City Vignettes

Lisbon, Portugal

A troubled youth named Ricardo was searching for truth. Disillusioned with life and living on tranquilizers, he entered the Baptist Church of Miratejo. Missionary Bob Fry warmly greeted him and introduced him to the gospel. Upon hearing the words of life and seeing the reality of the love of Christ in the lives of believers, he accepted Christ. Ricardo gives glory to God for the new peace in his life. No longer is he dependent on tranquilizers and disillusioned with life. He has found what he was searching for. What if there had not been a church in his neighbourhood, beaming out the light of the gospel.

Durban, South Africa

David Hamrick shares a testimony from one of the students at the Baptist Bible College of Natal: "I was a devotee of the Hindu faith. I worshipped idols and was actively involved in the temples where I used to wash, clean, and light the god lamps. I was brought up to believe that if I do good, I will find favor with the gods. I enjoyed the rituals because of the attention I received and the status this gave me. My life was completely dark, without hope and meaning. I have now given my life to Christ because of what He has done for me! For the first time I have hope and a future with meaning. I am rejoicing because God chose to give to me eternal life. Christ died for my sin of worshipping idols."

Nairobi, Kenya

Some opportunities are unusual as missionary Russ Stockman reports. "Last Monday night, I was invited to speak to a group of Catholic priests-in-training from 10 different countries. The invitation came from a young man who has been attending our services for months and whose heart, we believe, the Lord has touched. For one-and-a-half hours I had an opportunity that few have to answer questions such as, 'What does it mean to be born again?' and 'How many sacraments does your church have and how do you view them?' I am not sure what their motive for inviting me was, but I know it was a glorious opportunity to share the gospel."

Lima, Peru

Times of crisis are said to be golden opportunities. Such is the case in Peru. The economic crisis of the country has sent many successful businessmen spiraling into bankruptcy. God used their situations to cause them to search for solutions. These seekers find they are not only bankrupt materially, but also spiritually. In a country steeped in traditions, superstitions, and religious practices that can not offer consolation, they sought the Truth that brought them into the spiritual wealth of God's family. Those minds that once were engulfed in a quest for material treasures are now energized by the Spirit of God to pursue eternal treasure. Some have partnered with the Lima missionaries to reach fellow Peruvians for Christ.