This 7th month of our race in Bosnia, we don’t have a ministry or a host to partner with as we usually do. Instead, we have been doing what we called ATL. When I first learned about ATL, I thought I was gonna dance to a 90’s Atlanta hip hop song. Not sure why that was my initial thought, but I was definitely way off base. ATL, also referred to on the World Race as “Ask The Lord” has made a huge change in the way I view life and my relationship with Christ. Our ministry through ATL is to ask the Lord every day to see where He leads us to grow His Kingdom. Before our ATL month, I thought the Lord would give me these HUGE ideas to partake in each day, but once I started walking in the month I realized it was so much more than this. It’s about walking side by side with The Holy Spirit in intimacy every second of the day asking Him to lead me every step of the way. It’s opened my eyes to see that every person He’s put in my path, He has given me the opportunity to make a positive influence in their life. It’s my choice to take that opportunity or not. Whether it’s someone I’m passing on the sidewalk, the local grocery and caffe attendant, TOTAL stranger that HE has aligned to put in MY direct path to put a smile on their face, pray for, give a flower to, anything that I believe He is directing me to do.
We had the chance to arrange our schedule this month, so our team decided to save all of our off-days until the end of the month so we could take a mini vacay to Prague. On the second day of our trip, I decided to venture out on my own. As I was walking amongst the beauty of the city, I was praying as I do a lot when I walk alone. I was thanking the Lord for the many blessings I have in my life, especially the opportunity to be where I was, as I was just in awe of the beauty of this magical city. I was also asking the Holy Spirit to lead and guide my footsteps on this day. As I was praying, I look up and see a church that draws my eye. Next to the church was a homeless man sitting on a bench who grabs my attention. I first noticed, a fresh bandage with blood on his leg and then noticed him singing in a crazy stupor. I knew the Spirit was wanting me to go over to this man, but I honestly walked past him thinking He was crazy. As I walked past Him, I immediately felt convicted and stopped, turned around and then walked back to the man. As I approached the man, he saw me and looked up at me with a shocked expression. I asked him if he spoke english. He said a little. I sat down and started a conversation with him. I found out his favorite music was metal as he named all of his favorite bands and then started to sing his favorite songs. He shared part of his story with me and cried when he said his mother passed away. At this point, he got a bottle of alcohol out of his small bag and took a sip, then apologized for drinking it. He lifted his sleeve to show the scars from where he cut himself. After we spent some time together, I asked if I could pray for him. I grabbed both of his dirt covered hands and held them tightly as I prayed for the chains and bondage to be broken over his life, for the Lord to provide all of his needs and much more. As I was praying for him, he started to weep and tenderly caressed my hand as if it was the first human touch he’s felt in a long time. He thanked me for the prayer as he wiped the tears from his eyes. Then I asked him out to lunch…he refused because he was embarrassed of his clothing, so I went to a store to grab food and essentials. I dropped the bags off to him and went on with the rest of my day. Hoping he felt loved and saw Christ through me.
After sightseeing in Old Town, an antique shop grabbed my attention so I went inside to look at the jewelry. A woman was helping me who asked where I was from. We started a conversation and when she found out more about my story, she instantly asked for my contact info so she could learn more about Jesus and how he has affected my life. I invited her for coffee, but she had to work all weekend, so I made sure to stop to say hello before I left town. And we are developing a friendship via email.
The days proceeding I enjoyed Prague with my teammates, but I couldn’t get the Homeless man out of my mind. I knew I couldn’t save him, but I wanted to do what I could while I was in town. I looked up homeless shelters and went back to the spot where I met him many times to see if I could find him. I didn’t find him, so I’m praying that he’s in a warm, cozy place with food and love.
I’ve learned that no matter where I am in the world, no matter what job I have or if I’m on vacation…I am living life on mission. I don’t have to be an official “missionary” to spread the love of Christ, I just have to be aware of my surroundings to see where the Spirit leads me and asks me to do and then DO IT. My life has been so much more fulfilling and meaningful waking up every day living life on mission.
