I never dreamed that joining a bowling club would change my life forever.  

My name is Michel*, and I live in a small city in West Africa. I was raised in a community that frowned on drinking alcohol. I didn’t drink at first until one day I decided to try it. I liked it. Ten years later, I was an alcoholic. I couldn’t provide for my family. I lost touch with my faith community, and my social life centered around drinking. 

One evening, a co-worker invited me to his bowling club. The atmosphere was so friendly that I decided to join. The camaraderie I found there was unlike anything I’d experienced. 

I learned that the club president, Mr. Thadeau, is a Global Mission pioneer. Global Mission pioneers visit community schools and homes. As they develop relationships, they help meet people’s needs and pray and study the Bible with them. 

When I got sick, Mr. Thadeau came to visit me. He kindly bought me the medicine I couldn’t afford. 

After recovering from my illness, I told Mr. Thadeau about my struggles with alcohol and asked him to pray for me. He encouraged me to pray in Jesus’ name, assuring me that He would free me from addiction. I accepted his suggestion, and he prayed with me every morning for a week. 

Since then, I have lost the desire for alcohol. Jesus Christ has truly healed me! 

I’m deeply grateful for this Global Mission pioneer and for the miracle that Jesus has performed for me. Because I feel myself being transformed by Jesus’ power, I have decided to become a Seventh-day Adventist and am now attending Bible classes. 

Please pray for me in my spiritual journey and for the Global Mission pioneers who led me to Jesus. 

* Names have been changed