One of our boys has had an
incredible transformation in Christ over the past few years. Chenfor moved to
our community a few years ago to flee a terrible situation. He stole for a
living with his dad until one day when the owner woke up to find them stealing
and shot his dad. Chenfor had to run for his life to not be killed as well. He
came to our community out of fear, because picture was shown on the news and he
was terrified that someone might recognize him and try to kill him.
Jose was spending the night at the
school to protect the computers we had, and several of our students were
staying with him as well. Chenfor approached Jose to ask him if he could also
spend the night, because he was afraid that someone would break into his little
house to kill him, and thought the school would be safer. Little did he know
how much God would use this fear by drawing him to Jose for safety and into a
friendship with him.
After sharing with Jose about his
past, he became a part of the discipleship group, but also ask Jose to teach
him something since all he knew how to do was steal. Jose began to teach him
piano, wood burning, and took him to work with him on our property and on trips
to the city. He had also never been to school because he didn’t have a birth
certificate. After he got his birth certificate, we worked with him to get
caught up to 6th grade, and this year he received his elementary
diploma!
But the most exciting part of
Chenfor’s story isn’t about what he has done with his time, but what God has
done in his heart. After being in the discipleship group, God has greatly
transformed his heart and given him a peace. He used to be very fearful, and always
looking over his shoulder from fear that someone was after him, but now he is a
new creation in Christ. This past year he was baptized and attends church. He
also helps lead worship some days! He has changed from a fearful, macho boy who
made jokes of Christians, to a young man of God, who has peace in his Heavenly
father.
Since we see him day to day, I
hadn’t really noticed the drastic change that God has brought about in his
life, until we were getting ready to go to the states. He was helping pack up
the car with Jose and while I was watching them, I noticed Chenfor singing a
Christian song. Our driveway is right next to the main road, and it was really
neat to see how Chenfor was singing audibly and by choice, a Christian song, in
a place where anyone could hear him. He was not ashamed of Christ! This made me
reflect back on how he used to be. He came to us a thief, and only listened to
pop music. He didn’t even know the words to a Christian song and had no desire
for God, and here he is now praising God outside of a church with no care in
the world about who can hear him. Praise the Lord for the transforming power of
his love!
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