One Sunday evening, an avalanche of disheartening, disturbing, discomfiting thoughts set me in a distraught countenance. I decided to go somewhere (not to preach somewhere) and get some air, reflect, read and have a very open conversation with the Lord about what was bothering me. If possible, I would cry my lungs out until my throat was sore and I had an assurance of my victory.
So I set off, not really knowing where I was going. But I recall telling the Lord to guide me when I was leaving home.
I got on board a bus bound for Circle- which was quite awkward considering the fact that I initially wanted to go to campus. When we got to Circle, I got off the bus and started off towards 'God knows where'.
Then came a dark short man by my side who was muttering under his breath, "I really need God in my life. If only I had a Pastor to pray for me." I thought to myself, "Did he want me to hear that?" So I responded in a mumble, "What's going on in your life?" (Mind you, at this time, our entire conversation was in Twi- which is unusual for me to flow in with strangers).
Then he began, "I hope you won't be offended if I tell you my story."
All this while, we were walking and talking.
I said, "Go ahead!"
He continued, "I just came out of prison yesterday..."
I asked him, "What took you there?"
He said, "I used to steal goats with some friends. We were caught. One of my friends was killed and I was sent to prison. I have been there for three years two months."
At this point, my mind was racing as to what solution to give this man aside Jesus. But I calmed down and motioned for us to sit down in front of a closed shop.
We sat down and then he narrated how everybody he asked for money saw him as an outcast and an opportunist. He was now realizing that what he really needed was a relationship with God, but he did not know how to begin one.
I shared the Gospel with Him and explained to him how valuable he is to God despite his past errors. I taught Him that Jesus loves him dearly and that it was not too late to identify and fulfil God's call on his life.
The 41-year old then asked, "What must I do now?"
I led him to Christ as we prayed.
Then I shared some basic truths on salvation with him. As I was sharing with him, I sensed the need to minister to him to receive the Holy Spirit. So I told him about the Holy Spirit and then we prayed. I laid my right hand on his head and spoke in other tongues. Immediately, he said, "It is coming but I can't say it." I replied, "Go ahead! Just open your mouth." The ex-convict began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave him utterance. I was amazed! I took my hand off him and watched him- he was still speaking in tongues.
He recounted what happened, saying, "I have goosebumps all over me. It's as though I have been into an air-conditioned room."
I thought to myself, "Wow! This is the refreshing Peter spoke about in the book of Acts." Hallelujah!
I have much more to share concerning his decision to follow Jesus and come to Church but I will pause here. One thing I need from you is this: please help me in prayer for the man. His name is Samuel Nyarko.
One lesson I learned after the incident is this: Look beyond yourself and you will see how needy many others are around you and lend a hand to bring them liberty.
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