A fruitful life in the Lord for Niko

Niko, pictured with Igal when he first entered the rehab centre

Over the past five years, Igal Vender would often stop outside his local shop and talk to Niko, a Jewish handyman who was regularly there drinking beer. Although resistant to the gospel for many years, Niko has now begun following Jesus, as Igal reports.

DRINKING

When Niko told me that he was married, I asked him why he was always drinking outside the shop rather than being at home with his wife and children. Niko bluntly replied that his job was to bring the money in and his wife’s job was to look after the rest. In response, I spoke to him about the biblical basis for marriage and the family.

This conversation opened the door for us to talk about Jesus. Niko was shocked that I was both Jewish and followed Jesus but, after many gospel conversations, eventually agreed to start studying the New Testament with me. Despite this, he rejected all my invitations to enter the rehab centre run by my church.

PATIENCE RUN OUT

About six months later, Niko called to say that his wife’s patience with him had run out. Night after night of turning up drunk had taken their toll; she had kicked him out, he’d lost his job and was now drinking every waking hour. He still didn’t want to enter the rehab though.

Two months later, Niko changed his mind and finally accepted my invitation. He was admitted and within a further two months he was free from his addictions and studying God’s Word daily.

FRUITFUL LIFE

After a recent Bible study I led on the Fruits of the Spirit, Niko approached me and said he wanted to live a fruitful life for Jesus. I was full of joy as we prayed together, with Niko repenting of his sins and seeking a new life with his Saviour.

Please give thanks and pray for Niko as Igal disciples him. Also, please pray for the restoration of his family relationships as he is now back in contact with his wife.