In yesterday’s blog I mentioned a couple of ways we can reach out to the community especially at Christmas through music. The main thing is never to underestimate God and particularly the way He can reach out to people through the simplest ways. When God wants to change a person’s life, He can cut through any barriers. Here is one example of the way God changed the life of Joko who had grown up following the Muslim religion, as had his family.
Joko aimed always to set a good example for his younger brothers and sisters. That was until one sister became a Christian. Joko says he ‘became angry and resentful.’
But then one night, as his sister celebrated Christmas with her friends, Joko and his friends gathered intent on stoning the house. That was his plan. But it was not God’s plan.
As Joko and his friends drew near the house, Joko heard them singing what is surely one of the world’s favorite carols, ‘Silent Night.’ This carol originally called ‘Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht’ was heard first in Oberndorf, Austria, in a village church. Since it was written, it has become one of the world’s most popular carols translated into hundreds of languages. Many stories have sprung up around the creation of this carol. There is even a museum in Salzburg dedicated to the history of this carol.
But on this night as Joko stood outside the house ready to stone it, he knew nothing of the history or the stories surrounding the carol. Quite simply he heard the carol being sung and it stopped him in his tracks. The anger and resentment he had been holding onto because of his sister’s new found faith, vanished. Joko wanted that joy that only knowing Jesus can bring.
His sister and her friends prayed for him, they taught him the word of God and today not only is Joko a servant and follower of Jesus but all of his family have become Christians. All because the Lord used music, one simple song and a changed life to bring not just Joko but a whole family to Himself. Never underestimate the power of music or of our great God to change even the hardest heart. Who will you pray for and reach out to this Christmas?
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