First, meet “Grace the Customer”. Living alone, she lived for drink, going
early in the day to the local brewer’s house to do chores so she could get the
corn-based local brew for herself.
Tobacco was her other habit, and it all took a toll on her health. Last year, sick, and troubled in her home by
visits from evil spirits, she cried out to God.
He released her from the spirits’ grip, then appeared to her in a dramatic
dream. She saw heaven and wanted to stay there, but was told she needed to return with messages for her children. She was healed from that time on, and shortly
after, she finally got up the courage to look for a church. There she heard
about Jesus and gave her life to Him.
She began attending a Tabitha Bible study, and although illiterate,
learned the verses to earn her own Bible. She takes her Bible to others who can read it to her. She says, "His Word is like a bone. I chew on it until it becomes soft and it enters my heart. I never went to
school. I ask God to teach me Himself,
and He does.” She loves Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom
that Christ has set us free. Stand firm
then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Her neighbor friend attests to the witness
she is having in her family and in their community by her changed life and word of testimony.
Meet the second lady, “Grace, the Brewer,” to whose home our first Grace
went to work and drink each day. Needing
a way to support her family, this Grace began brewing alcohol years ago. She perfected the process and was known for the
“Number 1” brew in the area. Although
she did not drink herself, she says her yard was always full of drunkards, with
her husband being one of them. There was
no peace in their family. In spite of
the business, she never had enough money for the family’s needs, and lived in
fear of a police raid, day and night.
Finally, one day last year, she cried out to God, “How long will I have
to live this way?” Shortly after, she
was arrested and taken to jail and there she decided she wanted to change. Her son paid her bail, and then three Tabitha Bible
study leaders visited her in her home.
 |
| Caroline and Julianna, on either side of Grace, visited her in her home |
She says, “They brought life to me, sharing with me about
Jesus.” She gave her life to Christ, and
has a whole new life. “God has really changed me. No one had hope for me. They were scared to come to our compound
because of the drinking and fighting.
But now there is peace. God is wonderful!" Luke 1:37, still encourages her. “Nothing is impossible with God."
Best friends in the drinking business, and now sisters in
Christ. They were both baptized in December, earned their own Bibles in January and have been so eager to grow, they have been first to arrive at church and at the Bible studies. Praise God that He heard their cries and revealed Himself to them. And thank Him for faithful believers who pointed them to Christ.
In October, having accomplished God's will for her on earth, Grace the former customer, was welcomed home by
Jesus. Praise the Lord!
