Making A Decision

I could see her thinking. The Holy Spirit  was working on her heart.

With my translator at my side, I was preaching about hell, driving home the point that a true picture of God does not include the tyrannical belief in eternal torture in the flames of hell. Her face seemed to say that she understood and she wanted to believe in such a loving Heavenly Father, but still, she hesitated.

I showed from the Bible that there is no support for such a doctrine, that the wicked will be burned up, turned to ashes. There is justice, not cruelty. God’s purpose is to purify creation from sin. She looked at me intently, gathering what was being said, and answering thoughtfully along with church members and others as I checked for understanding. I made the call to come forward, but she didn’t move.

For some here in Moldova, making the decision to follow Jesus all the way can be very difficult. Their current church ties might entangle them. Family bonds could hold them fast. And in keeping the Sabbath, threats to what little income they might have might intimidate them. All may play a part in holding back decisions.

I talked with her after the meeting, pleading with her to come to Christ. She smiled shyly into her lap. I told her that tomorrow we will talk about baptism, and it was time for her to make the decision to change her life. The Spirit tugged at her heart, she lifted her head and said quietly, “I will.”

Did you hear that? Angels in heaven singing. Please pray that she, and many others, follow through for Jesus.

Constantine

Constantine’s mother died when he was only four. His father died soon after as part of the Russian army. Left alone with several siblings, it is surprising that he was the only one separated and put with a different uncle.

Unfortunately, life in his new home didn’t go well. He was not allowed to attend school at first, and when he was, he had to walk miles there and back. When it came time for university study, he was told there would be no help from the family. Still he was determined and went to take the entrance exams. He found a place to stay, but the problem was, he had no food.

For two weeks he didn’t eat. Other students noticed, and they helped him with food. He made it into the university, trained, and became a French teacher. Still life was difficult, since teachers, even today, only make about $200 a month.

Despite the hardships, he raised a family, and his daughter became a Seventh-day Adventist. She invited him to our meetings. The picture is of Constantine with one of our It Is Written volunteers, Pastor Victor Maddox.

Constantine has been faithfully attending each night until a couple of nights ago I saw him putting on his coat. What was happening? Did I offend him? His daughter and her husband put on their coats as well. From the pulpit, I could only wonder what the problem was as I tried to focus on the presentation.

As soon as I was done, I asked around. Constantine had been taken to the hospital. What was happening with him? With not much way to communicate I had to wait until the next evening to ask about him again. The doctors found some irregularities but nothing too bad for a man of 81 in a country where the average lifespan is 71. When he came back, I mentioned to the congregation that it was good to see him back. He beamed brightly, settling in for the presentation.

Afterwards, I talked with him and the pastor, through my translator. How have the meetings been? Very interesting. Did you understand everything? Oh, yes.

Then I brought it home to his heart. Would you be willing to study with the pastor and be baptized? He paused. Looking directly at me he said, “I’ve been wanting to do that for a long time.”

It is amazing to see the Lord at work! There are others like Constantine, and your prayers are reaching the ear of the infinite God who touches hearts for Him.