Deranged, Violent Homeless Man Transformed by Jesus

Mark Ellis : Apr 23, 2014
God Reports

"John's story is a wonderful example of God's love in action... Resurrection life invaded John's body, soul, and spirit making him not only a new creation but the essence of the righteousness of God. John's transformed life is a living picture of Romans 16:20" -Brian Lockhart

(Lucknow, India)—Mentally disturbed, [John] lived in the streets of Lucknow, India, and responded violently to anyone who attempted to approach him. But God moved one pastor's heart to take him in, and the love of Jesus transformed the man's life. (Photo via God Reports)

"When we first met John he was very violent and threw stones at people he met. The local police and two students had to help me bring John to the Mercy Home," says Pastor Paul, who started the outreach to the mentally ill. Mercy Home is a ministry of Empart, which plants churches throughout Asia.

For several months John did not speak to anyone at the facility. He resisted bathing or changing his clothes. His eyes stared ahead of him blankly, according to the staff.

"I was in India when John was brought to our Mercy Home," says Brian Lockhart, president of Empart USA. "John was physically wounded and could only be described as despondent and detached. There was visible anger inside him and he recoiled from any touch, rejecting those trying to love him." (Photo via God Reports)

Through minimal bits of information they could obtain, the man seemed to have a troubled upbringing. "John was rejected all his life, never loved, and never cared for. There was only darkness," notes Pastor Paul's wife, Bincy. "John still doesn't remember his past or his family."
"We prayed for him, cared for him, and loved him, and John began to respond," she says.

The power of God's Word, the prayers of the saints, and the Holy Spirit began to break down barriers in John's heart and mind. After several months at Mercy Home, John accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior.

After his conversion to Christ, he began to absorb the Scripture like a sponge. "He reads and remembers God's Word. He has given his life to Jesus and wants to serve the Kingdom. His restoration is complete," says Bincy.

John is full of gratitude to the Lord and those who loved him. "The Lord has healed me," John says. "I want to thank Pastor Paul for bringing me to Mercy Home. For the first time in my life, someone cares and loves me. I can now see light and hope for the future." (Photo via God Reports)

John has established a long-term commitment to the ministry. "Mercy Home has now become his home," Bincy says. "He has now become a leader, caring for others, and learning new things."

Click Here to read John's story in its entirety and view other before and after pictures of his amazing transformation.