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This is my favourite story of the love of God in the marketplace. As you read this account of the life of Tarcy Xuereb you will find yourself being drawn closer to God. May I say a prayer for you as you read this account:

“Dear Lord may Tarcy’s story inspire our readers to be passionate about the love of God with their family, friends and work colleagues. May we all be transformed in heart like Tarcy.”

Our faith provides us with the best HR product there is in the marketplace... an inner life of transformation. A new life with Jesus that changes our hearts: we no longer want to be involved in dishonest gain; we start to want the best for others; we are hungry for transformation from self centredness towards expansive love. The evidence of God in our lives is the character of God increasingly reflected through us (the fruit of the Spirit).

Is there any employer who would not be impressed by seeing his/her staff having a change of heart towards integrity and goodwill?

The story of Tarcy story came to mind as I read the following article on the front page of yesterday’s Age (26 Oct 04):

Dishonest cleaners make schools a health hazard. Students at many Victorian government schools could be studying in dirty, unhygienic conditions because of "dodgy" cleaning contractors who cut corners to save costs.

"When I was 14, I joined the British navy in Malta as a trade boy. At. 20 I had become a diesel mechanic. I worked almost every day of the week, but somehow it wasn’t enough. At twenty four I was married to my present wife Maria and within 12 years we had 5 children. When I was thirty six our family came to live in Australia.

Again I started work as a diesel mechanic earning good money, but it only lasted six months because I lost the major part of my sight. This caused me to lose my job, as I couldn’t even read a tram number.

At this time I was a man without hope with a wife and 5 children and a house to pay off. The stress was such that I hoped I would die in my sleep. The doctor said it was only a matter of time and my sight would be gone. My wife offered me one or both of her eyes, but the specialist said this wouldn't work as the nerves at the bark of my eyes were weak.

My life was only bitterness, anger, fear and no peace.

After a while I was offered a position as a cleaner with Ansett airlines. I took it because at 5pm the staff will have left and there won't be anyone around to laugh at my mistakes.

When I got used to the job, I took an another full time job. Now I was working 17 hours a day, seven days a week. I always thought: 'money's the way to survive in life and the only answer to life’s problems.' This drive to make money was big strain an my family and on my wife Maria.

Mind you I never missed fulfilling my obligation to my church. But I went because I feared hell fire and torment. Now it is different. I go because I love God and want to be with his people.

How did this change come about?

I started to feel within me a conviction about all the wrong things I was doing. Something inside me was saying: 'There must be more to life than this?'

Eleven years passed since my eyes went dim - and I was sick and tired of anger, frustration, working so hard and getting no where. I was always getting upset with my wife and so jealous of her that I wished no other man lived. I was a hard man, very hard.

One Sunday afternoon my second son insisted I go with him to a Christian prayer meeting. During the praise I asked my son 'what were all those hands up like antennas?' As with the other forms of worship, I thought this is not for me, these people are nuts, let's go. "No dad" he said, "please stay". Then a man talked and I was sure he was talking to me, as it seemed like he knew all my bad habits.

I also heard someone relate how God had healed him. So I thought these people may be able to make my eyes good again.

Suddenly I was an my knees weeping because of the emptiness inside. Somehow for the first time I felt love for these people. A man prayed for my eyes. How could he know to do that, I had never met him before?"

I kept on going every week and prayed for my eyes. Although my eyes weren't healed, I was set free from stress and tension in such a way that even my doctor was amazed.

By this time my wife started to come with me. We wanted to know about Jesus, but how could we? I could hardly see and she could not read or write. So I prayed and others prayed for me. Then I started rubbing my nose up against the Bible.

Struggling to read a few lines I finished up with my nose blackened by print ink. Today I can read, to the glory of God, even though my sight is actually worse.

Sharing The Good News

My wife still cannot read, but she shares the wonderful things God has done for us. She gives the right answer to those who ask her, in season or out. You know, there is a price to pay to follow Jesus.

The Ministry Of A Cleaner

Eight years ago I was still cleaning offices until we all had to move to new premises. Then I asked the Lord to provide me with a place where I would be able to read his word, no matter what the price, I added. He sure heard me.

In the new premises I had to clean offices, washrooms and showers. But I didn't mind. As I would empty the bins I would listen to the talk and hear the needs of the staff. In this way I could pray for them as I did my job.

But most of the time I had to clean toilets which over two hundred men used many times a day. I had to get used to that job whether I liked it or not. I cleaned off the graffiti and prayed over the toilets. I got rid of a lot of dirty books which they used to leave for one another. Once I was asked if I had found any books in the toilets. "Sure" I said, "come and I’ll show you." So I took him to my cleaners room and showed him the Bible. Praise God I was never punched up!

I took every chance to talk with my fellow workers about Jesus. Many of they opened up and talked about the trouble they were facing in life. I prayed ever morning for them and their needs. I loved them all.  

I am not boasting because that is not what I am like without Jesus. But I am wishing to share with you how great it is to have Christ living in me!

Without him I am without hope or strength to do what is good. But with him, I can do all things. Like writing this account to show you that if you can only make yourself available to him, he will make you a fisher of men.

If Maria and I can be of any assistance, please contact us on (03) 9338-9984. Until then may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God our father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you in FCAP or wherever you may be.

Yours, always in Christ who accepts us exactly as we are.”

Tarcy

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