Feb 3, 2020 From street sweeper to Christ-seeker
Sister Simms had prayed earnestly every day, many times a day, for seven years. But finally, the day when everything would change had arrived: December 7, 2019.
Sister Simms and her husband, 69-year-old Augustus, live in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica. Augustus is a retired street sweeper and former hardware employee and they have been married for thirty-seven years. But there is one thing that stands out about AugustusÑhe is a very stubborn man.
When Sister Simms was baptized in 2012, Augustus promised his wife that one day he would give his heart to the Lord. But for years the answer remained “not now.” So his wife would take his answer to the Lord, and continue to pray that, soon, he would change his mind.
Today, he is suffering with many ailments. He must use crutches and he struggles from day-to-day because of it. But his breakthrough finally came during the Quiet Hour Ministries evangelistic series in his wife’s church. QHM sent gospel workers to begin finding Bible interests in the community before the mission team arrived. One of them contacted Mr. Simms and invited him to hear Jesus knocking.
December 7, 2019 at his baptism
This time, Augustus opened his heart and accepted Jesus.
On December 7, slowly, humbly and accompanied by his wife and aided by the church deacons, Mr. Simms went into the sea off the coast of his beautiful island home. He was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost and joined the family of God. There was great rejoicing in heaven!
Sister Simms knew this day would come and had never ceased to ask God to intervene. Sometimes, it takes a while–longer than we wish. But God is faithful, patiently knocking on the door.
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” ÑRevelation 3:20