Wow, friends and family, what an incredible week! Coming
back from Thanksgiving break, it was such a strange feeling having been in such
a bubble, then out in the real world, then back in the bubble. As for class, it
was an unusual week in that almost half of our class was gone. They are the students
who are enrolled in graduate classes at John Brown University. Every now and
then, they have to actually go to the JBU campus and this was one of those
weeks. At first, it was a little strange missing half of our friends, but it
ended up being SUCH an amazing week. Since so many of us were gone, we did
something a little different than normal class that week.
Our
focus for the week was evangelism, so instead of sitting in class on Thursday,
those of us who were left on campus were to use that time to go into the
community and evangelize to those who we came in contact with. I knew this
going into the week and, honestly, was really nervous about it. Let’s just say
that when I take those little spiritual gifts tests, evangelism is NOT my
strong suit. I’m more of a shepherder and encourager. I thrive on
relationships. So, the idea of just walking up to a random person and beginning
a conversation about the most deeply controversial subject was a little
intimidating.
As I
was driving to work on Tuesday afternoon, I was expressing my concerns to God
and asking Him to open my eyes to an opportunity to share my faith in a way
that I felt comfortable and natural. Although I know that the Lord does not
often let us operate in our comfort zones, He was so faithful to answer this prayer!
During dinner at work that day, I sat down across the table from one of my
co-workers. We struck up a conversation and somehow, the topic of church came
up. And when I say somehow, I mean through the power of the Holy Spirit. We had
a great conversation, but I kept thinking that what she was telling me seemed a
little sketchy and I was interested to learn more about her faith and beliefs.
As we got up, she said that we should get coffee sometime soon. Bingo! There it
was! Needless to say, we ended up having coffee Thursday morning during the
time of our scheduled “class evangelism”. What an incredible time! We talked
for hours about church, faith, and life and it was so good. From the impression
that I got that day, I think that she knows the Lord, but I am excited to
continue this relationship with her and encourage her as she grows in her faith
with the Lord.
Leaving
my coffee meeting, I was so pumped! The Lord had been so evident in the conversation
and it was such an encouragement for me. The Lord showed me that evangelizing
to those around me and sharing the most wonderful news that has ever come to
the world was not only more natural than I thought it was, but so NECESSARY.
How can I say that I love and care about people, but NOT tell them about Christ
and His salvation that He has to offer all those who believe?
Not
only did I have an incredible meeting with my co-worker, but the Lord continued
to work throughout the day. Work that afternoon was incredible. I direct an
afterschool program at one of the local middle schools and help out with the
elementary program as well. Many of the students in our program come from
broken homes or families who are struggling financially. There are three
siblings in particular who I have really enjoyed getting to know and you can
tell need a lot of love right now. It has been fun to interact with their mom
as she comes to pick them up every day as well. Anyway, as I was leaving work
that day, I noticed that this family was walking home from the school. Take note
that it was already dark at this point and very cold. Boom! Another moment!
What an incredible, divinely-appointed moment to minister to this family. This is
a family that I know and felt completely comfortable offering them a ride home.
Especially as a girl, offering a ride home to people is rarely a safe option.
What a blessing this was! Getting to pack those kids into the back of my car,
ask them about their day, and talk to the mom as we drove the few minutes to
their house was one of my favorite experiences all week. The route that we took
would have been really dangerous for those kids to walk on and it would have
taken them at least thirty minutes at the pace that they would have had to
take. Our conversation was great and, as I dropped them off, my heart just went
out to them. That family has been on my mind ever since and I am praying for an
opportunity for further encounters and opportunities to minister to them. So,
if you want to join me in that prayer, than that would be much appreciated.
As if I
didn’t have enough of an incredible day already, the Lord continued to blow me
away! That night, as I was finding suggestions to add to my Christmas list
online, I came across a question on a website where I needed to ask one of
their “on-line” experts. So, I ended up chatting with one of their
representatives about the product. As we were talking, a thought crossed my
mind: “I wonder if this guy will cut me off if I bring up Jesus?” I was nervous
at first but, then the Lord just spoke to my heart. Why would I not? Why would
I miss this opportunity just out of fear of rejection? So, through a lovely
segway of Christmas in the conversation, I brought up Jesus. We ended up
talking for over an hour! It was awesome to be able to talk about Jesus in such
a real way with someone I didn’t even know and then, at the end, be able to ask
him how I could be praying for him. So cool!
When it
was all said and done, my heart was on fire and so excited about what the Lord
had done that day! I couldn’t sleep at first because my heart was so burdened
for each of these people that I had encountered that day and their stories. I
had so many prayers on my heart: for my co-worker and her faith, for this
family and their situation, and my helpful online expert and his prayer
request. What a wonderful day! The Lord is so faithful. He is so faithful to
answer our prayers. When we are willing to listen and have our eyes open to
what He is doing, we get to see some incredible things! That was the biggest
lesson that I walked away from that day with: that when I am in prayer and expectantly
waiting for a response, the Lord will work and show us what He has prepared for
us to do.
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