Mr. T: From Criminal to...?
23/02/2010 9:00 am <>
Mr. T was 11 years old when his mother died. By the age of 13, he had left his home and joined a gang, thus beginning his life of crime. He has spent many years in prison. While in prison, he was visited by some Christians who shared with him about Jesus' love. They also gave him a Bible, which Mr. T can't read as he is totally illiterate. But this exposure to Jesus and the way that his life was turning out made him begin to question his religious beliefs. Indeed, he is quite critical of Taiwanese religion and very open to Christianity.
Now in his early 40's, he has been out of prison for a few years and has been trying to live an honest life for his 2 young children and his girlfriend, A-oan. As a former criminal, it is not easy to find a job, obtain government health care, etc. So, life is not easy for him, and he is quite poor. A few months ago, he met some of the missionaries in Chiayi at their weekly Saturday park ministry event. They minister to young kids in the area of a large, outdoor market where A-oan works. Eventually, he began to attend Sunday meetings at the Chiayi Gospel Center, traveling 45 minutes on scooter no matter what the weather. He also brings his girlfriend and children as much as possible so that they will be exposed to Jesus as well. Often, throughout the week, he meets with one of the missionaries to watch a Bible story DVD or testimony DVD and then talk about it as the missionary explains the gospel. The missionary also tells him Bible stories. Sometimes, his girlfriend comes along and joins in the watching of the DVD and discussion.
Because Mr. T is not married to the mother of his children, he really has no rights as a father or husband. In addition, he has no real home or family. The center and the people there have become his family. The rest of the people who join the Sunday meeting, though not highly educated, are literate and have fairly good jobs. Also, most of them are aware of Mr. T's background as he has openly shared about it. Yet, they accept him and love him, often helping him to understand the story being discussed, even recording some of the worship songs so that he can listen to them on an MP3 and learn them. And, although not yet a professing believer in Christ, he comes to the Sunday meeting ready to serve, whether it's arranging chairs, making coffee and serving everybody, adding to the Bible discussion, or just talking with people and being friendly. He has really added something special to that group.
Pray for Mr. T as he grows in his understanding of Jesus. With it being so difficult to make an honest living, returning to a life of crime is a real temptation. Pray that he will be able to withstand the temptation and that the believers around him can continue to encourage and help him. Pray also for A-oan and their kids, whom he desperately wants to hear the same things he's hearing. But, because she is not married to him, she is still under the "authority" of her parents who are very much committed to Taiwanese religion and resistant to Christianity.
Amy Gibson - Chiayi
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