Leanore* was always interested in talking to the East-West missionaries … but never interested in Jesus. Over the next seven years, as their friendship developed, the missionaries continued to plant the seeds of the gospel.
One day, Leanore’s world was shaken. She found out that she was pregnant. Being unmarried, Leanore knew that her family would not take the news well.
Fearing for her life, she sought the help of her friends, East-West missionaries, for a place to stay. They took Leanore in—caring and praying for her each day.
One week later, Leanore was hit by a car … causing her to lose the baby. As the missionaries walked with her through this tragedy, they prayed:
“Lord, give us wisdom to do what’s best for Eva. Please soften her heart and draw her to yourself with your overwhelming compassion. Make your provision come in such a way that she cannot attribute it to the kindness of people, but only to You.”
After caring for Leanore for nearly a year, the missionaries began to notice a difference. When they talked about faith, she began to engage in a new way. Leanore began showing up at youth group, church, and weekly prayer meetings.
The missionaries were intrigued by her new behavior and finally asked her one day if she had surrendered to Christ. Leanore said, “Oh, yes! I never thought to say anything. I thought it was obvious—the change in my life.”
The missionaries rejoiced in the faithfulness God had shown through Leanore. Now they don’t pray for a soft heart but, rather, for a firmly rooted faith and continued transformation.
*Name changed for security reasons.