Do you remember the moment you met Jesus? Where were you? What were you facing? How did your life change at that moment, knowing that you were fully known for who you are and all the sin you’ve committed, yet also fully loved by the God of the universe?
That powerful moment, when Jesus becomes more than a historical figure or a good teacher from the Bible, is a moment our Mobile Messengers see again and again in their families and communities. Men freed from demonic oppression. Women freed from debilitating pain. Teenagers finally know peace in the midst of a tumultuous life.
The stories are compelling, heartbreaking, and hopeful. Today, we want to share the story of Adi. Adi reminds me of the woman brought before Jesus in John 8. Caught in adultery, filled with shame, she’s cowering before the men who have dragged her to Jesus to make an example of her. They want condemnation, Jesus wants to save her. They are ready to stone her for the apparent outward nature of her sin. Jesus tells them that if they are without sin, then they can cast their stones.
When Shame and Addiction Press In
Adi was in a similar place as the woman caught in adultery and struggling with alcoholism. She had her faith in Allah, but for some reason, he hadn’t freed her from the addictions and demons that incessantly oppressed her. Her reputation was in tatters. Her heart filled with depression. Maybe a drink would sooth the torture in her soul
Night after night, Adi wondered her village. Shame haunted her. She had two children, but they were the products of her affairs. She had no home anymore. Her lack of education, poverty, and her deeds shackled her, keeping her in a cycle that seemed unbreakable. Broken in spirit, Adi gave in and found something to drink to dull her senses.
Hope Breaks Through
The relief from the drink was momentary. The next morning, regret came tumbling back. Day bled into night, and Adi found herself freefalling. Until one night, she stumbled into a field where a group of people gathered. A movie played, and Adi sat, figuring she didn’t have anywhere else to go.
The film that was playing was The Jesus Film. As Adi watched the movie, the compassion of Jesus moved her. Astonished by His sacrifice on the cross. She had never witnessed such sacrificial love, and it made her realize that Jesus was the One she was searching for. Adi surrendered her life to Christ that evening and was invited to join the local church in her village.
A New Way Forward
Adi joined the church, but secretly she was terrified that the church wouldn’t want her once they knew what a sinner she really was. However, when she shared her past and how she wanted to be free, the church embraced her. They became a new family for Adi as she worked to thread the broken pieces of her life back together.
The faithfulness of God worked mightily in Adi’s life. Restoration is happening in her marriage. Her husband and her children have come to know Jesus. And they’re all learning how to be disciples of Jesus and preach the Gospel in their village.
Can you imagine how women like Adi and the woman in John 8 felt after meeting Jesus? The transformation from trembling, afraid, and condemned to free, forgiven, and new life must have seemed like a dream.
That’s what makes the words of Jesus to the woman so stunning. “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” A glance around shows that there truly is no one left to condemn her. And then His words of forgiveness, hope, and purpose: “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”
Stories like Adi’s are the reason why Open Eyes seeks to raise men and women to preach the Gospel of Jesus. There are hurting men and women out there who need the hope of the Gospel shown into the dark, broken places of their lives. Churches can provide community, help, and accountability as they bring the good news of Jesus to the uttermost parts of the earth. The power of the Lord is still at work, stretching forth through men and women dedicated to ensuring that the Great Commission is fulfilled in the lives of those around them.
We will continue to equip these villages and churches with the practical and spiritual resources they need to fulfill the calls on their lives until the whole world has heard the name of Jesus.