Gospel Derails Planned Homicide in North Africa

A young man receiving vocational training in North Africa was depressed and angry – and carrying a lethal weapon.

Ahmed* was so heavy-hearted and sullen you could see it on his face the moment you looked at him, according to the leader of the local ministry offering the program.

He was intensely introverted. When he first came to the vocational training at the suggestion of a friend who had benefitted from it, Ahmed never spoke to anyone. In time he began to ask the trainers about their talk of God, His will, and His love for all people, the ministry leader said.

During a time set aside for a spiritual message at the training one night, Ahmed heard preaching on forgiveness that led to him revealing that he was carrying a weapon. The local missionary delivering the message had said, “God forgave your many sins, you have to forgive those who wronged you,” and Ahmed felt the Lord was speaking directly to him, the ministry leader said.

“The young man got rid of the heaviness in his heart, and it was replaced with joy.”

“He prayed, repented, cried and told his sad story,” the leader said. “He said, ‘I was carrying a weapon with me to kill my uncle after finishing the training and returning to my village. My uncle had hit my brother in the eyes until he bled, then locked him up to prevent him from going to the doctor. My brother lost his two eyes, and I was going to take revenge upon my uncle.’”

The Lord had brought him to the ministry’s vocational training so he could learn about and feel His forgiveness, Ahmed said.

“I was supposed to die, but Jesus Christ died instead of me on the cross,” he said. “So, I decided to forgive my uncle as Jesus forgave me. Thanks to God and the ministry.”

Ahmed learned haircutting and opened a barbershop in the village, the leader said.

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SOURCE: Mission Network News, Katey Hearth