Counties Evangelist Martin Korchinsky shares how a simple conversation with an addict brought him to Jesus

Martin & Angshie Korchinsky

Martin is the pastor of Brinnington Community Church, which is based on a housing estate in Stockport. He preaches and runs youth clubs, drop-ins, and a food bank, plus Neighbourhood Chaplains and various mission weeks in the local area. Martin is married to Angie with three grown-up children and two foster children and was introduced to Counties from the Church Planting Initiative.

MARTIN’S STORY

On Thursday I spoke with B, a man who regularly comes to the food bank, we run at Brinnington church when he is eligible.

He has long-term addiction issues and had just returned from a stay in hospital where he had been told bad news concerning his health. He was, therefore, sober, but shaky.

In tears, he told me that he thought he didn't have long to live (he can't be more than 40).

What was making him feel even worse was that his so-called mates (drinking buddies) had told him he definitely was not going to heaven, because he was no good. He wanted to know whether that was true, so I asked him what he believed.

He said: "In God". I asked him: “What about Jesus? He said: "I believe in Jesus too."
"Do you know that you are a sinner and that Jesus died to pay for your sin?" I asked.
”Yes,” he said. "I love Jesus."

I reassured him: "Well, that faith and that love is what you need to hold onto, coz that's what's getting you into heaven."

"Really?" He said, still trying to hold back tears.

"You've been able to tell me what no other father has," he said. "Thank you. I really do love Jesus."

"Me too,” I said.

Now we both had tears in our eyes ❤️