I was sinking deep in sin far from the peaceful shore . . .
But the Master of the seas heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

This hymn, written about the disciples fighting the stormy seas, beams out its praise from my heart as I recall the victory Christ gave me from sin in my life. Freedom from persistent, “besetting sin,” as Paul the apostle calls it. I have been rescued, freed from a past of failure after failure.

It is this victory, this freedom in Christ, that AFM missionaries seek to give to others. Some sinful behaviors are so ingrained into the culture that an entire nation needs to overcome fear, as in the story told by Elisabete Dias (p. 46). Some require a team of church members to show an erring soul the love of God, as in the example of Ivan (p. 26).

Others are more personal. The Ericksons recently sponsored a first-of-its-kind overcomers’ conference in Papua New Guinea (p. 24), focused on Bible stories that illustrated the struggle over appetite, anger, sexual sins, addictions and harsh words.  As the lessons were taught, 85 people were enlightened with the means to put into practice a Christian lifestyle and be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne . . .” (Revelation 3:21).

Many of you can trace that moment when God set you free from that implacable cord of sin which held you so tightly. Others, perhaps, are still longing for freedom from the snare that won’t let go, like a fox whose leg is caught in the trap. There is hope. Let this testimony encourage you.

Give your entire life over to Jesus, the Savior and Healer. When nothing else can help, let love lift you.

Then go . . . get out of that boat and fish for men.

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