30 September 2026

Everything Changed

In the city of Yekepa, Liberia, one man’s actions were affecting his entire community. Jackson ran a security company where he regularly cheated his 200 employees, stole 25% of their pay, and gave them loans at high interest. 

“He always showed an ugly side and made me afraid of him, as a person and as a boss,” said one of his employees.

This unethical practice is common in this area. But one day, a JESUS Film team showed up at his door, and everything changed.

“We decided to conduct our ministry in one of the most immoral cities in Liberia,” said Fred, the leader of the JESUS Film team. “In the process, we met this man named Jackson. We talked with him, told him a Bible story, and then we invited him in the evening for the JESUS film showing.”

When the time came for the altar call, Jackson walked up from his seat, took the mic, and said:

“When Zacchaeus met Jesus, it grabbed my attention, When I saw Zacchaeus give back to those he had cheated, I felt guilty for the first time. As I kept watching, a voice told me I should do the same as Zacchaeus. I will confess to my employees and ask for their forgiveness. I will try to pay back those I have wronged.”

Jackson accepted Jesus Christ that day and expressed interest in discipleship. That following Sunday, Jackson came to church and asked the congregation to pray for him.

“I want to do exactly what I professed, but I keep struggling,” he said. “Please pray for the Lord to change me as he did Zacchaeus.”

A few weeks later, Jackson came back to the congregation and joyfully reported:

“Yesterday, I called all my employees and told them everything I had done wrong and apologized.”

“He paid back our money, our actual salaries,” said one of Jackson’s employees. “He was no longer the old Jackson, but a very new person in Christ.”

“We all witnessed the sudden change in his life,” said Jackson’s neighbor. “He made sacrifices in his life, making sure to seek the kingdom of God in all that he did.”

Jackson passed away suddenly a few months later. But God wasn’t done with his story.

“Almost everyone who attended Jackson’s funeral testified of his good work,” Fred recalled.

“Still even up to the time of his sickness, he was still confessing that his life is in Jesus Christ,” said Jackson’s neighbor. “I want to worship in church, like Jackson is worshipping in Heaven right now.”

Three more employees made decisions for Christ at Jackson’s funeral. Before Jackson passed away, he purchased a building so the church would have a place to meet. Hearts and lives continue to change in Yekepa as a result of God’s work in Jackson’s heart.

Every day, JESUS Film teams just like Fred’s are sharing the name of Jesus with countless people all around the world. Just like Jackson’s story, one changed heart can have a ripple effect on an entire community.

The JESUS Film teams are able to help fulfill the Great Commission through the financial support from Harvest Partners, the global infrastructure and administration from the Church of the Nazarene, and resources from the World Evangelism Fund.

Thanks to JFHP for this story.

The work in Liberia was primarily brought about through a Liberian who was part of his government’s embassy in Washington D.C. While he was serving there, he joined the Washington First Church of the Nazarene. By 1979, the Church of the Nazarene had received many requests to enter Liberia. In 1983, Rev. Paul D. Tabor agreed to bring his congregation into the denomination, and in May of 1990, The Republic of Liberia became the 91st world area with an organized Church of the Nazarene. 

To help support the mission of the JESUS Film Teams, visit www.JFHP.org/Single-Gift

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