"Volunteer week in June 2025 was celebrated at English Language Partners with a morning tea to honour the tutors who give up their time to teach English as a second language. Of all the people in the room, there was only one person I had previously trained with, so we sat together. As we chatted, I felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to ask him ’are you a Christian?’ He paused, studied me carefully, then answered ‘yes’. Doug shared that alongside his paid work, he continued to teach English to the same male student, a Pastor he had originally been matched with. When he asked about my interests, I spoke of the ministry God had called me into, writing personal Christian testimonies, so the glory and faithfulness of God might be made known. At this, his expression changed. With quiet amazement Doug explained, he supports a Christian brother in the USA on death row and had wondered if it was time for Pete’s story to be told. This was no coincidence as I do not believe in chance. I believe in a sovereign God, who orders steps, appoints moments, and brings people together, so His purposes are revealed.
Over the following months I too corresponded with Pete, on death row 40 years and a born-again devout man of God. I waited eagerly once a month for his handwritten letter to arrive, marveling at the depth of knowledge and purpose in this man’s life. That he was once an alcohol fueled angry young man who committed a grave crime is not in question, but what stirred my spirit was witnessing the undeniable work of God in a life fully surrendered. Proof that there is no place you can go, nothing He doesn’t already know, or where He is not able to bring restoration.
As the months passed, I pondered what would motivate Doug (and his wife) to fly from New Zealand to the other side of the world to visit this man on death row, not once but 7 times. By the world’s standards, the choice made little sense. The same sacrificial money could have bought comfort, rest and ease. Instead, they chose obedience and self-denial believing God had called them into this relationship. This gentle, sincere couple set aside their fear of entering a maximum-security prison. Jewellery and watches were removed, even the colour of their clothing strictly regulated. They submitted to full body searches, sat on plastic chairs in a crowded heavily patrolled room with glass walls on 3 sides. From there they watched men shuffle toward the meeting room each one shackled to another. Among them was a man whose life journey was very different from their own, yet they recognised him immediately as a brother in Christ, fully aware that any friendship they built might be fleeting, given the sentence he is living under.
As I pondered this unique situation, the word ‘agape’ came to mind, unconditional, selfless love, expecting nothing in return. The love modelled by Jesus Himself. As followers we are called to reflect that love with humility. Jesus taught that the second greatest commandment is to ‘love our neighbour as ourselves’. In this, I saw that commandment lived out through this humble couple, not just in words, but in obedient action.
For legal reasons, Pete is unable to share his testimony at this time, but as I prayed about it, I sensed Doug was the one meant to share his story. When I talked to him about this, he simply replied, ‘yes it could be time. Last week I woke up with this very thought on my mind. That morning, as I continued reading in Luke, I came to the words, “return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you”. (Luke 8:39) The verse leapt off the page.’
Though we cannot know what tomorrow holds for any of us, I am learning that God’s purposes are never uncertain. I want to tell how wonderful and real God is. Obedience comes not from fear but naturally out of love. Agape love is a choice. Obedience too is a choice. It humbles me to say I have now posted 100 testimonies, and it is fitting that Doug’s testimony about Pete has marked this milestone. This work was never something I imagined for myself, nor something I would have chosen in my own strength. I see truth in the Scripture: “God chooses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise” 1 Corinthians 1:27. What I offer is simple, but it bears witness to a faithful God who delights in using anyone who, when they hear His call, says here I am Lord.
I continue to be deeply humbled to be chosen by God for this work, which is entirely His. He has been faithful in bringing people across my path from all nations and walks of life. Many I hope to meet face to face one day, others I might only meet in heaven, all eager to share their stories of His transformation of their lives. I see a parallel in Doug’s ministry. Time and again, he and his wife have said as they visit Pete on death row, they come away more blessed than when they went. God in His miraculous way, turns it around. The giver, the one who obeys, is often the one who receives the greatest blessing. “I will bless those who bless you” Genesis 12:3. I have experienced this too. Every testimony I write, every story I share, reminds me that it is God who works through willing hearts, and His blessing flows in ways I could never have imagined.
Pete’s future is uncertain. Doug’s is uncertain. Mine is uncertain. Yet one day we will be united in heaven, where every believer from every tribe and tongue will be one before Christ. I believe God the righteous judge will bless Pete, and the many lives touched by him even behind bars, and He will bless Doug’s humble obedience. I’m aware that none of this could be attributed to us. We could never imagine or arrange such meetings. This is God. His faithfulness. His timing. His hand at work. To Him and Him alone, belongs all the glory".