James—an East-West missionary—traveled to Africa to equip national partners on how to share the gospel and plant churches. One of his favorite parts of each session was hearing the stories of the local believers.
At one training, he met a man he nicknamed “Warrior.” James soon learned that Warrior’s past greatly contrasted with the Spirit-filled individual in front of him.
During the course, each believer worked on sharing their story of grace, and a few volunteered to share theirs with the group.
Warrior was one of the volunteers. He confidently rose from his seat and told about his blood-stained past and how Christ cleansed him of his sins.
He was a former fighter for his tribe. Warrior’s duties included enforcing order within the clan and participating in raids of other tribes based on their perceived offenses … both of which often involved brutal force.
At the conclusion of his testimony, another believer asked if Warrior had ever killed someone. He didn’t answer the question, opting instead to share his preferred method of attack and how he’s still haunted by a dark curiosity in knowing who survived his assaults.
James sat stunned at the gospel transformation in Warrior’s life.
The man he had gotten to know over a few days was no longer filled with a desire to kill, but a gentleness and passion to use his story to reveal the radical forgiveness offered at the cross of Christ.
The gospel redeemed this man, making him a witness to the goodness and grace of God. He now brings the love and reconciliation of Christ to his family and neighbors.