Roy: the first of many to come.

I will probably write many stories about Roy in the weeks and months to come. He is a friend of the mission who lives on the street. Roy is an addict.. there aren't many times I have ever come into contact with him when he doesn't smell of liquor, listerine or paint. Despite the obvious flaws about Roy, I love him. I have loved Roy since I first met him 5 years ago. He calls me Boo.

Last night as I was up on stage during worship I looked out at the crowd and saw Roy sitting on the front row. Now before I finish the story I must tell you. Roy is a rough looking fellow. He is the type that if you saw him standing on the corner at a stoplight, you would lock your car... Ok back to my story. So I am on the stage during worship and I look out and there is Roy on the front row. He has huge tears rolling down his face.. the tears continue to flow our entire worship time. After worship I felt like the spirit was leading me to go and speak to him.

I approached Roy and I asked him what was the matter. He said (between sobs), "the devil has got a hold on me and I don't know what to do." The next few words I said may not be exactly what some believe but I truly believe the Lord was speaking straight through me. I said, "Roy, Satan does have a hold on your earthly body, but the Lord holds your heart and soul. You have given your life to the Lord. If you die tomorrow you get to leave this flesh that Satan has and go to heaven. God always wins!"

The sad part about this encounter is that he was completely shocked. He did not know that despite the fact that he is a slave to his addiction, he still gets the chance to encounter the grace and mercy of Jesus and go to heaven. I can't ever forget the look on his face. It looked like a huge burden had been lifted off his shoulders and he was finally free from his demons. What I learned from this experience is this. In my day to day life have I missed chances to tell people caught up in earthly sin that they have a chance at heaven? Maybe if I was bold about telling this, there would be less people walking around on the earth shackled by the chains of shame that only come from Satan. Guess what... God always wins!