On Wednesday last week Ben (the pastor we’re working with) challenged us to go out and find people who need Jesus. The idea was to bring them to church and pray for and with them, whether it be for healing, salvation or deliverance. We were sent out to find those who need Him and doesn’t know where to find them. And God sent them over our paths.
In an amazing way we came across Leroy and Carlos. They approached us to give their “baby girls some love.” We invited them to church for some REAL love and agreed to meet them in the same place a little later. Later we set off to church eager and excited, but were disappointed when our friends weren’t where they said they’d be. An half an hour later Leroy and Carlos arrived at church, reeking of alcohol and not expecting a party rather than sermon on offerings and tithes. God wanted them there, and he got them there! When we couldn’t find them, God sent Christine and Tia across their ways and well, with Christine you don’t really have an escape opportunity.
After the service, which they pretty much slept through, they got up and asked for prayer. They dedicated their lives to Jesus and made the choice to change. Or so they said. We were impressed when they showed up at the building site and taken aback when they moved into our house. They went to church and shared meals with us and we thought they were dedicated to change.
Over the weekend they set off to make some money by playing music on street, they twice came home drunk. At certain times we were concerned for our safety and the safety of our possessions. It was and still is a big test for our team. In Zambia we were told to not
even share the gospel with someone if you’re not willing to go the distance with that person. What do we believe, if we don’t trust that God would protect us and them? Do you give them a second, third and even forth chance? If we’re striving to be like Jesus, but can’t forgive them for their failures, are we succeeding in our mission? All of these are questions we’ve been faced with lately.
Yesterday (Sunday) we prayed for and with them again. Something wonderful happened, something I can’t put into words. The spirit was at work, and we could feel it. They were moved and we could see it. However, they came to church drunk and this morning decided to say their good-byes. We’re not sure where they went or if they’ll be back. All we can do is pray that the Spirit convicts them and they give their lives and hearts to Jesus before it’s too late. We’re going to keep on praying and trusting God, He’s after all a God of miracles!
Love