All missionaries desire tangible results from their ministries. It is rewarding to be able to report to supporting churches regarding success in evangelism and discipleship. Hope deferred does make the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12). But despite our desires, we do not have control over results. We must be faithful in sowing and watering the seed; God Himself gives the increase. The Holy Spirit must shine the light of the glorious gospel of Christ into the human heart, causing the person to respond with saving faith. God uses the prayers of His people to bring about this miraculous work.
When I was on deputation four years ago, I repeatedly requested prayer for several ladies who needed to be saved or needed to grow in Christ. “Grace” was one of those unsaved ladies. She had led a hard life and had children with several different men. I got to know her when she brought her infant daughter to clinic for medical care. She also lived in my community, so I frequently saw Grace and baby “Sarah” as they went about their daily activities. The misery in Grace’s eyes arrested my attention whenever I would interact with her. I witnessed to her of Jesus Christ as I had the opportunity, and she also heard the Gospel each time she came to the clinic. However, there was never any indication that she understood the Gospel or desired to call on the Lord for salvation.
Upon my return to Papua New Guinea in July of 2021, we renewed our relationship in the community. Within a few months, Grace was again expecting the child of a man who was not her husband. I cared for her in the prenatal clinic during the months of her pregnancy. At one point, an altercation occurred between Grace and the true wife of the man with whom they were both expecting babies. As a result of this incident, I had an open door to speak with Grace directly regarding her sin and her need to believe the Gospel in order to have her sins washed away and receive eternal life. Grace listened, but she still looked exceedingly miserable in the immoral life that shackled her.
Early one Tuesday morning in January, Grace called out at my gate because she was in labor. I quickly brought her to the clinic, and within thirty minutes she delivered a healthy baby boy. Since most of the ladies who have their babies at the clinic are unsaved, it sobers me that possible delivery complications could launch them into a Christless eternity. I praise the Lord each time He preserves them during this potentially life-threatening event.
About six weeks later, Grace brought her son “Matthew” to the clinic for him to be checked and receive some vaccinations. After I finished with Matthew, I began to chat with Grace regarding her spiritual condition. God gave me liberty to be more persistent with her than I ever had before. I finally asked her, “What is it that is keeping you from calling on the Lord for salvation?” She answered, “Nothing.” I asked her if she was ready to ask the Lord to save her, and she said yes. After I prayed for her, Grace talked to the Lord sweetly confessing her sins and asking for His gift of eternal life. During this entire time, I was praying that Matthew would not fuss and cause a disturbance, and he slept through the entire interaction.
After a few months of meeting for Bible study, Grace drifted away a bit. But eventually, she began a long-term weekly discipleship time with another missionary lady. During this time, Grace’s understanding of the basis of her salvation was strengthened, and she began to grow in Christ. She faithfully attended worship services, served in the weekly church cleaning, enrolled in literacy classes, and earned money to buy a Bible. During this past year, she began helping in the church nursery. I rejoice to see Grace growing in love for the Lord, joyfully serving Him, praying for the salvation of her five children, and initiating conversation regarding what God is teaching her.
My heart rejoices that God worked in Grace’s life to bring her to the point of understanding and believing in Him. This process did not occur quickly, and it started years before I first arrived in PNG. But God’s timing is perfect. And I am convinced that the faithful prayers of God’s people played a vital role in Grace’s salvation and subsequent spiritual growth.