“Bringing hope” – a missionary moment

In 2023, we set up a distribution program for Audio Bibles for the blind, the visually impaired, and the illiterate in the Democratic Republic of Congo, helped by an evangelist from Nigeria. During distribution, I visited a blind man named Anicet who had been in the hospital for several weeks and was not expected to live much longer. I sat down next to his sick bed and we talked.

Anicet spoke to me about his life. He was not born blind. “I never really had much hope,” Anicet said. “I always felt like I was just going through the motions.”

I listened to his story and felt deep compassion for him. I told him, “I know you’re going through a tough time right now, but I want you to know that there is hope. There is a God who loves you, and he has a plan for your life.” I managed to share the Gospel with him, and he listened attentively.  “I never really thought about God before,” Anicet said. “But what you say makes sense to me.”

We spoke at length and at the end of the visit, Anicet accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. He was full of hope and he knew he wouldn’t be alone anymore. I gave Anicet an audio Bible, and he listened every day. He was amazed by the stories of Jesus Christ and began to grow in his faith.

A few weeks later, the mother who covered the hospital costs called me to tell me that Anicet had died. I was sad, but I knew Anicet was in a better place. He is with the Lord, and he is finally at peace. Anicet’s death caused me pain, but it still encouraged me. I know that I will never be able to replace Anicet, but I can continue to work for God, because there are many who have not yet been reached. I am determined to continue Anicet’s legacy. I want to bring hope to those who are struggling, just like Anicet.

Raphaël Kapampa Christophe from the Democratic Republic of Congo
For Missions

Published by AfriGO on 4 March, 2024