GUYANA — Rupinder, at one time an excited, growing and influential believer, sat across from Crossworld worker Sam. “I know you know that I haven’t been living the way I should be living,” Rupinder confessed. “I need to get back in close fellowship with the Lord.”

Sam had known Rupinder as a teenager growing up in church and had taught him in the weekly Kids’ Club and youth ministry. But like so many new believers there, Rupinder’s zeal for Christ faded when he went off to find work. Surrounded by men in logging camps who spent their time drinking, smoking, gambling and chasing women, Rupinder found the lure of worldly things turning his attention from Christ. Without the spiritual nourishment of his family and church, he slowly started to give in to peer pressure.

By the time Rupinder moved back home, his changed behavior had scarred his testimony and cost the respect of many in his community.

“It was obvious that the Holy Spirit had been convicting Rupinder about his lifestyle for a long time, reminding him of the commitment that he had made to Christ and reminding him of the spiritual truths that he had known and embraced early on,” Sam said.

As Rupinder and Sam talked that day, Rupinder shared how miserable he felt about his choices and distance from God. “It’s just so hard not to want to do the things of the world,” Rupinder said. “But I know that I have to decide if I’ll follow the way of the world or the way of Christ. I know that I’m the only one who can make that decision.”

After that initial conversation, Rupinder and Sam started meeting twice a week to study the Bible, share their struggles and pray for one another. A few weeks ago, Rupinder addressed his church family, acknowledging his sinful lifestyle and asking for forgiveness and accountability.

Rupinder still feels the same pressures to live apart from Christ. He’s still struggling to let go of certain friends and habits. He’s still fighting to ignore the call of the world. But, as Sam noted, “He seems to have a sincere desire for change and renewed fellowship with the Lord.”

Rupinder’s faith is a work in progress, but each day is a step in the right direction.

Italicized names were changed to protect identities.