I just wanted to share one story of life-transformation from our 3 days of evangelism in Bubanza last week. On Monday, we shared the Gospel with two men who were working together. When we were finished, the older of the two men thanked us for sharing. Told us he was already saved, in fact, he was an evangelist with his church. He verified that what we had said was true. Then he said that he was only speaking for himself. He was not speaking for the salvation of his helper, Patrice. I asked Patrice if he wanted to receive the gift of salvation. He declined. Said he needed time to think about such a big decision. I asked him how much time he would need. He said he would think about it more that night then decide. So, we left the men and went on our way.
Wednesday was our third and final day of evangelism. This day there was an outpouring of grace. We shared with many large groups and many received salvation through Jesus. We kept walking, climbing, the road twisting and turning then suddenly we were in the same place we had been Monday.
We greeted the older, Christian man. Asked him where his helper, Patrice, was. He sent one of his children down to the bottom of the mountain to fetch him. When he arrived, I could tell he was somewhat dismayed to see us there. I asked him if he had been thinking about becoming a Christian like he said he would do. He admitted that he had not given it a second thought. I asked him how much more time he would need before deciding. He thought it would be many more days, maybe even weeks. I talked to him about how empty the things of this earth can be. If a man drinks a bottle of alcohol then goes to sleep with an empty bottle in his hands, when he wakes up in the morning, all he has left is an empty bottle. His heart is empty. If he goes to bed having salvation, when he wakes up in the morning, he still has salvation. His heart is full. At this point, another young man walked up to us and said we had preached to him the day before and now he was ready to be saved. All of a sudden, Patrice relented and said he was ready for salvation too! The Pastor prayed with them and had them pray for salvation. It was really a great moment of victory for the kingdom! Then I told Patrice that I wanted to take his photo now that he was saved so he could see the joy on his face.
Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
