Naum Chahe grew up in Tanzania, where childhood curiosity led him to a troubling discovery—fermented sap from a local tree that introduced him to alcohol at an early age. What began as innocent experimentation gradually sowed the seeds of dependency.
Years later, Naum immigrated to the United States, seeking a better future. He worked hard, became a licensed practical nurse, and started a family. But the grip of addiction tightened. Alcohol, once a distant memory from his childhood, resurfaced with devastating consequences. Naum lost his LPN license, his job, and eventually, his marriage.
Drowning in $18,000 of unpaid child support and burdened by guilt and regret, he hit rock bottom.
In March of 2024, a pastor brought Naum to the Frederick Rescue Mission. Naum grew up in a culture half Christian and half Muslim, and he searched for the truth. During his time at the Mission, he never hesitated to ask hard questions during Bible study, eager to understand what authentic transformation looked like.
Jake Sexton, the Case Manager at the Changed Life Recovery Program (CLRP), became a mentor and friend. The two spent countless hours in conversation, discussing faith, life, and healing. Over time, the truth of the Gospel broke through Naum’s confusion and pain. He surrendered his life to Jesus, finding in Him the peace and purpose that addiction had once promised but never delivered.
Naum says, “I was trying to do everything on my own, but I did not have the power to overcome addiction. Matthew 19:26 says, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”
After graduating from the CLRP, Naum took bold steps forward. He found work at Frederick Health Hospital and worked tirelessly to regain his nursing credentials. Committed to rebuilding his life, he rode his bicycle to work each day, saving every dollar. Slowly but surely, he paid off his child support debt. Eventually, he saved enough to do something he had only dreamed of: return to Tanzania for a month to reunite with his family.
Naum’s story is one of resilience, redemption, and restored hope. Where addiction once ruled, faith now leads. And where there was once a broken man, there now stands a restored one—grateful, humble, and whole. Naum testifies, “Today, my life is great! I am so grateful to the person who brought me to the Mission—she is like an angel to me. I am thankful to the Mission because now I see a new me.”
