Have you ever wondered what became of some former friend, perhaps one you ran with before you were saved? Was there someone with whom you could not continue to be close because your life paths took different directions?

After studying Global University’s course, The Bible and the Church, Global University student, Woyesa T. of Ethiopia, couldn’t stop thinking about a former close friend of his. Many years had passed since they parted company, and yet Woyesa could not escape thoughts of this friend. Woyesa spent days in prayer for this man and his family. He wrote his friend a letter, not knowing how it would be received. Woyesa asked permission to come to his friend’s home and pray and read the Scripture with the entire family. He was overjoyed when his friend finally wrote back that he could come.

God led Woyesa to begin ministering to this family through the scripture passage, John 20:19b. “...when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, Peace be with you!” Woyesa pointed out to the family that God is a God of peace.

Night after night, Woyesa prayed with and read God’s Word to the family, always emphasizing the peace of God. Woyesa had no idea that his friend’s home was in deep turmoil. Finally, one night, his friend blurted out that he and his wife were living virtually separate lives. Though they lived in the same house and kept up the appearance of togetherness, their marriage was just an outward show. There was no peace in their home or in their hearts.

Woyesa faithfully met with the family for many more days. One evening, after he had shared the Word and prayed with them once again, husband, wife, and seven of the children accepted Jesus as Savior. The marriage and the home were restored when the Prince of Peace came to live among them. All nine were baptized in water and five of them received the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Reflecting on these victories, Woyesa said, “If the Holy Spirit gives me an opportunity to pray and preach to the people, and if He gives me His Word and the spirit of prayer I must go. ...He can penetrate any situation and do His miracle in it.”

Thank God for testimonies like this from Global University students. Their zeal inspires us to be more available to God. A very old song says, “Lead me to someone who needs me, that I might lead them to Thee.” What ever happened to your former friends? Would you pray for them and ask the Lord to lead you to them?

Reported by Carolyn Hittenberger

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