We know this precious dentist-family who have been donating their services for five years. The couple and both their sons are dentists; they also give a monthly pledge of support.
One son, Giovanni, has been donating his periodontist services to me for the last year. On my recent visit, he wanted to tell me something. He began with, “I don’t believe in God, or religion, like you all do—only in good works. It was one year ago this month that you asked if I could help you with a monthly periodontal visit. That was a big test for me to give of my services, because I had never done that before. My parents, yes, have helped you all, but not me. I felt that you, as a missionary, represent God, and that God was asking me to do something for Him. And I surprised myself by answering yes.”
“At that time, I was an alcoholic. I would drink every night, party like crazy, crash asleep drunk, and on weekends, I was just totally wasted. For years I did that. I have had a great girlfriend for years. It was right after you started coming in and telling me about Jesus and all He has done for you, that my girlfriend asked me to stop drinking for just three months. She pleaded with me to stop ruining my life; my parents were also very concerned about me.”
“I remembered how you, and also another sister in your center, who I started helping monthly as well, told me how you used to do drugs and smoke, how Jesus delivered you overnight from addiction, and how you believe in prayer and healing and miracles. I was incredulous that could be true!”
“So, I tried it too. I stopped drinking and partying, and those first three months that I attended to you, every word you shared with me, and each magazine, gave me strength and faith that I was doing the right thing. I knew and I felt that I was pleasing God by giving to you, and by cleaning up my life.”
“But I didn’t really see the reward, till at the end of those three months, my girlfriend got pregnant! Now I am happily married, we are expecting our son in two months, and I have never been happier! Do you see what God did?” he asked. “God rewarded me for cleaning up my life and my health and habits, because He wanted to bless us with a son!”
“Imagine had I not stopped drinking, how it could have adversely affected the baby! Imagine had you not come in here and asked it of me. You didn’t ask my dad, you asked me to give. What if I had said no? God knew I needed the help from you all, spiritually, and God wanted to prove to me that even if I didn’t believe in Him, that He still loved me and wanted to bless me with a great wife and a healthy baby!”