From Gang Member to Preacher

God worked a wonderful miracle in the life of a teenager during our 1995 summer camp. Pete had lived a very troubled life. When he was a boy, he witnessed his father commit suicide. He became homeless at thirteen, when his mother kicked him out of her house. To find acceptance, he became involved in a gang. When he arrived at our camp, he was bitter, confused, angry and lonely. Little did he know how drastically his life would be changed?

Throughout the week, the love of God reached out to him. On the last night of camp, God's Spirit broke through the years of pain and Pete surrendered his life to Christ. God wonderfully transformed his broken heart. When he returned home, his mother had again placed all his clothes outside the door and Pete went to stay with a friend. He began sharing Jesus with members of his former gang.

One day, as he answered the door, someone shot through the door and Pete fell to the floor. Although the bullets were fired at head level, they veered and hit Pete in the pelvic area and legs. Bones were shattered and extreme nerve damage occurred. He was paralysed in both legs and the doctors said he would never walk again. Because of the "permanent damage" he could only look forward to a life, which included crutches and a wheel chair.

But the Christ he met at camp was with Pete and one night at church God miraculously healed his legs. God called him to preach and he is now sharing the Gospel with those who feel hopeless. Thank God for His transforming grace!

Gary Lewis
Council Bluffs, Iowa