Former Marxist to speak at Christ the King

By Nick Hanson
The Free Press

MANKATO September 28, 2006 11:00 pm

— For most of his life, Jose Morelos has been working to alleviate social injustice.
But his method for tackling the problem has changed.
Back when he was a Marxist living in Colombia, he believed the solution to inequality was a Che Guevara style revolution.
Now that he’s a devout Christian, Morelos believes the solution is through God.
“The needs of humanity and the needs of poor people can’t be solved by humans. What can change society is a change of heart,” Morelos said. “No government or regime can change that. Only God can.”
Morelos will share that message, his compelling life story and prayer techniques with Mankato residents this weekend at Mankato’s Christ the King Lutheran Church.
The transition
About 15 years ago, while living in Colombia, Morelos joined a Marxist wave popular among young people.
Only problem was the government found out, and it began to hunt for Morelos and his Communist buddies. Two of his close friends were tortured and killed. His father found out his son might be next and sent him on a plane to New York City.
A couple of months later Morelos was cleaning toilets in Times Square. Needless to say, he was miserable.
“I came in winter time and had never experienced it in my life, and I didn’t know anybody,” he said. “It was not a good time.”
One day a stranger offered Morelos a ride to work. During the drive, the man began to preach the Gospel. Morelos wasn’t buying it but listened because it was much better than a long walk in chilly weather, he said.
Before long, the rides and Gospel sessions were daily and Morelos began going to church with the man.
Morelos was a bonafide convert by the fourth Mass.
“I cannot explain what happened to me,” Morelos said. “I didn’t see angels or hear bells or anything supernatural. I realized I was lost and that hell and heaven were real.”
The rest is history. Now Morelos devotes his life to Christianity and ministry.
He works for International Cooperating Ministries in Hampton, Va., which is an organization that facilities and raises money to build churches around the world. Morelos has traveled to dozens of countries to check on the progress of churches and dedicate new buildings.
Bibles and baseball
Besides working for the organization, Morelos has combined his two favorite passions — baseball and religion — and formed a program called Big Inning Baseball in Cuba.
In four years, the Christian baseball league has grown to about 900 players, 58 teams and three divisions with playoffs each August. Before and after games players share the Gospel with audience members.
“The idea of being able to share the Gospel using sports is a dream,” Morelos said.
The Rev. John Peterson traveled to Cuba with Morelos to bless a series of churches a few years ago. Morelos is unique person and his conversion is inspiring, said the Christ the King pastor.
“He tells the story so humbly and matter-of-factly,” Petersen said. “It was an incredible transformation. He just takes this power and puts it to use for the sake of the Kingdom.”
Catherine Bristol, of Mankato’s Lighthouse Christian Book and Gift Shop, also met Morelos on a mission trip in India.
Hearing his story allows a person to recognize the true power of God, she said.
“It’s a transformation of a life that only the hand of God could change.”

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