Joy in the Woods: Manti's Story

Two years ago on this day, working as a case manager with unsheltered homeless residents in Virginia, I had the privilege of interviewing one of my clients. Meet Manti.

Born in Hungary and raised in a family of gypsies, Manti made his way to the U.S. from Germany after a missionary agreed to help him become a legal citizen. Unfortunately, the missionary died before completing the process.

So this undocumented man now lives in the woods of Lorton, where he has camped for roughly five years. He’s in his mid-60s. He has no income and receives no benefits. He has no family or friends whom he can reach out to for support. The average person in those shoes, especially at that age, would likely—and understandably—find himself stricken with despair.

But not this gentleman.

As the interview makes evident, Manti exudes great joy. And not a false or naïve joy. Not a forced smile or a shallow appearance of happiness. His is a genuine, deep-rooted, transcendent joy.

You see, while that missionary was unable to secure his citizenship in this country, he was able to ensure his citizenship elsewhere. As the missionary shared the gospel with Manti, the son of an atheist, the truth and beauty of Jesus Christ penetrated his heart. He was adopted into God’s family, and his citizenship transferred to a city not of this world (Philippians 3:20).

This woodsman knows, at a level few of us ever reach, that this life is but a vapor. While sitting in the forest, staring up at the stars in awe, the enormity of our Creator, the magnificence of creation, and the brevity of his existence seep into his bones. Let him tell it, and he’s found freedom. A freedom that transcends his circumstances; it even transcends his survival. Manti’s freedom is in Christ, in knowing the fleeting nature of this life and the promises of an eternal kingdom.

While reflecting on the sheer joy he has in Jesus, he was brought to tears. Although he lives in the woods with no identification, the One who rescued his soul from the wilderness has granted him an everlasting identity.

See the joy of heaven in the dead of winter. I pray our conversation blesses you, as it did me.

Note: This interview was recorded and shared with Manti’s consent.