I met an interesting woman in the bookstore the other day. She actually carries around copies of her story to share with people, and I thought I'd pass it on here.
Sandi Fatow's Story...
Little did I ever imagine that October 1, 1970 would alter the course of history for my life.
My life up till that point had been a ship tossed on the sea of life. It started young with drinking. Then I was introduced to marijuana, which was the first of many drugs -- LSD, peyote, cocaine, amphetamines, downers, and finally, heroin addiction. The drug life introduced me to a whole new world.
While living in Miami, I became involved with the criminal element. It spiraled to one of my boyfriends being on the FBI "10 Most Wanted" list and receiving 99 years and life; another of my boyfriends died a few years ago in the Florida State Prison electric chair, and a third boyfriend is presently doing 45 years in Atlanta Federal Prison.
Running constantly from New Jersey to Miami also got me involved with many rock musicians. My girlfriend, Denise, became Jimi Hendrix's girlfriend, and I started seeing Hendrix's bass player, Noel Redding. Denise and I are pictured on Hendrix's "Electric Ladyland" album. His death was so shocking to me. He seemed to have everything, yet ended with nothing.
My family had no idea I was a drug user. My dad financed a beautiful boutique for me in New Jersey, and with a business, I felt I could quit heroin but Harlem was too close, and dope was too cheap. It wasn't long before I was beat for my money, morals, and mind.
One day I went to the murder trial of a 17 year old I knew. Going into the Miami Dade County courthouse, a friend called from the jail to me. He told me to go to a Christian rehab center called Surfside Challenge and get the preacher to come and help him. I went and not only received help for him, but for myself also. I was told that Jesus Christ could change my life.
Perhaps at this point you are ready to toss this testimony away and say, "Aw, just a junkie who got converted!" But you are so wrong. Heroin addiction was the effect, not the cause. Sin was the cause.
After meeting Christians who were full of real joy and peace, I decided to kick drugs "cold turkey". After 18 hours I was terribly sick with withdrawals. There was a prayer meeting going that night and as the believers laid their hands on me I was completely healed. This was a 20th century miracle. That night I gave my life to Jesus and was born again. Getting right with God was so simple, yet I had never heard the plan of salvation. I had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ which has kept me until this very hour. He loves you too, friend, and wants to come into your heart today! Please pray this prayer:
"Jesus, I need you. Come into my heart. Forgive me for everything. Thank you for dying for me that I might have eternal life."
God bless you right now.
This is a true story. I am presently residing with my born-again Jewish husband and two children. I am enjoying the happiest time of my life.
You too may experience this joy.
2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold all things new."
Sandi told me that she now works in prisons, ministering to the inmates. She is still beautiful, even in her late 50's, and has a charming personality that surely makes it easy for her to form friendships with people who need her most. She attends Trinity Chapel in Knoxville.
