Peter met Jesus when he was at his most broken. His life up until that point had been full of challenge and trauma. Could God really use someone like him to impact others for His Kingdom?    

“I was a thief. I thought I was too bad to deserve God’s love. Now my life has been touched by God and I’m even able to live it for others,” said Peter. 

Growing up, Peter had to fight his way to survive. Meeting his daily needs was a struggle and began stealing to sustain himself. 

One night, while fleeing the police, Peter was shot in the back. Awakening in the hospital, the first thing the doctor said was: “You will never walk again.” The bullet had travelled along his spinal cord and exited under his arm, very close to the heart. The doctor didn’t think Peter would live long. Peter believed his life was shattered. 

But while in hospital, a follower of Jesus shared the Gospel with him. He struggled to accept it; such love seemed impossible. “I thought I was too bad to receive God’s love and there was no hope in my life,” he shared. But in time, Peter realised that no one was beyond the reach of God’s love—even he, complete with all his failure and regret.

Three months in the hospital changed Peter from a man in total despair to a champion for God’s love. The doctor admitted Peter’s life was a miracle; though he could only slowly drag his legs, Peter was able to walk. But being released from the hospital was just the start of his new life.  

A vessel for his love

In Zambia, cultural stigmas can make life for those with disabilities very difficult. Many children with disabilities are hidden at home because they are seen as a cause of shame. Peter not only had to face the stigma of his disability but also the mark of his past in the community. 

“And yet, every time I felt hopeless, the more I felt the presence of Jesus in my life,” said Peter. 

In 2014, Peter started Bethesda Mercy Ministry, which serves those with disabilities in their community. From a handful of students in the beginning, to around 70 students in two schools in 2020, God has drawn close to many who were once considered untouchable.

“Without this school, these children would never have been educated,” he says. “This school has helped the community slowly start accepting these precious souls.”  

Peter not only rejoices as a child of God but as a vessel in sharing His love. “I smile when I see the lives God has impacted through my life,” he shared. 

Read more about OM's work in Zambia