“Salvation came by the Jews!”
|
Last week, I wrote about the Muslim inmate named Cisse, who, years ago, stood up in the brig chapel and exhorted the Christian prisoners to wake up and know the Six Great Proofs of the Bible, which I refer to as L.A.P.U.P.P. David Diaz and I actually met Cisse in 2007 in his Segregation cell (temporary isolation cells for new Brig confinees). We knelt down and peered through the 4″x10″ food-tray slit on the steel door of his cell, and introduced ourselves as Christians. He said he was a Muslim, but was okay with our visit. He mentioned that several Chaplains had already visited him. I told him that I wasn’t there to debate our faiths, but to share Jesus with him because only through Christ can sins be forgiven. Cisse shared that Allah would forgive him if he was truly repentful. I asked him what happened in the death of his daughter and he said, “I just have to trust Allah, since Allah allowed this to happen.” I was puzzled, so I immediately asked for clarification. “Wait a minute. Are you blaming the death of your daughter on Allah because He allowed it to happen?” Cisse said yes. Without hesitation I said, “No! No! No! You don’t get to blame this on Allah! You boot-stomped your daughter! You’re responsible for her death!” It was as if his attempt at denial was suddenly destroyed. As my words of truth sunk in, Cisse became overwhelmed with emotions – pain, grief, shame, guilt. He began wailing and weeping uncontrollably, pacing in his small cell, and crying to heaven. (The guards were mildly shocked and frozen.) After a few minutes, his sobbing subsided and I told him Jesus died on the cross to pay for every sin mankind would commit, and only Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection could save us from our sins. I explained that Jesus did this because this is how much he loved us. Cisse was receptive and we even prayed with him. He said that he was interested in more dialogue, so I told him to come out to the Wednesday Bible studies and the Friday Sxxual Integrity & Restoration classes. I also told him that I would get him a Bible. As I mentioned last week, Cisse was in pre-trial confinement for the PTSD-related stomping death of his six-year-old daughter. He was eventually convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Throughout his confinement, he faithfully attended every Brig outreach. He had also earnestly been reading and studying the bible we gave him. Sometime after his trial, I learned that Cisse was now pending transfer to the States to serve out his sentence. Sandy and I visited him in Segregation, since all transfers are there. We knelt down and peered through his small food-tray slit. We could see that he was just finishing his lunch. The conversation went something like this: Me: Cisse, a few days ago I heard about your upcoming transfer. God gave me a very graphic vision of you. In this vision, Truth literally came to you and stood right in front of you. And, when Truth came, you recognized it was Truth and you embraced it. This Truth was so real that you immediately rejected everything else you had learned about God — teachings from Islam and your Imam. (He was listening intently.) Over the last year, I’ve watched you diligently search for Truth and I believe that you really want to know the Truth. (He nodded his head.) Cisse, in my vision, when Truth came to you, you were reading your Bible. Cisse: Pastor Nick, I’m reading my Bible right now! Not the Koran, but my Bible! (He pointed to an open Bible on his small desk.) Me: In my vision, you were reading the book of John. Cisse (He lit up): I’m reading the book of John, right now! Me: You were reading chapter four. (These words were not mine. They just kept coming out of my mouth.) Cisse: I just finished chapter three. I’m in chapter four right now! (Cisse was now wide-eyed.) Me: You were reading verse 22 where Jesus said, “Salvation came by the Jews!” Cisse just stared at me in a state of shock. We were all speechless and remained silent for a few moments at what just occurred. Cisse was still kneeling when he began to cry uncontrollably. He held his head down to mask his tears. Then he stood up and put his hands on his face, paced his cell, and cried for about a minute. As he shuffled around, he kept saying, “This is too strong! This is too powerful! There’s no way you knew I was reading my Bible! Or, the book of John! Or, chapter four! This is too powerful! This of Jesus!” It was an unbelievably, powerful moment! Sandy and I continued to encourage Cisse and we prayed with him. He did not give his life to Christ at that time, but we felt that it would just be a matter of time. I have since lost contact with Cisse, but I strongly believe that God was pursuing him in a mighty way! (Remember to Share on all your Social Media) |
“We make disciples!” |
|
Agree with us in Prayer:a. For the Brig/Prison: I continue to ask God for all the souls in the Brig, even the Guards. Pray for the inmates, guards, and their families. Bind up spirits of bitterness, unforgiveness, shame, condemnation, and pride. And loose a spirit of salvation, discipleship, forgiveness, exposure, healing, deliverance, peace, and restoration! b. For continued increase at ZCDC (Churchplant). Pray for mature, qualified families and permanent personnel to co-labor with us in the northern-most, remote area of Okinawa. c. For Zebulun Worship Team as they practice and develop their gifts. d. For our Believers, that they walk in increased discernment, wisdom, maturity, power, and that they are properly discipled, and that they bear much Kingdom fruit! e. Pray against retaliatory, unclean spirits (on base and off base). Bind up demonic spirits of lust, division, strife, envy, competition, and fear. And loose a spirit of unity, peace, love, and faith among Believers. f. For our current schedule, i.e. finances, resources, wisdom, strategies, and strength: |
In closing…Saints, we can’t that you enough for your prayers. Your prayers of faith are vital, necessary, and empowering. Thank you, again. I frequently admit that I honestly don’t know what I’m doing over here. But, there’s pain, confusion, and suffering everywhere I look, so I try to help. It’s my burden. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m willing to point people to Christ. Often, I cry out to God, “Why did You call me to this? Father, why did You choose me? I’m that guy who has a history of making mistakes! Repeated mistakes! I can’t be trusted!” Yet God still invites me to take my place and serve Him. (Lol) In trying to understand and describe this experience, the words of Jeremiah, the prophet, come to mind. “You deceived me, Lord, and I was deceived; you overpowered me and prevailed. I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me. Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the Lord has brought me insult and reproach all day long. But if I say, ‘I will not mention His word or speak anymore in His name,’ His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” (Jer 20:7-9 NIV) Real talk. All I have is His Word and my experiences with His Word. And all I really know for certain is to keep my hand to the plow. As a result, and in my obedience, the power, love, and wisdom of God shows up and lives are changed. (What a privilege it is to be invited to participate in these works! I’m not worthy. And it just doesn’t make sense.) (Sigh) Oh well! We can use your help. It’s very expensive being full-time missionaries in Japan. So, please consider partnering with us in The Father’s Business, over here. Your monetary donations and support help us continue making disciples, and as you sow into these works, you become a benefactor of this Kingdom harvest (Php 4:17). Financial gifts and contributions can be made online through Christians In Action. Or, you can mail contributions to the address listed below. I pray that words are given to you in opening your mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which you are His ambassador in chains, that you may declare it boldly, as you should! (Eph 6:19-20) Contributions can be sent to:
|
— Our Mission & Vision —“Gather Sheep & Convert Goats!”“Catch, Clean, & Release!” |