As usual, I was walking through the community with gospel tracts in hand during gospel outreach when I came across four young men sitting under a tree. They were laughing, smoking, and passing around bottles of alcohol. Their names were Nelson, Samuel, Kakumba, and Ronald. It was clear they were caught up in the pleasures of the world, but something inside me urged me to approach them and share the love of Jesus.
As I got closer, Nelson noticed me first. Immediately, he fumbled with his cigarette, trying to hide it behind his back, and placed his bottle on the ground, almost ashamed of being seen. But I smiled and said, “Don’t hide anything. Jesus loves sinners.”
Nelson looked at me in disbelief. “What do you mean?” he asked, his voice full of doubt. The others turned their heads, curious about what I had to say.
“I mean exactly what I said,” I responded calmly, stepping closer to them. “Jesus loves sinners. He didn’t come for the perfect people; He came for people like you and me. He loves you right where you are.”
The atmosphere shifted. Suddenly, their laughter faded into silence, and they began to listen. Cigarettes and bottles still in hand, their attention was no longer on their vices, but on the message of grace I was sharing with them.
As I spoke about the gospel—the good news of Jesus dying for our sins and rising again to give us eternal life—Nelson, Samuel, and Ronald’s hearts softened. They realized that this message was for them. They bowed their heads, and right there under that tree, they accepted Jesus into their lives.
But Kakumba, though he listened intently, said, “I need more time. I’m not ready yet.”
I didn’t push him. Instead, I assured him that Jesus is always ready when he is. I could see in his eyes that something had stirred within him. I left him with the same message of love and hope, knowing the seed had been planted.
I thanked God for Nelson, Samuel and Ronald; their lives have forever changed. I also thanked our generous donors, the people who make it possible for us to go out and share the gospel. Because of their support, someone—no, three souls—will see heaven.
It was a reminder that no one is too far gone for Jesus to reach, and His love is always greater than our sin.
Samuel with his bottle
Ronald the new convert
About Author
