From Atheist to Believer

God chanaged the heart of one atheist through one little prayer.
By: G Cassandra Lewis

As I look back on my past experience as a missionary in South Korea, it brings wonderful memories. I had a number of experiences that demonstrated the awesome power of God. I know I serve a mighty God! By his grace and by his power, it is my desire to allow his praise to continually be in my mouth.

I worked in the city of Kwangju. I believe it is the fifth largest city in South Korea and spent almost two years there. The people were dedicated, loyal, caring, helpful and always eager to learn the English language. As time went on I met many people and many developed a confidence and trust in me. They shared some of their private lives with me. I realized it was God who was working in me to create such trust, not in me, but rather in Him. And I praised Him and continue to praise Him. I spent hours studying the Word and researching various topics for Bible class and for my personal interest. This translated into Bible discussions that were alive and intriguing for me and the students.

Jake, a student, was rather fascinated and wanted to know more. We had one-on-one Bible studies and one day our study lasted about five hours. He kept asking question after question and grew more and more interested. Upon my departure he had already begun attending church regularly. I informed the pastor about him so that he would keep the interest alive.

My most thrilling memory was to see that God is not dependent upon us and our instrumentalities and technology, for His operations are far superior, beyond light years, and beyond our understanding. Romans 8:32 -36 says “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counselor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”

Each day, a devotional thought or Scripture is read and briefly discussed and prayer is offered before the commencement of the English class. One day I asked a particular individual to offer prayer instead of a volunteer. This was an advanced class. Chan Ho, seemed rather to react more like a western instead of an Asian/Korean. He spoke up boldly saying "I am an atheist, I don't believe in God." He said this rather strongly and confidently in perfect English. As his instructor, I felt rather embarrassed in front of approximately 15 - 20 students, since I had asked him to pray. Trying not to look belittled, my response was, “Well, I believe in God. He has been a mighty God to me and has answered my prayers and I believe he will answer your prayers!” In spite of his western directness his Korean submissive trait took over again and so he said "Alright, I will pray." He said "God, if you are up there, it's been hot today, make it cool tomorrow." The rest of the class wanted to laugh out loud and I tried hard to keep a straight face. For you see, it had been very hot and humid and the air conditioner didn't seem to do much. The forecast had called for continued hot and humid weather including the day Chan Ho had prayed for it to be cool. I began even then in my mind, “Lord, please answer his prayer.”

Well, the next day came and the sky was clear and blue and there was hardly a cloud. The sun shone beautifully and boy, oh boy, it was as a beautiful tropical day with a gentle breeze! I couldn't wait to hear Chan Ho's response! But I kept it till after the lesson discussion to remind him of his prayer. I said "class, what did Chan Ho pray for?" Suddenly it all flooded back to their minds and their mouths sort of dropped! I said "yes, that's the God I serve!"

Well, days went by without me asking anyone to pray and then I decided to ask Chan Ho again. This time he didn't complain. He said "Dear Heavenly Father........." To tell you the truth, I can't even remember what came after. All I heard that stuck and made a significant impact on my mind was the level of respect and acknowledgement that God is the Father and the tone of voice in which he spoke. It was nothing like the sarcasm that was in his voice before. It took one little prayer in one day's time for my God to answer the prayer of an atheist and to change his belief system. I praise God for he is worthy to be praised!!

G. Cassandra Lewis