Forgiven for Murder

Amazonian Wednesdays 🌴

Today’s post is another story from my first year as a missionary, written in May 1998. (Three years after this writing, the pastor’s wife mentioned here became my mother-in-law):

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“When Pedro was a little boy, he was around here a lot, a regular attendee of Sunday School,” explains Carmen, the pastor’s wife.

But as Pedro started to grow up and face the pressures of being a teenager in a poor neighborhood with little family support, he became involved in a gang. Just sixteen years old, last year he spent a short period of time in jail for killing another gang member.

But thanks be to God for His indescribably gift! A few weeks ago, after watching a baptismal service from outside the church’s doors, he came timidly inside and prayed to accept Jesus into his heart.

The following week he was already bringing his friends to the youth ministry events, and this past Sunday he was up on stage acting the part of a Christian parent for a Mother’s Day skit put on by the youth. As Pedro was one of the leaders in a gang of 300, he is connected to many lives who could very potentially be touched by the power of God. Please pray and believe God with us for more souls such as this to be added to the kingdom.

Also pray for:
— URGENT: Leaders, to connect with the lives God has added to our number
— A strong commitment to discipleship among the youth
— Healing for many wounded hearts
— Our “Encounter with God ‘98,” a youth retreat from June 11-13
— God to raise up a powerful prayer ministry among the youth
— Strongholds torn down
— More Holy Spirit poured out!

May the Lord surround you and fill you with the power and love of His Spirit as you intercede for us!