I have a younger sister who made a commitment to the Lord at the age of 9. The, aged 14 yrs, she found herself on the receiving end of some very nasty and malicious treatment from young people who called themselves "Christians". From that time, she had a very poor opinion of Christians, and stopped having anything to do with Church, and stopped calling herself a Christian. This was 25 yrs ago.

Her only Christian 'contact' since that time has been with her family and 2-3 Christian teachers (co-workers at her school) who God brought alongside her 6 yrs or so ago. (She may have stepped away from God, but He never did from her!)

It will come as no surprise to know that she has been a focus of my prayers for all those years. Anyway, on Nov 8th last year after reading the BHTP (Bringing Home The Prodigals) book, I drew a picture of a cross in my prayer journal and wrote her name beneath; and have prayed for the return of this prodigal to the family of God where she belongs.

Two weeks ago, while on a visit with us here in Sydney, she recommitted her life to the Lord - Dale, it was so amazing. We have had many talks in the past and this did not seem any different - yet it was, because it saw her re-establish her relationship with Jesus after so many years. I see my act of bringing her to the cross (be it symbolically) as very much a part of her restoration.

I could almost hear the angels rejoicing when I asked her what she now was and she replied, "A Christian!".

I am so thankful to the Lord for His mercy and grace which has been poured out upon her.

Be encouraged!!