A
Life Without Hope
In
the land-locked country of Zimbabwe, located in the
heart of central Africa, the most precious and scarce
commodity is hope. Recently, the nation has been plagued
by runaway inflation, massive unemployment and a paralyzing
fuel shortage.
Like
many of his generation, 19-year-old Collin Chicarro
often expressed his frustration through lawlessness
and rebellion. "People knew me for shouting in the
streets, a lot of things," he said. "Bullying, stealing,
shoplifting, I was into those. And I was once arrested."
A
Turn to the Dark Side
Searching for answers, Chicarro frequently turned to
the dark forces of witchcraft to guide his future. "In
Zimbabwe there are a lot of witchdoctors. I used to
go there.
Actually I hunted for them!" Despite the AIDS epidemic
sweeping the continent, one particular witchdoctor
even promised to help Chicarro find female companions.
"I went frequently to her house, even looking for
girlfriends," said Chicarro. "I'd
say 'Hey, I love this girl, can you do something for
me that I can have her?' And she used to say 'Yeah!
Pay me this way and I will give you this.'"
A
Miracle Broadcast
On
an evening he will never forget, Chicarro was riveted
to his television by a special program, which seemed
to parallel his own personal life. He listened intently
as the program's host explained how Jesus Christ had
given him the free gift of salvation.
"Actually, that guy resembled me," said Chicarro,
"and I said 'No! Why can't I just not take chances
and put things straight before I die?' I realized
that there is no sin too big nor too small! God is
there to help. God will forgive you, no matter what
you did, no matter what you still have to do!"
A
Changed Man
Today,
Chicarro is a changed man. Gone are the fits of rebellion
and trips to the witchdoctor. Instead, he spends time
sharing his heart with his God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
"Jesus
can change every person, whatever the case may be!"
said Chicarro. "He is there for anyone, including
me. I am a Christian. I belong to Him now!"
CBN Africa
