Thursday | Week 3

Viktor was a notorious drug dealer running a major drug operation in Tajikistan in the early 1990’s. He was so successful at what he did, that he was offered a job to smuggle drugs across the border into Afghanistan that would increase his operations dramatically. However, he was arrested in 1996 after being caught with 9 pounds of heroin. While in jail he began to have increased depression and anxiety because of his confinement. He began to contemplate suicide. “I felt empty inside and did not want to live anymore. I did not know how long I would be in jail,” he said. 

One of his cell mates received a package from his mom containing the Gospel of John. He offered it to Viktor, but Viktor refused. As his situation grew increasingly dim, Viktor could not sleep and picked up the book and began to flip through it. Much of it was confusing to him at first, but as he read on, he read about eternal life. The offer of eternal life piqued his interest even more than getting out of jail. He continued to read and began to feel God’s presence in a powerful way. When offered drugs in prison, Viktor refused and turned instead to the Gospel. 

During this time, Viktor received news that he had a chronic, debilitating medical condition that would take his life in 12-18 months. His inmates were shocked that instead of responding with despair, he responded with joy. Amazingly, his disease did not worsen, and overcome with gratitude, he started sharing the Gospel with his fellow inmates and preaching to them. After being released from prison, he went to seminary and eventually moved back to his home in central Asia to pastor an underground church there, working tirelessly to share the Gospel with the local community. 

Maybe you feel like Viktor, or know someone like him that you and I believe to be too far away to be reached by the Gospel. I’m sure this is how many would characterize the woman at the well. Yet God had other plans for her. And after she met the Lord and Savior of the world, her life would never be the same. Maybe today is the day God brings the woman at the well into your life or into your mind to share the saving love of Jesus.