“I’ve Killed 26 People!”

Written by Kayla Reah.

“O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.” Psalm 86:5

Kayla Reah was doorknocking when she walked up to a house where a guy was sitting and smoking. As she started talking to him, he immediately stubbed out his cigarette.

“People don’t always like that [smoking],” he acknowledged as he put it out.

Looking at the cookbook that she handed him, he asked what the difference was between a vegetarian and vegan. Kayla had the opportunity to explain the difference and also share some information about
health with him.

Next, she showed him a copy of The Great Controversy and asked him if he had a spiritual background.

“Sit down,” he said. “I want to tell you something.”

The man began to tell Kayla about his past in the Marines and the different things that he had experienced. He explained that he believed something is out there, he just wasn’t sure what it is.

“If God is real, He has a funny sense of humour, and I’m too afraid to laugh.”

He then wanted to know the difference between Adventists and other denominations, so Kayla explained this, and began sharing part of her testimony with him. In return, he started to open up to her.

“He began telling me about the things he was going through,” said Kayla. “He was suffering from depression and barely getting any sleep at night. He also told me about some of the things he had done in the past to bring him to this point.”

“The god you were talking about before, that’s not who He is, that’s not the God of the Bible,” Kayla told him.

She then told him about God’s love, what He has done for each of us and how much she wanted him to experience the same peace that she herself had found in Jesus.

“What do I need to do?” the man asked helplessly.

“Believe in Him, give Him your life and ask for forgiveness,” Kayla replied

“26,” he suddenly whispered.

“26 what?” Kayla asked.

“I’ve killed 26 people,” he answered. “Do you think that God could forgive me for that?”

“I know He can,” Kayla said confidently. “If you ask Him to.” She then took out a copy of Peace Above the Storm.

“Would you read this?” she asked.

“Yes, I need peace,” he answered quickly. “What do you need? Any small donation?”

He only had American currency, but he was adamant that he needed to give Kayla something.

“It’s not about the money,” Kayla told him. “If you read it, I’m happy.”

He was so grateful that he couldn’t stop thanking her. Kayla asked if she could pray with him and he agreed, asking her how to do it. They prayed together and he continued thanking her as she
left.

Her friend Jess was coming out of a house when a man rushed over to her.

“Are you with the Adventists? Do you know Kayla?” he asked urgently. He gave her a ten-dollar note. “She gave me a book about peace.”

“It was so cool to hear the first part of the story and realise how much this man had valued the book and the conversation,” said Jess.

Kayla is thankful for this God-ordained appointment and the opportunity to be part of a ministry that transforms lives!