Joanna’s Return, Area Felowship News
by Christina Duncan

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."
-Rom. 12:1

When I was told that Jo had left home, turning her back on God, her family and her fellowship, my first reaction was shock and disappointment Shock because of the way in which she left, with no discussion and only a note left behind for her family. Disappointment at the thought that she might contact my niece Marshia (also away from God and once close friends with Jo) and that they would reinforce one another in their unbelief, I was also very concerned about where Satan would take Jo before she became willing for God to bring her back and what it would do to her in the process.

Over time, God drip-fed us information about Jo which kept a picture in my mind of where she was at that moment, but believing all the while that He would bring her back to Himself, where she belonged.

When Meryl told me about her intercession for Jo I was amazed, as I knew that what God had asked her to do was the very last thing she would have picked. This was Jesus Christ through Meryl laying down His life for Jo. I kept thinking that Jo had no idea how privileged she was that God was doing this for her. Since intercession must be answered, her return was now a given fact-John 12:24, "unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit" And Isaiah 55:11, "so shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth, it shall not return to Me empty without accomplishing what I desire and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."

It was a pleasure to watch Meryl living joyously as a result of her obedience to Jesus Christ; she trusted Him in the situation and was obviously a clear vessel through whom He could freely operate.

Some time passed with Meryl and Jo being in touch on a couple of occasions and whilst Meryl was glad for the contact, it looked like Jo was still firmly locked into her sinful life. I was thrilled and astounded when Meryl called me to say that Jo had come to her in the early hours of the morning. She was back and was with her as we spoke–God had kept His promise–"…your children will come back to you from the distant land of the enemy," (Jeremiah 31:16), a scripture He had given Meryl previously, and He had done it fast!

I once read somewhere that one of the most awe inspiring places for a Christian to be is in the middle of an answered prayer, and this definitely fit the bill for me. Here was tangible evidence not only of what we had all been believing by faith for Jo, but of everything God had taught us about intercession so far. That He intercedes through clear chosen vessels (us). That He is good for His word. When He says He will do something, He does it, in His time and in His way which is always perfect for the situation and for His glory. Our part is to be obedient and believe.

It is wonderful to see Jo restored and her return gives me hope and encouragement for others who are still living in Satan’s realm but for whom a small group of people are standing in faith, believing God’s promises.