Note: This is a translation of a Chinese language article that was published on christianitymy.com on the 17th of January 2026. It’s presented here for the ease of readers who are unfamiliar with the Chinese language.
“When my life hit rock bottom, that was where I met God,”; this is how Victoria Lee describes the turning point of her life.
Looking back, she knows deeply that had she not reached the very end of herself, she might never have come to know the God who would completely transform her life. As she often says to others: “The end of human strength is the beginning of God”.
A Broken Life That Seemed to Have No Way Out
Growing up in a broken family, Victoria lost her sense of security and self-worth at a young age. Wounded by rebellion, loneliness, and feeling unloved, she gradually lost her way and eventually became trapped in drug addiction. Addiction not only consumed her personal life but also tore her family apart. She slowly lost the stability and presence expected of a wife and mother, as her close relationships crumbled under repeated disappointment and helplessness.
During that difficult period, even her home was no longer a refuge but a place filled with pain and alienation, and her children were unable to grow up in a whole and healthy environment. Over time, her life became labeled as “a failure” and “beyond saving,” and she herself almost believed that such a life could never be turned around. It was in this place of utter despair that she reached the lowest point of her life.
Little did she know that this very end would be where God would come into her life, and where the story would turn to become that of the beginning of grace.
Meeting True Healing at Rock Bottom
In 2014, after many years of struggle and at the end of her tether, Victoria entered a Christian drug rehabilitation center and began a two-year recovery program. It was there that she truly encountered God for the first time. She later testified: “God did not only heal my past; He gave me a brand new identity and a future.”
Christian rehabilitation does not merely address outward behavior but confronts the roots of brokenness in a person’s life, such as lack of love, loss of value, and fractured relationships. God’s presence gave her clarity and through His Word, she experienced an unprecedented sense of peace and freedom. This turned her life around and from 2014 until today, she has remained drug-free for many years. More importantly, her life has been completely renewed.
From One Who Was Helped to One Who Serves
After completing the rehabilitation program, Victoria did not rush back into society. Instead, she chose to stay on as a co-worker, continuing to serve in various rehabilitation and care ministries. She had gained, through experience, a deep understanding that those who are still struggling often do not need preaching but someone who can truly grasp their pain and struggles.
Victoria often reflects; “Without God’s Word, we simply do not have the strength to face the pressures of this world.” In her own life, it is God’s Word that has uplifted and sustained her. Now, that grace and strength is enabling her to uphold others.
Responding to God’s Call and Equipping Herself
Despite having been away from formal studies for many years, God’s guidance led her to enroll in a Bible college to receive training. Because of her background, she initially wrestled with insecurities and even questioned God and herself: “Why me?”
Yet, she eventually chose obedience and submission to God’s leading, saying to Him, “Since You have chosen me, I am willing to follow. I will entrust the rest to You.”
God showed her His faithfulness, and movingly, her entire year’s tuition was miraculously provided. Through this, she came to deeply understand that when a person takes a step of faith, God Himself takes responsibility.
A Burden Born for Women
Through years of ministry, Victoria became aware of the reality of a certain neglect: the extreme scarcity of resources for women’s drug rehabilitation and recovery.
In Malaysia, rehabilitation centers for men are relatively common, but those specifically for women are few and far between. Many women fall into addiction due to broken families, relational trauma, and a lack of love and support yet they cannot find a safe and appropriate environment for restoration.
Upon this realization, Victoria developed a deep burden for a Women’s Rehabilitation Ministry. She shares frankly, “I used to be that addict myself, so I know what they truly need.”
Walking Life with Life
In ministering to these women, Victoria does not stand above them but walks alongside them as someone who has been there. Some have described her as having a “mother’s heart” because she does not condemn but accompanies and she does not label but accepts.
Victoria firmly believes that people labeled as “hopeless” by society can still carry hope in God’s eyes. She often reminds co-workers and churches: “We must see those forgotten by society through God’s eyes.” Many lives once deeply trapped in darkness have risen again in Christ and even begun serving others. This is the most genuine testimony of the Gospel.
Bipolar Disorder, Home Care, and Shelters: A Healing Path That Differs for Each Person
In the course of ministry, Victoria is often asked a complex and realistic question: When addiction is intertwined with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, is home care more suitable, or is placement in a shelter or rehabilitation center better? She candidly admits that there is “no one-size-fits-all” answer.
In one interview, a family member shared a personal experience. A young person with bipolar disorder had entered a shelter but, after some time, became emotionally flat and socially withdrawn. Out of concern, the family chose to bring her home for care. Victoria deeply understands such struggles and emphasizes that every case must be carefully evaluated rather than simply categorized.
She explains that some individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder early in life, when given strong family support, a clear daily routine, and continued professional care, can live stably at home and gradually regain their ability to function. However, she cautions that not every family is able to provide such conditions.
On the other hand, shelters or rehabilitation centers offer highly structured environments such as fixed routines, clear boundaries, community support, and spiritual companionship. For some, such environments help stabilize emotions, reduce external stimuli, and prevent a return to chaotic living patterns.
Victoria shares that she has personally seen students with early-onset bipolar disorder gradually stabilize through proper accompaniment and long-term training. Some were not only able to interact with others again but even began serving in church. This further affirmed her conviction that the issue is not “home” versus “center,” but whether there is appropriate support, clear structure, and sustained love and patience.
Victoria shares earnestly: “Not everyone is the same. We cannot use a single model to fit every broken life.” Whether at home or in a shelter, what matters most is whether the person is truly seen, taken seriously, and loved, rather than being abandoned.
Seeing Complex Life Situations Through God’s Eyes
When discussing mental illness and addiction, Victoria gives a heartfelt reminder to the church community: do not rush to judgment, and do not easily place labels. She knows well that many who struggle are already bearing immense pressure from society, family, and even their own inner voices.“Those labeled ‘beyond hope’ still carry hope in God’s eyes,” she conveys.
For this reason, Victoria encourages the church to be a safe space – where one can find refuge and people who are willing to walk with them in their struggles, step by step, toward restoration.
Hope Continues
Victoria’s life story tells us that No brokenness is greater than God’s healing and No person is beyond God’s salvation.
When the church is willing to draw near to marginalized groups, and when believers are willing to bring light into dark places, broken lives can be rebuilt.
Readers who understand Chinese are welcome to visit YouTube to watch Victoria’s full video interview, hear firsthand how God transformed her life, and experience a depth of emotion that goes beyond words.
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