God’s Redeeming Work: The Power of the Gospel to Change a Soul

We met Harold Friend more than thirty years ago when we were new believers in Jesus. He had a past marked by serious mistakes that caused his biological family to turn away from him. For years, he had carried the weight of regret and shame, yet God redeemed his life. Harold became a man of warmth, kindness, and generosity. He loved helping anyone in need and delighted in sharing his faith. Most days, he wore a Christian T-shirt designed to spark conversation. One read, “Mayo Light SHINE for Jesus: Spread it Around – Matthew 5:16.” Another said, “Life without Jesus is like an unsharpened pencil. There is no point.” Harold encouraged us in our calling to missions, always reminding us to trust God’s plan. His life showed that no matter the past, God can redeem and restore a life. God can also use anyone to bring hope to others. He became a living testimony of God’s grace, showing that transformation and purpose are always possible through Jesus.

As Harold aged, he eventually moved into an assisted living facility. He asked us to help manage his affairs legally and financially. He also wanted us to make healthcare decisions for him, and we agreed. We managed many tasks using phone or email. Since we are in Botswana and he was in Portland, we sometimes found others who helped him in person. Even though dementia affected his memory, Harold kept sharing Jesus with many. He would say, “I am still here, so God must not be done with me yet.” On February 26, God called Harold home. We grieve our loss, yet we rejoice. God had used Harold to touch many lives, including ours, and we are grateful for His faithfulness. In God’s divine providence, Pastor James is teaching this week on Eschatology: the Study of Last Things. It reminds us why we are here and what awaits every person. Life is short, but God is eternal. He gives perspective, hope, and clarity about our calling. Even in uncertainty or weakness, God’s presence guides us, sustains us, and shapes us.

Harold’s life was redeemed by God’s grace. He lived with unwavering faith. His life shone as a testimony to His love for all who knew him.

He was deeply loved by God. He became a radiant light to everyone around him. He inspired hope, joy, and faith in the lives he touched.

God redeems every broken life completely. No failure is too great, no past too dark, and no heart beyond His reach. He can take every mistake, every wound, and every regret and transform them into hope, purpose, and blessing. God invites us to surrender our weakness. He asks us to give Him our fears and our doubts. He promises to work all things together for our good. In the journey of faith, perseverance matters. As Paul declared, “I have fought the good fight.” He said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7-8a). We, too, are called to trust God to strengthen us. We are called to guide our steps and to keep our hearts aligned with His will. God provides courage when we feel weary, healing when we are broken, and clarity when life seems uncertain. He restores what is lost, fills the emptiness, and shapes our lives into testimony. In His hands, every struggle can become triumph. Every setback can become growth. Every life can bear witness to His unfailing love.