“My shoulders feel light” – Ricky’s story of redemption 

The life of a young man named Ricky was transformed when he encountered God and surrendered his life to Jesus. Through the simple prayers and words of Open Doors partners, God redeemed his broken life.

Sometimes, it only takes one question for a person’s life to be changed. 

Ricky’s story is of a young man from Papua, Indonesia, whose life was scarred and broken by addiction to drugs and alcohol. His was a life where darkness was his cage, until, by the power of God, a few words and a prayer pierced the shadows and brought him into the light. 

“Do you want to be saved?” 

It was after a seminar held by Open Doors partners that a pastor approached the leaders followed by a young man. His face was hardened by the pain and anger of years of struggle, his figure drenched by the evening rain. The pastor introduced him as Ricky and asked the leaders to pray for him. 

Hopelessness, addiction, disillusionment – Ricky’s story struck the partners who sat and listened as he poured his history out to them. Drugs and alcohol were only the beginnings of his struggles. 

“I’ve read the Bible, but nothing ever sticks,” he said bitterly. “Preachers just talk – they don’t live what they preach. I can’t break free from this dark power. I want to be free, but I can’t.” 

In response, the leaders gave Ricky a gentle yet profound challenge. One of them asked him, “Ricky, you said your grandfather and father knew the Lord and were saved. But what about you – are you sure you are saved?”  

The effect was immediate – Ricky froze. He lowered his head and whispered, “No.” 

“Do you want to be saved?” the partner asked. 

“Yes.” 

“Do you want to be free from this darkness?” 

“Yes – but I can’t.” 

Then came the crucial invitation: “You can’t, but Jesus can. Make Him your Lord and Saviour.” 

From darkness into light

Tears filled Ricky’s eyes. “I want Jesus to be my Lord and Saviour,” he said. The pastor led him in prayer asking for God’s forgiveness.

For the partners, the change in Ricky was plain to their eyes. As one testifies, “In that moment, I saw it – the power of God breaking through. The face that had once been filled with rage was now peaceful, radiant, alive”. 

Ricky sensed it too. “My shoulders feel light. Just moments ago, they felt so heavy,” he exclaimed. 

“Remember, God’s hands are always open to receive and love you. Keep reading your Bible,” said one of the partners. 

“I don’t have a Bible,” he said. 

But that was no barrier to the work of God. The next day, local partners returned to give Ricky a Bible in the Lani language, his mother tongue. Now, he could praise the God who rescued him in his own words. 

The effect of this miracle was felt not just by Ricky, but also by the partners who bore witness to it. They left the mountain village in Papua with joy in their hearts, sensing that Jesus’s words of comfort from Matthew 11:28 had been seen in the life of Ricky that night: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” 

Going to distant places with your support 

Ricky’s story captures the heart of the work of Open Doors, as one of our partners testifies: “This is why we go. Because even in the most distant places, God still seeks, saves and restores those who have wandered far from Him. His grace truly knows no boundaries.” 

Your support is an invaluable part of reaching people with the light of the gospel and essential resources like Ricky’s Bible. Through your prayers, we stand with our brothers and sisters around the world, encouraging one another to hold to Jesus – the most precious gift of all. Thank you!