Fishers of Men

“I’m wicked,” were the words Isaac kept speaking over himself.  The words I kept speaking over him were: “You are loved.  You are a son.  You are a co-heir.  Your past does not define you.” 

Let’s rewind a bit.  On Monday I traveled to a new part of Kenya where I never have been before.  The area is called Turkana.  It hosts one of the rival tribes of the Pokot people.  They have had conflicts for years on end, killing each other and participating in cattle stealing.  Joram has slowly been integrating Wildfire Ministries here as well.  We went specifically to take information of girls seeking sponsors.   

On Wednesday, it was an “off” day and travel day.  I was getting to know the area better.  Paul, our translator/guide/friend that we had, wanted to show me an island at the place where we were currently staying, off Lake Turkana.  We took a short boat ride and upon arrival, started exploring the island. 

This area is known for their fish.  Lake Turkana is a major supplier for Western Kenya.  As we walked, we of course saw fisherman, lots of fish, lots of empty nets, and people sitting around.  We took our pictures with some men, and then continued walking. 

We stopped and talked to some more people who were untangling a net.  They told me how they were catching nothing today.  Immediately, I thought of the story where Jesus tells them to cast their nets to the other side. 

We continued to walk…and there was a man who called me over.  Kuja (come)! 

Our conversation started and after introductions he told me to sit.  I had mentioned I was a missionary.  He told me story after story in the Bible…About King David and Bathsheba, Jesus telling the disciples he was going to make them fishers of men and so many more!  But Isaac kept saying he wasn’t saved because he drank, smoked (he was actively smoking as we were talking), and was wicked.  Not because he was a murderer-but because he had these other addictions and God doesn’t like those people. “Be alert and of sober mind.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

I started telling him the story of the father and the two sons…and he recited it perfectly.  Even the point where the father was there with his arms wide open to receive the son.  This man knew his stuff…but he didn’t know his IDENTITY. My prayer at this point was, “God, give me wisdom on what to speak to him.” 

By this point, children, friends, and random people had joined and were listening.  The part of the story of the two sons he did not recite was the ending—the sandals, the ring, the robe, the fattened calf.  I reminded him of these things as I shared the way to salvation with him (and anyone else who was listening at this point—we had a crowd).  I was talking to him about accepting Christ fully in your heart—repenting and turning from your old ways—and taking the honor of belonging in God’s family. 

Isaac said he was ready to change.  He said he could stop smoking and drinking at any time and he said he would start today.  I told him, then do it NOW. 

I felt it was time to leave, so I prayed for everyone around and we left.  But Isaac wasn’t done with us.  He was drawn to us and said he wanted to walk with us.  So, he did.  He was still holding onto his cigarette and I said, “Isaac, you said you were throwing it all away—that means everything—now.”  And he finally threw the cigarette away.

We walked. We talked.  We went to the water to swim. He asked more questions.  We were sitting at a place buying fish, and he kept saying, “I’m wicked.”  And I kept telling him if he truly accepted Christ as his savior that he’s not.  His past does not define him.  He is a new creation. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” 1 Corinthians 5:17  And he has to WALK IN THAT IDENTITY and FREEDOM!

I was looking at him directly in the eyes at this point and not looking away.  I could see the years of pain.  I could see the sorrow.  I could see a man who could be a tender person and a testimony of God’s goodness, mercy, and grace.  Most of this time, he kept looking back—as in a question—why me?  “Because God loves you.”

As Paul and I headed to the boat to leave, Isaac continued to walk and talk with us.  He was now speaking truth over himself.  He said he wanted to start a church here.  He told us that he believed this was not a coincidence that we came.  He told me I didn’t have to stop and talk to him, but I did.  He told me he felt God see him today.  Bwana Asifiwe! (Praise God!) 

Sometimes, “muzungu, muzungu, muzungu” can be daunting words when you pass so many people.  Sometimes they say it because they see you and want to say hi.  Sometimes it’s because they think you are the richest person in the world and can solve all their problems and the next words out of their mouths are, “GIVE ME MONEY!”.  But sometimes, God wants you to press in.  To not ignore or just say hi, but to engage fully.

I’m thankful for this sweet opportunity on the island.  Before he called me over and after I had passed a lot of people, I had just been thinking and praying that I would find an opportunity to share with someone.  God does not disappoint. 

Please continue praying for Isaac—that this would truly be a life change for him and that he would truly toss everything that’s holding him captive away. Pray that he truly repented and will live his life differently.  Pray for the lives of all the others who were listening too.  May God continue to touch and transform lives.