A continuation of “A Target on Their Backs” published July 20, 2026
I shared the story last week about the two youths who climbed the wall surrounding Pastor Johnson Odoyo’s home to steal chickens. They were both caught, villagers came and were unanimously intending to kill the alleged thieves, but the young men got on their faces before Johnson and pleaded for their lives. He stood between the boys and the crowd, choosing to forgive them. They have been coming to church every Sunday since then and have made professions of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Johnson is quite eager to talk about them and their progress in the Lord.
Me – “What are their names, Johnson?”
Johnson – “The oldest one is Lamech and the younger one is Godfrey.”
Me – “Are they teenagers?”
Johnson – “Yes, they are teenagers. Lamech is 26 and Godfrey is 24.”
(Ahh, the joys of cross-cultural communication!)
Lamech comes from a family dedicated to the Roman Catholic church. He returned home to tell them all about his encounter with Pastor Johnson, his own intent to steal from the pastor and the pastor’s sacrificial willingness to face the scorn of the crowd as he forgave the thieves. He then told them that this is what the Lord Jesus did as he bore the shame of the cross in our place, taking our guilt and the stain of it while making us members of his family. Lamech’s parents were so impressed in the change that came so quickly over their son that they have been attending Johnson’s church for the past two Sundays and have both made professions of faith in the Lord Jesus.
Godfrey’s parents joined their son at a worship service led by Pastor Johnson and were likewise swept up in the joy of a personal relationship with the living Lord. They have surrendered their lives to Christ and continue to attend through the week.
This week, Lamech and Godfrey are at Johnson’s house caring for his small farm. They are feeding the chickens that they had previously determined to steal, cleaning the coops, gathering the eggs and slopping the (one) hog that Johnson presently has. Johnson believes God will restore his herd. When that happens, the young men are committed to helping with all the chores. Johnson will then share with them what they are due and even give them some land to begin their own farms.
Forgiveness. What a beautiful word. Without it we would be lost. Forgiveness leads to redemption and life in his name.
