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, a 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 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 also for myself. I was told that Jesus Christ could change my life. He did the impossible!

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 20^th 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 and resurrecting 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.

                                                Sandi Fatow