Sometimes, in time of need, people turn to God. He can save anyone. I always recall the sort of person Saul of Tarsus was and it gives me hope. In fact, I recall who I was, and even I was saved. My prayers for Mr. Hitchens.
You got it! The man who works the hour at the end of the day gets the same reward as the man who worked all day. We might not always like that but God is merciful.