Everything Changed

Summarized by ANAZ NMI Prresident

The September 30, 2026, NMI Central highlights a powerful story of transformation in Yekepa, Liberia—one that began with a single JESUS Film showing and ultimately impacted an entire community. Jackson, a security company owner, had built his business on exploitation. He routinely cheated his 200 employees, withheld a quarter of their wages, and trapped them in high‑interest loans. His workers feared him, and his unethical practices reflected a broader pattern of corruption common in the region.

Everything changed when a JESUS Film Harvest Partners team, led by Fred, intentionally chose to minister in one of Liberia’s most immoral cities. They visited Jackson, shared a Bible story, and invited him to the evening film showing. During the film, the story of Zacchaeus struck Jackson deeply. Seeing Zacchaeus repent and repay those he had wronged awakened guilt in him for the first time. When the altar call was given, Jackson publicly confessed his sins, expressed a desire to follow Christ, and committed to making restitution.

Jackson immediately sought discipleship and asked his new church family to pray for strength as he tried to live out what he professed. Within weeks, he gathered all his employees, admitted his wrongdoing, apologized, and repaid the money he had stolen. His employees, neighbors, and church members witnessed a dramatic change—he was no longer the feared, corrupt boss but a man transformed by Christ. His neighbor testified that Jackson began making sacrifices to seek God’s kingdom in every part of his life.

A few months later, Jackson passed away unexpectedly. Yet even in death, his testimony continued to bear fruit. At his funeral, nearly everyone spoke of his changed life, and three more employees accepted Christ. Before his passing, Jackson had purchased a building so the church would have a permanent place to meet—an act of generosity that continues to bless Yekepa. His story demonstrates how one redeemed life can spark a ripple effect of salvation and renewal throughout an entire community.

The newsletter also provides background on the Church of the Nazarene in Liberia, which officially became an organized world area in 1990. Today the church includes 10,139 members, 77 organized churches, 60 developing churches, and more than 130 licensed and ordained clergy.

NMI invites readers to pray for JESUS Film teams as they choose ministry locations and for open hearts among those who attend film showings. It also encourages praise for the ongoing transformation in Yekepa and for the faithful work of JESUS Film teams worldwide. Those interested in supporting the ministry are directed to JFHP.org.