What a delight to share a story of God’s incredible Grace, and how it redeems the most hopeless situation into something beautiful. On a Monday morning I was given a message from the answering machine. The message read “My life has been hell, does that mean I will have to go to hell when I die?” I was able to connect with Cheryl who had sent this plea for help through 100 Huntley Street.
I found her in a home where dying people were pooling their limited resources to allow them to eke out a living. My opening words to her after we had become a bit acquainted were “I got your message and do I have Good News for you! God has made a way for all of us, even though we may have had a hellish life, to live in heaven with God forever.” What sheer delight to share this message with her and it was the first time she had heard the Gospel. She was in the dying process, and much like a drowning person will grab onto a strong hand, Jesus lifted her from total depravity and despair of the future to the assurance of salvation and a place in the kingdom of God.
I think it was on my second visit that I asked her about her family. She told me that she had a brother and that their relationship was strained and asked if I would phone her brother Gary with the good news of Cheryl’s decision.
Gary lived in Quebec and was in poor health because of diabetes. Gary told me that Cheryl had substance dependence and they had to forbid her from coming to their home because of her anger towards them. He said he did not think Cheryl would or could ever change. As the conversation was closing I sensed God urging me to ask him if he was a follower of Jesus? He shared that he was devoutly religious and attended church as often as his health would allow him but he had never heard about knowing God through Jesus. I shared the Gospel with him. He told me he would have to think about that and I prayed with him.
I called him again a few days later. The Holy Spirit had done what only He can do. When I asked if he too would like to know that his sins were forgiven he said “Yes” and I lead him in a salvation prayer. I sent him some books. When his eyesight failed his wife started reading to him which lead to her salvation.
Gary died about a year later. Sue, his wife told me she found in his wallet John 3:16 written out with his name in the place of whosoever.
Cheryl passed into glory this past year. I look forward to seeing them all in heaven. Our God does marvelous things. All Praise and Glory to Him.
