From Drug Dealers to Disciples

In a remote village in Papua New Guinea, I saw God’s transformative power.

August 5, 2024 | Gumine, Papua New Guinea | Mosa Mafileo, for Adventist Record

In the remote village of Gumine, Papua New Guinea, we observed a transformative journey unfolding under the guidance of pastors and lay ministers. They were actively engaged in mentoring a group of troubled men known in the community as drug dealers. Alongside North New Zealand Conference president Bob Larsen, I had the opportunity to connect with these individuals, conducting a counseling session to address their struggles.

Drawing from my own past experiences of battling drug addiction, I shared the profound impact that a relationship with Jesus had on my life. My testimony resonated with these men, igniting a spark of hope within them. Encouraged by our discussions, they began attending the nightly PNG for Christ sessions led by Larsen and me.

In a remarkable turn of events the following week, these men approached us with a heartfelt desire for transformation. They expressed a collective wish to symbolically break free from their past by burning all their marijuana plants in front of the entire village. This act signified a profound commitment to leave behind their former lives of darkness and embrace a new path guided by faith.

Moreover, their new-found conviction led them to express a willingness to be baptized, publicly declaring their allegiance to Jesus Christ. This decision marked a significant milestone in their spiritual journey. Through the dedicated efforts of their pastors, the power of shared testimonies and the stirring of divine grace, these once-troubled men found the courage to confront their past and step into a future filled with hope and purpose. Their story is a testament to the transformative power of faith and community support, demonstrating that no one is beyond redemption when guided by love and compassion.

As the community gathered for the worship service, a sacred aura enveloped the atmosphere. Amid hymns and prayers, a profound declaration resonated: “Enough is enough!” In a bold gesture of repentance, the drug dealers chose to confront their past. They ignited a bonfire, engulfing their marijuana plants in flames — a symbolic act of casting away the chains of addiction and darkness.

In the glow of the fire, a powerful transformation unfolded. These men, once bound by the shackles of vice, now stood liberated, their hearts ablaze with new-found faith. The following day, all were baptized, publicly proclaiming their devotion to Jesus and their love for Him.

In Luke 19:10 we read, “The Son of man came to seek and to save the lost” (NIV). Through their remarkable journey, these individuals embody the essence of this divine mission. They are a testament to God’s boundless grace and transformative power — a reminder that no soul is beyond redemption, no darkness too deep to be penetrated by the light of love.

Experiencing the profound transformation of the troubled men in Gumine was an unparalleled blessing, filling me with immeasurable joy. Witnessing their journey from darkness to light, bondage to liberation, deeply touched my heart. It affirmed the incredible power of grace, faith, redemption, and resilience. Being able to share my struggles and witness firsthand the transformative work of God’s love was a privilege beyond measure. In those moments, I felt profoundly blessed to be a part of something greater than myself and to witness the beauty of God’s restoration and boundless grace.

Mosa Mafileo serves in the North New Zealand Conference as a church pastor. He recently presented messages in the Eastern Highlands Simbu Mission during the PNG for Christ program.

The original version of this story was posted by Adventist Record.