Hope restored during desperate times
Release No: 09-35
By Gerald Sonnenberg
Jun. 19— KINGSTON, Jamaica: The downturn in the economy has taken its toll on people worldwide. Dennis is one of those people whose life had been torn apart by it. The former security officer had just lost his job, home, car, and then he found out that his children had been molested. It is difficult to imagine the look on his face when he approached the Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) ministry center in Kingston.
He requested to talk with the pastor, yet he looked so distraught the receptionist feared he might be there to do harm. Dennis wasn't armed with a weapon, he was full of stress, depression and frustration.
Pastor Obot Ite, the director of LHM-Jamaica, greeted Dennis and invited him to rest a moment before he asked him to explain what he was going through.
"Pastor, I have suffered a terrible ordeal. I feel I'm cursed and under an evil spell and was almost taking my life for I thought all hope is gone," explained Dennis. "I need God at this time more than financial blessing." Asked how he decided to stop by the ministry center office, he said, "I saw the banner, and I'm glad it was open. The other church - somewhere in the neighborhood is closed. I will want you to pray for me."
The pastor asked him to trust in God. "I presented Dennis with a copy of the Bible and asked him to read a few select passages before we talked more," said Pastor Ite. "He was happy to receive a copy of a new Bible and he was amazed to discover God's promises for him and assurance of salvation."
Dennis remained with the pastor for more than two hours and renewed his commitment to Christ. Dennis felt that God's Word healed his wounds. He found himself ready to forgive those who had hurt him and his family. Dennis and Pastor Ite prayed together.
Dennis was crying when he came in, but smiling as he was leaving the office with God's blessings, a new Bible and a booklet - "So You prayed for a Miracle." He returned to his home with joy because he received what he had been praying for a connection with God. Dennis returned with three other people to a movie night in the church that weekend. He is still making referrals to the ministry.
He now worships with his family of four in the St. Andrew congregation, and he is anticipating the baptism of his children.
Your continued prayers and support for LHM allow outreach programs to have an impact all around the world. We ask that you prayerfully consider a gift to our International Ministries today.
To support this ministry click here or call us at 1-877-333-1963.
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