Woody's Testimony
Our our first day in The Gambia, the pastor arranged a driver for us to take us where we were to minister to the people. The driver was a young Muslim man named Woody. Woody picked us up on time the first day but we had a problem. Woody played tapes of Muslim chants quite loudly as we rode in the van. While Woody was just outside the van talking to some other men, I climbed into the front seat turned the cassette off. This got his attention. He looked at me. I looked at him. I didn't know how this was going to play out. This could have been a very uncomfortable situation. Instead, Woody finally smiled, and I knew that we were going to be friends from then on.

We shared our faith with Woody over the time we were together. And Samuel, another drive who happened to be a member of the church that hosted us, spent quite a bit of time sharing the Gospel with Woody. We were worried about Samuel at first, because he was reading his Koran to Woody. This didn't seem like something that we would agree with, until we heard the context of the conversation. Samuel was using the Koran to point to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But he showed Woody how the two religions didn't agree at all. Woody listened attentively.

Two weeks into the our stay, we had to use Woody to translate as we shared the Gospel in a small village. Woody was someone that we could trust, and he was willing. He did this for us in a couple of the villages. A turning point came when, after interpreting for someone, he asked if he could share it all by himself. At this point I was taken back. What was happening here? Afterward, I pulled him aside and asked him point blank, "Woody, are you a Christian?" He begin telling me, "I believe Jesus is the Son of God. I want to be a Christian. But, I can't say that I am a Christian because, if I do, I will not be able to go back to my parents' compound ever again." WOW! What a dilemma. I hadn't considered the cost for him.

My response to him was that I know a lot of people are praying for him to have courage and make that decision. Also, when he does make the profession of faith, that God will bless in a way that he will be able to bless his family for eternity.

I know that I was not the only one talking to Woody. I know that members of Awe Stare shared the compassion of Christ with him as well. Before we left, Woody professed his faith in Jesus Christ and is now attending New Life Fellowship International. I know we will see him in eternity. When we get there, I would like to introduce you to him. What an awesome stand he had to take. I know that God is faithful and will provide for him as well.

So join me in celebrating!

Under his Grace.
Ronda