Here’s the (very short) story of a new friend –
When the farming project began Chuck asked around for a few workers to come help prepare the farm and help work it as it got up and running. One person was Jim (name has been changed) who happens to live in our area. Chuck would pick Jim and a few others up in the morning and head to the farm. On about the third day Jim was a bit late. Chuck waited in the truck for him until finally he came running to the truck…drunk. The other 2 workers laughed but Chuck just told him to be prepared for a long days work.
A little background information on Jim. He has a wife and three children. He speaks English pretty well and comprehends it. Jim did not have a job before the farm and, from what his friends told us, drank.
During those early days on the farm Jim listened to Chuck and Reverend Lewis Wachira talk about God, how a man should live, what a husband’s responsibility is to his wife and kids and many other life conversations (Chuck and Lewis were also getting to know each other more so these were just typical “getting to know you conversations”). Chuck and Jim talked on the way to the farm and on the way back, after all it’s about 15 miles so plenty of time to talk and find out about each others family.
After that first “come to work drunk” morning Jim has not shown up for work again drunk. He asked Chuck to hold back a small portion of his pay so he can buy a phone (which was very refreshing because he never asked us for a handout…he wanted to take responsibility for himself). He is purchasing small items at the grocery store before going home, again taking responsibility for himself and his family.
I’m not sure where he stands in his relationship with God but I believe watching and listening to two Godly men talk and discuss life, bounce ideas off each other and basically have a mutual respect and care for each other has shown Jim a way of life he hadn’t seen before. You can see Jim stands straighter…he’s taking care of his family, working for a living and being productive. He goes home at night tired from a good days work and therefore no need for idleness and drinking.
Not sure where Jim’s life will take him but I pray the Lord continues to show His love to Jim through Chuck, Lewis and any other Godly men God brings into his life and that Jim will take that step and give his life completely to his Heavenly Father.