May 16

Witnessing

Setting Captives Free

“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me
empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose.” Isaiah 55:11 (NRSV)

In the land of Namibia (nah-MIB-ee-ah), we traveled to remote
villages, where most practice ancestor worship and traditional tribal
religion. We visited homes and presented the gospel when permitted.
At one street, we again sought the Lord’s guidance. From behind a
wire fence, two men called to us. They were prisoners at a jail and asked
if we would come in to talk. We knew that dealing with police officers
and paperwork would take a long time. So, regretting that we couldn’t
visit at that point, we prayerfully handed the men some tracts in their
language.

Before we could leave, a man outside the fence stopped us. Dressed
in plain clothes, he told us that he was a police officer. The translator
openly explained what we were giving to the prisoners. To our surprise,
the officer said, “You must come to my home and tell me about Jesus.”
He led us to his home behind the jail.

In the yard, the man listened intently to the gospel through the
translator. I silently prayed for him the whole time. To our joy, he asked
Jesus to be his Lord! But what he said next brought tears to our eyes.
“I’ve been waiting for someone to tell me about Jesus,” said the officer.
The prisoners we met now have someone on the “inside” to explain
the tracts and tell them about Jesus. What “prisoners” do you know
who need to be set free? Will you share the key to life today?

—M.M., Central, Eastern and Southern Africa

Father, I pray that You will make a way for prisoners all over the world to hear
the gospel. Through the officer in Namibia, bring the gospel to the jail where
he works. Help me to set a captive free today through my witness. Amen.

Next day