Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

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When I committed to the World Race, I thought I was signing up to have my heart broken. I thought an AIDS orphan or a widow going hungry might break it, or a sixteen year old girl working the bars in Thailand so she can help her family eat. Any of those things might still come; any of those things might still break my heart.

But I never thought my heart would break for the gang-bound murderer whose desperation leads him to drugs and alcohol.
 

As you read earlier, Natalie and I rejoiced when Mario went up to the altar Sunday night. We interceded for him and I could feel the sword of the Spirit swinging in my hands on his behalf. I was angry at Satan for his power over Mario’s life, and I prayed that God’s power would transcend it all and that Mario would be claimed for the Lord. In my heart I could hear God calling Mario’s name.

But, the language barrier proved frustrating. We couldn’t really communicate to find out exactly what changes had happened in his heart. But we continued praying for him, and I left the church in faith that God was moving in Mario’s heart.

There was more reason to rejoice when Mario showed up early for church Tuesday night, because Salud, a former Palenque gang member whose life has been made new by Jesus, came with us to church. Connecting the two of them was key for future relationships with Mario, I believe.
 
 
But that night Mario was drunk again. And maybe more. We managed to
keep him at the church and chat with him while he sobered up. He
clapped his hands along with us all through worship, and read the
scriptures alongside Salud during the first half of the sermon. But the
somewhat long-winded pastor drew upon his patience. Natalie and
Stephanie sat with him again on the curb across the street, and more of
his story came spilling out. Read more on Stephanie’s blog.

Three years ago, Mario was rewarded a teardrop tattoo on his cheek for committing an act of murder. He lives daily with regret over taking the life of a little girl.
 

I’ve never met a murderer before, and that harsh reality hit me hard. But when I look at Mario’s face I just see pain deeper in his two eyes than any other eyes I’ve ever looked in before.

My heart broke for Mario because in the midst of it all, God placed a tiny piece of his love for Mario in my heart. Jesus loves this broken man just as much as he loves the little girl he murdered, or me, or you, or Mother Theresa. The human body of Christ was broken for the broken spirits of the world, and somehow the love and compassion of Christ for Mario invaded my heart.

God is calling Mario’s name, and it is clear that Mario is listening and seeking, but I think that despite going to the altar, he hasn’t really come to the cross yet. Pray for him. Also pray for Salud and for Ricardo, the men of God who will be Jesus to Mario through love and friendship.