A New Life in
Indianapolis
By Jonathan Morton , New Life Network Founder and OMS Missionary
Antonio ’ s life exemplifies one completely turned around .
In his former life , he partied , cussed , and got drunk regularly . He also stole from his family ’ s business and abused their trust . He came to the United States looking for a new start , leaving behind a pregnant girlfriend . He confessed , “ So many times I tried to straighten myself out , but I always failed .”
Things didn ’ t improve in the U . S . When his relationship with his girlfriend ended in betrayal , he was devastated and consumed with hatred . His six-year-old son resented him and blamed him for the problems between his parents . In desperation , Antonio told his son ’ s uncle to care for the boy if he ended up in jail , as he was determined to take his revenge on his former girlfriend ’ s new partner .
Depressed , drinking too much , and filled with bitterness , Antonio remembers that every time he planned to do something foolish or felt overwhelmed by the pain in his heart , a Christian friend would text him , assuring him of his prayers and God ’ s love for him . One day , provoked by an argument with his ex-girlfriend , Antonio closed his eyes and prayed , “ God , I don ’ t want to feel this hatred and pain anymore . Please take it all away .” With tears streaming down his face , Antonio experienced
peace as God removed all the bitterness .
In July 2016 , One Mission Society started a new ministry to immigrants in the United States , a network of Hispanic churches . Red Nueva Vida , or New Life Network , plants churches that reproduce themselves by planting daughter churches . Lay people within the church body are intentionally discipled in their relationships with Christ . They are then trained to make new disciples and start new groups of dynamic believers .
My wife Lupita and I planted New Life Church , the mother church in Indianapolis , Indiana , and now we provide vision and coordination for the New Life Network . In the last six months , New Life has grown from 40 to 80 members . The network has also just started two new daughter churches . Francisco and Blanca recently moved to Tampa , Florida , to plant a church , and Omar and Katia moved to Chicago to do the same there .
Lives like Antonio ’ s are being changed .
Today , as a growing disciple and prayer warrior , Antonio soaks up Jesus .
He leads the prayer ministry and teaches the children . Antonio and his son now enjoy a restored relationship and attend church together . In July , Antonio was baptized .
His life has been completely transformed .
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