares his story with others. His struggle with drug addiction was even documented in an independent film to show how drastically Jesus had changed his life. When Faris shares the gospel, he talks about a Jewish man from Galilee who came to save the world and who offers rest for the weary.