“I am a Murderer but I now have peace.”

Tonight we went into Trench Town - an area that even up to a year ago, gun shots would be heard throughout the night as gangs, drugs and territorialism ruled the night (and day). We worked with a local church to have two teams disbursed throughout the area. The extreme athletes performed on streets, street corners, and sidewalks. Each of the teams had a mini-portable speaker system in which to play music and announce the event of the evening as well as the Fun in the Son Festival. Small kids were everywhere. Also were older males – already drinking and smoking weed. The fruit of wasted lives on drugs was evident in the community. Poverty, kids without supervision, trash everywhere (compared to other areas) and so on.

Our team went into one busy street and set-up. The guys did skateboard tricks and drew a crowd. Then I began to share my story. Over the past few days praying about this early evening event, I felt the Lord wanted me to speak into on the subject of Peace in this area. One of the names of Jesus is the Prince of Peace. In John 14 Jesus tells us that “peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” This area can only be described as an area that lacks peace and where fear has reigned. So, I shared my story and the storms in life I had faced. I shared my journey to find peace – through women, drugs, crime, and so on. I told them how many of the my friends (even close friends) are now dead (murdered) due to drugs or spent time in prison.

As I was sharing how Jesus made peace between God and Man and between men, one man was walking in our direction – listening intently. As he strolled down the sidewalk, in tattered clothes, thin from drug use, and looking as if he had not bathed in days – he stopped. He and l locked eyes and I knew the Lord was speaking to Him. When I asked who wants peace – he raised his hand (along with many others). He then prayed to the Prince of Peace asking forgiveness and inviting Christ into his life.

After our street event was over, he called me over to him. We sat on the sidewalk and spoke. He told me his name is Jason. He then shared that God had just now given him peace – he felt peaceful inside. Jason then told me a little of his story – he said “your words spoke to me, I am a drug user and dealer. I am also a murderer. Would you please pray with me.” So Jason and I spent time together, speaking of the Lord and praying. I then let the pastor know about him. He knows Jason and will begin to follow him up.

Amazing! If Jason is all that God brought me to Jamaica for – he was worth it. A new life, a redeemed life, a life that now can have meaning and purpose and Peace!