Sorry for the delay…Flew to Budapest, and then trained to Croatia the next day for our month of ATL! So beautiful here in the city of Split, can’t wait to see what God is going to do! Anyway, where was I…
We settle into our
beers and some good conversation. The
chatter floats back and forth between casual lighthearted matters, spiritual
beliefs, and then back to laughing. Turns out they
all have legitimate jobs, and even seem to have a decent grasp on life. They aren’t seeking money or things for
happiness, only “Peace, Love and Unity.”
I can tell they have an affinity with the Rastafarian philosophy and an
almost comical enjoyment of a sign in Nepal, which comments, “Never
Ending Peace And Love.” I tell them we
are not so different them and me. That
peace, love, and unity are three major topics in the Bible, and God’s desire
through Christ. Kenny goes off on a rant
about how we are our own god, we make our own happiness, determine our own
lives. He is respecting me, but clearly
not interested in moving from his position.
John on the other hand seems to feel some conviction, he’s constantly
reminding me that they aren’t junkies, this is just a weekend kickback, it is
Saturday.
After about an
hour of hanging out (it’s now 4 o’clock), they make me a deal.
“You hang out
with us until the concert starts, and we will all come to the concert.”
I laugh to myself,
three guys on drugs wanting to come to a Christian concert…? Okay, this should be good. I quickly accept
their offer before they can recant. We
find some more comfortable chairs and dive back into conversation. They are becoming more relaxed with me and I
can push the conversation deeper.
Thugin’ with Joe Camel and Nate Dawg
John and I end up
in a one-on-one and I begin to explain why I am doing what I am doing. That familiar excitement and joy wells up
inside of me and flows out with each word.
Who is God, what is life in Christ, how it is the greatest experience of
life one can find. My faces flushes and my words cannot keep up with my thoughts.
Joe leans back in his chair, sips on his beer and
says, “You look and talk like you’re on drugs!”
I tell him he’s not too far off. Relationship with God brings a greater
enjoyment and rush than any drug could offer…He smiles. In a moment of realness, John explains how he
has been trying everything he can to find pure happiness in life. He tells me he has tried countless things, yet to no avail. I reminded him the life he wants will only happen through Jesus.
He sighs. “You
are probably right. Jesus probably is
the answer. Maybe I will realize that
later.”
Railroad Station on the way to Targu Mures
The group returns,
this time with a new friend, Chuck, and soon it is time to leave for the
concert. After a 30-minute walk we
arrive a bit late, the music has already begun.
We find our seats at the back of the auditorium, Kenny on my left, and
Chuck on my right. It only takes Kenny a
few minutes to disparage the music. I
really can’t blame him, I feel almost uncomfortable now that I brought them
here.
“No disrespect, Kenny says, but this quality is
terrible. I can’t even hear the
words. Just very poor quality.”
I make up some excuse,
and begin begging God to overcome the second-rate production and draw these men
to His heart.
Just then, Kenny
turns to me and asks if I would like him to interpret the words (all of the
words were projected upon a screen behind the band). I smile and silently thank God, and excitedly
accept. So unbeknownst to Kenny, he
begins to preach and confess the Word of God. He is saying things like “God is
my life, I surrender to you. Jesus you
are the way. God you are eternal and
majestic. God you provide all of my
needs.” I can barely contain my
excitement. Sure at times he would
preface these truths by telling me this is sheer stupidity…but he has no idea
about the power of the Word of God.
Team Establish Dominance at a Citadel outside of Brasov
Then I notice my new friend Chuck. He is on the edge of his seat. He turns to Kenny and hushes him so he can
hear clearly…
Now the big
test. The concert is split up by small
messages by local pastors. A large imposing man walks on stage to preach, but his quivering voice exposes his nerves. But once
again Kenny interprets the messages for me, preaching the word of God. Then in the nearly silent hall Kenny proclaims,
“and now the pastor is
saying, don’t f%*@ up your opportunity to know Jesus.”
I crack up at the ironic and humorous prophetic moment. I couldn’t imagine a better phrase to speak to such a hardened soul. If only Kenny knew
what he was really saying. I glance back
over to my right at Chuck, and once again he is hanging on every word. Eyes fixed intently, all attention on the
words of eternal life now piercing his heart.
The music starts
up again, and the other three head outside for a “break.” I know what they are about to do, and as
disappointment begins to set in, Chuck declines their offer. He wants to stay and continue to hear these
words. This “second-rate” concert now seems better than drugs. The last two songs are faster and
more exciting. We rise to our feet and
begin to clap our hands and enjoy the music.
Then I hear something. I lean
back and look out of the corner of my eyes.
Is that sound coming from Chuck?
Is he…is he singing right now? I
give up all discretion and just look at this 20 year old kid, who three hours
earlier, I watched snort a line of coke…and with amazement in my eyes, and joy
in my heart, I stand in awe as Chuck sings praises to Jesus. He is glorifying God with his voice! I cannot contain it anymore. Song and dance and praise overflows my
conscious. I cannot even begin to comprehend what has just taken place. The only explanation is the transformational power of the Holy Spirit! My God my God, you are so
good.
Stay tuned for the final installment of “Don’t F%*# Your Opportunity to Know Jesus
