Lives Transformed

“You’re the meanest person I know.” Not the words any of us would want to hear, especially as a Christian. Yet this is exactly what was said to Isaac, a sailor stationed in Yokosuka, Japan.

Isaac’s story continues: “Nine months ago, a coworker pulled me aside at work and said those very words: ‘You’re the meanest person I know.’ It wrecked me. I grew up in the church, and for all my life, I have claimed to be a follower of Jesus. But at that moment, I realized I had been lying to myself. In no way was I living my life for Christ. At the time, I was living with my girlfriend and doing anything and everything to fill the loneliness I was feeling. I would like to say that at the moment those words were spoken to me, I dropped everything and ran back to Christ, but that’s not true. However, it was definitely a turning point.

“About two months later, I broke up with my girlfriend and asked her to move out of my house, but I didn’t change anything else in my life. I still lived for the weekends and the bars, just trying anything to be happy.

“Twelve weeks ago, I walked into church, not really knowing why I had come that particular Sunday after not going for so long. That very same morning, Duncan and Suzanne Forbes, who lead The Lighthouse, a Cadence hospitality house near base, asked me to lunch and connected me with their ministry. Ultimately, I started my walk back to Jesus. These last few months have not been easy, but I found the answer to my loneliness and sadness: It’s Jesus and fellowship with other believers.”

Isaac’s story is why Cadence exists. Life on a naval base can be fast-paced, demanding, and often lonely for service members. We meet people wherever they are—geographically and spiritually—and help them take steps toward Jesus. Your partnership enables us to join God in what He is doing in the lives of service members around the world. Thank you!

Dave Hutchings

President, Cadence International