Andy has a problem with alcohol. God is working in his life, but the battle is not over.

Last week we sat down 3 times to discuss Andy's alcohol problem and his need to ask the Lord for help. At the last meeting he finally acknowledges that it was a problem, and told us he wanted to leave alcohol forever. Ruth has always hated his drinking and has been really touched that we are talking boldly to Andy about his need to stop. Alcohol islooked down upon in their Hindu culture and is actually banned in pilgrim cities, but people just go to neighboring towns to purchase it!

As evidence of the seriousness of his intentions, I asked him to bring any liquor he had in his possession and destroy it as a testimony to us and God that he wanted to do what he had said - leave alcohol forever. He was a bit reluctant, but Ruth enthusiastically went to the back room and came back with a bottle of whisky. She handed it to me, and I passed it to Andy, encouraging him to pour it down the drain as evidence of his desire to abandon his drinking habit. He took the bottle and poured the whisky down the drain!

I then asked for the bottle and went outside and picked up a large round stone a little bigger then my hand and brought it inside. I put the bottle into a gunny sack and placed the sack at Andy's feet and handed him the stone. I said, "As a testimony to your wife and us here of your desire to leave alcohol, will you destroy the bottle?" Andy willingly smashed the bottle to smithereens—pounding it again and again with the large rock. I then laid my hands on Andy and prayed for him that he would find forgiveness in Christ Jesus and that God would give him strength to overcome.

We spent the rest of our time there having our regular weekly Sunday School and Bible study at their home. We shared from the Scripture that God is completely holy and because of our sinful nature, it is impossible to keep his command for us. Our only hope for being holy is to ask Christ's help. During our time of prayer Ruth joined in, thanking God for our friendship and help.