A Finding the Hope booklet, left on a street, became a lifesaver for a man on the verge of committing suicide.
The man’s name is Joseph. He lives in Martinique, a French territory in the Caribbean, where EHC France is working with local Christians to share the message of life and hope in Jesus.
For those of us who have never reached such depths of despondency it may be difficult to grasp the relief that must come with the first awakening of hope. It could be like receiving oxygen that finally reaches deep into the lungs, allowing the breath of life to flow. It’s like being handed a brand new slate on which to write the story of a new life.
The realization that Jesus is real, that He sees us, loves us and is present to rescue us from utter brokenness and sin, always creates a turning point, no matter where we are in life’s circumstances. For Joseph, who struggled to find the slightest reason to live, it became the gift of a lifeline.
Many people in cities and neighbourhoods across Canada are at that same tragic crossroad. What message are they receiving?
Joseph had reached the end of the road and was desperately disappointed with life, unable to make anything better. He shared later that he saw no way out of his dilemma and believed that ending his life would finally put an end to unbearable physical and emotional pain.
In his despair he said he cried out to God, not really expecting an answer. But God heard his cry and answered quickly.
Strolling through the streets, Joseph saw a Finding the Hope booklet on the ground. He picked it up and began to read. He said that, as he read, he couldn’t believe his eyes. The words spoke with clarity and convinced him that God was answering his desperate cry.
As hope began to take hold of him he grew in the assurance that his broken life could be restored.
On the back of the booklet was stamped the address of a church. He contacted the pastor, who invited him to Sunday worship. Joseph attended with his wife and daughter. Today, they live in the joy of knowing Christ is rebuilding their lives from the inside out.
This testimony is a profound reminder of the power of printed gospel literature. During this season I invite you to join us in giving thanks to God for the Gospel, for Christian witness and for His miraculous work in so many lives through the Finding the Hope outreach.
By Denys Blackmore