This is John Carlos…Carribean born now living in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua…making a living through poetry and by using his artistic talents to paint beautiful sunsets, selling them on the streets.
We took a day trip for our day off to the Pacific Beach, and here walking the streets we met John. With a laugh and friendly hello, he stopped us and started sharing jokes, poetry, and began to paint on pieces of wood, tile, and stone (whatever he could find he would use to paint a beautiful picture).
As we talked, I knew God had brought him across our paths for a greater purpose than he realized- John thought we would just give him some money for physical food, but God wanted us to share with him something far greater…spiritual substance. He has read much of the Bible and could recite stories and psalms for us, but he didn´t believe it was all true…he just liked the poetic passages and the message of love. He has a naturalistic view, believing we and all of nature are gods. We were able to share the gospel with him as he kept busy painting. He would listen, but not for long before he was distracted or interrupted. As the sun started to set, and he had used up all his supplies, he got up to leave. Hugs all around, he left saying “I will see you again.” Knowing we were leaving the next morning and so would probably not see him again, I didn´t want to say goodbye, but he was ready to head out. I felt like there was so much more to share with him, but we had loved him and shared with him all we could during that time.
The next morning, sitting on our porch for some quiet time before heading back to the orphanage, who would walk by but John! I couldn´t believe it! He was bright and cheery, and wanting to talk some more. I took him for some breakfast and we started chatting. He said he had so many questions that he had heard many different answers to, and why did everyone have a different response. We jumped all throughout Scripture as the questions kept coming, but ended again with the gospel. He wasn´t ready to make a commitment to Christ, but had lots to think about. He thinks his good works are enough to save him, and that when we die there´s nothing more. John was hit hard by all the Scriptures that contradict what he believes, but in his heart he still believes that he is self-sufficient. Pray for his eyes to be opened and his heart softened. Praise God for crossing our paths- twice- that was no coincidence, and I believe the Holy Spirit is moving in him!
