I got to talk about Jesus with NAS, Mary J Blidge, Morgan Freeman, Mariah Carey and yours truly, Alicia Keys.
We were sitting at the local Starbucks just minding our own business, finishing our Journey Markers, sippin’ on our unsweet beverages (holla – health track), when we were interrupted. From the table behind us, a man popped his head over and asked, “Are you just visiting or are you teachers?” We let him know we were teachers and he said, “Okay, good. I wanted to ask you some questions because I want to open an English school.” Conversation continued about how we were volunteering for the month at a local school but our hosts would be a better resource for him to ask specific questions regarding paperwork or start up suggestions. He asked why we were here such a short time and I boldly told him that we are missionaries, serving in a different country each month. We shared more about life together – him talking about how his Dad died when he was 15, and has been raised by his uncle ever since. I shared the type of work I did before the Race. He shared how he knows English so well (they send their kids to “better” schools in Myanmar). And so on… Friendly chit chat. A few times I had the need to pee but conversation was so good, I didn’t want to just walk away, so I held it.
I had an “AH-HA” moment. I thought, this guy is so kind, and it’s a shame I will never see him again or know the success of his desired business plans. But I could… This was my opportunity to ask his beliefs and ultimately, invite him to join me in heaven someday.
This is where is gets uncomfortable. You’re not suppose to talk about religion with people, blah, blah, blah… But we are. If I believe the truth is eternal life in heaven, and the only way to get there is believing in God, then I need to make sure people know about Him! So I dove in… I began asking him about his beliefs and he shared that his family was Buddhist (mom) and Muslim (dad), but not regular practicers. My friends were coming back to the table and I realized I didn’t know my new friends name yet so before introducing him I had to ask. He answered, “Nas, like the rapper!” We laughed and introduced ourselves as, “Mary, like Mary J Blidge. Morgan, like Morgan Freeman, Mariah, like Mariah Carey and Alicia, like Alicia Keys.” LOL
Nas has heard about Jesus and Christianity because of an internship he has in America where is boss took him to church on Sundays a few times. Holla if you think God is after this man’s heart!!!! We shared truths, answered questions and invited him to pray and ask God. I also made sure he knew that I was inspired to share about Jesus with him because I SAW Jesus in him! Jesus can be seen in each of His children if you look hard enough. But I didn’t have to look very hard that day. I also let him know that his passion partnered with faith would make the potential success for his business multiply! It’s true!! If it’s God’s will, He will bless your path.
We shared e-mails hoping if more questions surface, he would reach out. All I can do is pray that Nas will pray, and God reveals himself in all His glory to his lost son.
“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need to repentance.” Luke 15:7
“It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.” Luke 15:32
And appropriately, the song I will pair with this blog is “Girl on Fire” – Alicia Keys… Watch out my lost brothers… I am comin’ for ya!
