Papua, Indonesia: A local believer, “Jimmy,” shared his personal story of embezzlement, jail, repentance, and growth with CAMA workers in Papua, Indonesia. Jimmy had stolen from his boss and was thrown in jail, where he spent 18 cold, dark nights. He asked the guard for a light bulb and was able to read his Bible to his three cellmates: a murderer, a thief, and a rapist.

Jimmy had been afraid and discouraged, but now he is thankful for the experience because it brought him back to the Lord. He paid back the money to his boss and looked for ways to serve God. He started to play with CAMA’s soccer outreach and heard about the Papua United Coaches Training for Ministry, which reaches the youth of Indonesia and trains coaches. Through the skills and drills practiced on the soccer field, youth are discipled and given HIV/AIDS training. Jimmy (pictured on the left in red) attended the training and has been full of excitement since. CAMA staff are now trying to build a team of kids for him to coach and disciple. “It was in jail that the Lord spoke to me about getting my life in order,” Jimmy said. “I want to do something to help others grow in the Lord.”

Pray for Jimmy as he continues to grow in his faith and reach out to others. Pray also that those who attend these soccer and HIV/AIDS trainings would see that living according to God’s plan “gives life and gives it more abundantly.” Pray that they would have hearts that are receptive to the good news.