I met Joe about a year ago on the streets of Vancouver, BC; I was part of one of our street drama teams, and he was watching the presentation. We met & had a great initial conversation, talking about everything from the dramas and culture to absolute truth and even Dawkins’ ideas on atheism! I instantly felt that this was a “divine appointment”, that Joe was special – he was kind, smart, intentional, and open to discussing things that mattered. I gave Joe a small book & invited him to church the next day.
He came that Sunday and several Sundays after, and connected with a group of our friends. Everyone enjoyed Joe’s company, and we engaged in many lively conversations about politics, religion, family, and our different beliefs about God. We were all sad to see him leave Canada and travel – we knew we’d miss him, and we desperately wanted him to encounter Jesus! We sent him with a couple of books, and our heartfelt prayers & appreciation. Little did we know what God had in mind for him as he left…
Just this week (almost a year after I’d last seen him), Joe called to tell me of a change that had happened in his life, and about his decision to get baptized this Sunday! I was astounded! After leaving us in Canada, he had – in his words – begun to open his heart and read the Bible in a completely different way. He realized he was a sinner in need of grace, and had made Jesus his Saviour! I couldn’t believe this was the same Joe I had known just a year ago! His language had completely changed, and instead of doubt and intellectual suspicion, he now spoke of an incredible purpose and joy!
What a privilege to see how the Holy Spirit works in His time and in His way to draw people like Joe to Himself…
*Names are changed for anonymity.
