A few months ago we introduced you to my friend Joe. A Haitian neighbor who I have known for a few years. We had connected after I found out that he had worked at Caterpillar in Haiti while I worked for them in Virginia.
Joe has had a hard life in Haiti. Having grown up during the dictatorships, he has seen many atrocities commited because of greed and corruption. His father, who was wrongly convicted of a crime, was killed in the main intersection of town when he was a young boy.
I have visited with Joe for years now. We talk about everything and he loves sharing about his life and asking about mine. We have a lot in common and I can honestly say that I love this man asa dear friend. Every time I visit with Joe I share the Gospel with him and he has always rejected it. He was pretty good at giving excuses as to why he wasn’t ready.
I recently walked down to see Joe and visit with him. His health is failing and he is in the care of nurses around the clock. His brother, a believer in Christ, had recently passed away and I talked with Joe one more time about salvation. That day, Joe nally came to know Jesus!
When I shared with the caregivers who were there that Joe had trusted in Jesus, they all celebrated and rejoiced! They were believers and had been praying for Joe! I gave Joe a bible and have been visiting with him from time to time. He is reading his bible and knows now, as
the end draws near, that he will see his brother again and walk with Jesus face to face.
I have seen this happen time and time again in my life. Sharing the good news over and over with friends who seemed like they would never accept Jesus! Some of my friends have rejected Jesus for years, but I have seen many of them have their hearts slowly softened by the Holy Spirit and come to faith in Christ!
It always amazes me how God can move in the hardest of hearts and completely change a man. I have seen the meanest, roughest, toughest men come to Jesus and lead their friends to Jesus! God is good and the Holy Spirit is mighty! Never give up! Keep sharing, keep praying, and watch God work! It is always worth it.
– Jim
