The following story comes from Anika Slayton, a deaconess intern serving as an LCMS missionary in Leipzig, Germany.
“Why are the things that make me feel good so wrong when they’re the only things in life that make me happy?” asked Jesse, a recovering drug addict who had never been taught the realities of sin or salvation by grace through faith in Christ.
For the past hour or so, I had been listening to Jesse share about his struggles with drug addiction and other difficulties experienced throughout his life. I met Jesse (whose name has been changed to protect his privacy) by chance at a neighborhood cookout not far from my home in Leipzig. Sitting on the sidelines without engaging in much conversation, he instead quietly petted a neighbor’s small dog. With a colorful dolphin and broken wine glass tattooed on his face, military-grade boots and camouflage pants, he cut an intriguing figure.
Not knowing too many others at the cookout myself, I had walked over and introduced myself. I learned that Jesse had been addicted to a variety of drugs since high school. Now, at age 25, he had recently quit his job to enter rehab. He was living with his parents, resenting his dependence on them but struggling to find a direction and hope for his future.
I have to be honest: Much of what I heard from Jesse left me at a complete loss. His life was so different from my life as a Christian. He had only ever known what the world taught him.
Before I answered his question, I prayed for wisdom. I wouldn’t be able to dive into complex doctrinal issues or deep theological explanations. Instead, I answered in a way I prayed would at least point him in the right direction: “None of the things you do will ever make you truly happy. This is true for every person because we and the world are sinful. True joy and happiness are only found when you have faith in Christ. Anything we try to do on our own to pursue happiness without Christ will ultimately only disappoint us. But faith in Christ and salvation through Him changes our entire perspective on this life.”
The time I had to speak with Jesse and share the Gospel with him was limited, so I invited him to join us sometime at the Lutheran mission outreach center, Die Brücke, for fellowship and the opportunity to learn more. He said he hoped to join us at some point. I pray a seed has been planted and that the Holy Spirit will do His work.
Learn more about Anika Slayton and her missionary service at lcms.org/slayton.
Posted May 27, 2026
