the power of love, the word and prayer

I have just returned from Uganda where I witnessed the amazing power of God's love, His word and prayer. Twenty eight years ago a young man who had grown up in the church was seduced into a demonic personality cult. A Catholic priest had befriended him and payed for his schooling. The young man had become a good businessman and quickly rose to be the number two leader of the cult.

The cult leader claimed to be God and that Jesus didn't really exist. The leader gathered wives to himself and influence political officials. Yet this young man followed him with fervor. The priest who had befriended him never gave up on this young man and prayed for him regularly. The word of the Lord planted deep into this young man continued to work on him. The reality of Jesus was always working inside him until the darkness that had clouded his mind was broken and he recommitted his life to the Lord and left the cult.

Martha and I witnessed a celebration by the whole Body of Christ in that remote area of Uganda. They came out to celebrate in the fashion described in the parable of the prodigal son. We witness between 2000-3000 people from every tradition cheer as this young man now grown confessed his faith, renounced the cult and asked forgiveness for leading many into darkness. The priest was there to welcome him with open arms and restore him to the family of God.

It made me think of how God the Heavenly Father loves those who have forsaken Him and waits with ever open arms willing to restore them. It is one thing to read the story in scripture and talk about the principles. It is quite another to see the Lord work in a living parable and witness the joy in the eyes of a man who was brought from darkness back to life in the light of Christ. Thanks be to God. Jesus said, "Satan comes to steal,kill and destroy, but I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly."

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