At a Crossroads

In a crowd at a sporting event in Accra, Ghana, Ralph Cooley silently prayed, “Lord, help us begin spiritual conversations with some of the students here.” The game ended, and Maxwell Okpara, a Nigerian studying in Ghana, turned to ask, “Where are you from?” Ralph immediately began conversing with him.

At first, Maxwell (on left) mocked God, the Bible and Christians. “I was taken aback by what he was saying,” says Ralph, an American on a mission trip with Faculty Commons, Campus Crusade for Christ’s ministry to college professors.

Finally, Ralph (on right) said, “God sent me to you to tell you that you are at a crossroads.” Maxwell seemed to soften. Maxwell thanked Ralph and agreed to meet again. “You have disturbed my thinking,” Maxwell said.

The next day, Ralph and mission teammate Peter Van Wie met with Maxwell, who had read John 1—he was captured by the fact that Jesus is both light and life. He wanted to know more.

For the next 90 minutes Ralph explained more Scriptures, defining sin, forgiveness and God’s free gift of salvation.

At one point, Peter prayed silently, “Jesus, save Maxwell now.” At that moment Maxwell said, “I need Jesus, I have sinned so much, and I need His forgiveness.”

Ralph suggested the men pray. Maxwell kneeled, and Ralph and Peter followed.

Then, turning to 1 John 5, Ralph affirmed Maxwell in his new relationship with Christ and in eternal life. At the bottom of the Bible page, Maxwell wrote, “At 2:40 p.m., June 10, Maxwell committed his life to Christ.” The men were in tears.

For the remainder of his trip, Ralph met with Maxwell daily. Now Maxwell meets with a Campus Crusade staff member at the University of Ghana. He hopes to return to his village in Nigeria to tell them about Jesus.

For more information visit www.ccci.org/ministries-and-locations/africa/ghana