Each day, many young people come to New Time House, our center of influence, to pick up information about the English and Portuguese classes we offer. We use moments like these to get to know people and listen to their stories.

Several months ago, I met Edu, a 24-year-old soldier in the national army. After some time, Edu came to my home to talk with me about some problems he was having. Although Catholic, he practices animistic ceremonies like many people in Guinea-Bissau. He is also afraid of evil forces. I prayed with Edu and told him, “If you seek God through prayer and Bible study, you can have victory over the fear. God can help you.” Sometime later, we started a Bible study, and now, every week, Edu comes to the New Time House to learn more about the love of God.

One day, Edu talked with me about being both a soldier and a Christian. The local culture teaches soldiers that they cannot attend church, that God will not welcome them into His presence because sometimes they kill people. Edu was worried. I could see the fear of God’s rejection in his eyes.

At that moment, I told him the story of David, a man of war whom God also loved. I clarified many things for Edu, and little by little, peace entered his heart.

Like Edu, many in Guinea-Bissau are far from God because the culture has imprisoned them. Edu came to our center of influence looking for Portuguese classes and found much more—hope, peace, and a factual knowledge of God´s Word, which can make him free.

Today, Edu is fighting to give his life wholly to God. Some things are hard, specifically family relationships. Pray that the power of the Holy Spirit will help him win in his struggles and use him to be a witness to Guinea-Bissau of the delivering power of the Almighty God.

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