A Hardened Heart is Softened

Before I tell you *Paul’s story I would like to give you a little bit of history. In our first weeks in 9 de October Esther and I went door to door meeting people and trying to get some contacts built. One day we ended up at *Jacob’s house, Jacob was very nice, he listened to what we had to say and accepted Christ; but said that he did not have time for the one on one lessons. We asked him if it would be ok if we came back and just dropped off the material for him to at least read, he said he would like that very much.

The following Sunday we went to give Jacob his book, sadly he wasn’t home; but his sister Kathy and niece Julie were home. We talked with Kathy and Julie for about 15 mins and when we asked if they would like to go through the lessons with us they agreed wholeheartedly. Although, it has been very hard to catch them at home (this is a common problem for us). One afternoon Jacob and Kathy’s parents were visiting, so while I was talking with Julie, Esther took the opportunity to introduce ourselves and tell them why we are working in 9 de Octubre and what our purpose is.

Paul (Jacob and Kathy’s father) was very defensive and WAS NOT in agreement with anything Esther had to say. When she asked him what he thought about the bible, he said “I think it’s just a bunch of stories.” I don’t remember exactly what he said about God, but I think it was something to the fact that yes, a god exists but I don’t believe in him. Esther and I left feeling very sad, but before we left Esther made sure to tell him that we would be praying for him.

Fast forward a couple weeks. We have gone to see Julie and find that Kathy is home for once, but has company, of course she invites us to stay. While we’re talking she begins to share with us about the accident her father was in last week. Paul lives out on the river but brings his boat in every weekend to visit his family. So Paul was on his way back, but before he could leave he had to fix a leak in the boat. He boiled (or heated) the tar and was just about to pour it out, when he slipped spilling the tar all over himself. He burnt the right side of his shoulder and arm VERY bad!

Esther and I both felt the door open for us to ask if we could pray for him, before we could ask, Kathy was asking us. Esther asked if he could come out so we could pray right then. Much to our surprise, he agreed and by the time we had finished praying I think I saw tears in his eyes. It was clear to us that God was working on Paul’s heart. Last week when we went to give Julie her lesson Paul was there. Always before he would leave us alone with Julie, this week he stayed and listened, and not quietly he had lots of questions.

We asked him if he would like a book of his own so he could follow along with us, I think my mouth was probably hanging open when he said yes. When we had finished the lesson, I asked Julie if she needed any help with her English homework. She didn’t have homework that week, but she did want me to teach her a few things. The best part about this was that Paul was right there trying to learn English also. Just before we left we asked Paul if he would like us to come by during the week to get him caught up with Julie. So this week we went to see Paul twice and on the second visit he prayed and accepted Christ into his heart.

As I was thinking about Paul’s story I could help but think about Pharaoh and how hard his heart was, but then when God sent the Plague’s Pharaoh’s heart began to soften. Sadly it took Paul experiencing a tremendous amount of pain before he would listen to the Holy Spirit moving in his life and heart. I have been amazed at the difference in Paul from the very first day Esther talked to him to now. We are very excited to be giving Paul his very first bible.

What an Awesome God we serve, He can take a heart of stone, melt it and mold it into His home! WOW! This is what I love about my job, seeing my God work and giving him all the praise for it!

In His service, Bri and Esther

*For privacy reasons, names where changed