This past weekend was just so rich.
A little background information on what I was a part of and then I will dive into story time, cause I know that’s everyone’s favorite.
100 of us Watermark church/ The Porch members designated our weekend to witnessing to people around the Dallas area. The idea was to bring the mission work mostly done overseas, into our own backyard.
We did a prayer tour, helped with 2nd Saturday, and picked out different areas of Dallas to occupy and just watch as the Holy Spirit lead us into situations that changed lives of all parties involved. From Friday night to Sunday evening, it was just a filling, fruitful, and fanatic weekend. The whole objective here was to share the story of Christ and interrupt people’s day with the message of redemption. An all together, presumably awkward, yet assuredly perfect weekend.
Story Time
On Saturday, while we were occupying different territories of Dallas, we had a scavenger hunt to help us have an ice breaker in talking to people as well us give us a general outline of our days’ activities. Very much appreciated over a ‘just go figure it out’ method.
Feelings right before heading out: nervous, anxious, doubtful, insecure, and hesitant to make someone else feel uncomfortable by introducing an unsolicited conversation to their day. To top it off, we were in an area in which I have spent many days and nights indulging and drinking in a past life that isn’t that far from present day. My fellow DFWians can probably guess where I was.
We prayed right before, and I paired up with people that had the confidence for me and got over all that mess.
As the time goes on and my anxiety is subsiding, we head into a Starbucks residing inside an Alberston’s. One of the scavenger hunt tasks was to get someone to buy you a Pumpkin Spice Latte. I walked into the seating space, and in an overly bodacious manner proclaimed, “Alright, someone is buying me a pumpkin spice latte and we are going to talk about some stuff. Who wants it? You, how are you? What are you reading? Who are you?”
Clearly not the organic approach. But I can’t help but nervously laugh at myself.
I sat down next to this 20 something guy, completely oblivious as to what God was about to unfold. I picture Abba just sitting back in a chair, smirking as He watches this play out where in most people would be cringing at my abrupt and AWFULLY AKWARD demeanor.
Come to find out, this guy is from Afghanistan and has moved a number of times in the past 5 years. Why? He surrendered his life to Christ 5 years ago and has had no other choice but to move as he would be condemned in his native country. My heart just sank.
And filled at the same time.
He just moved to Dallas 9 months ago and is a worship leader at a Persian church. Side note: voice of an angel.
After about 12 minutes of the hair on my arms sustaining air time, I realized I did not get his name.
“My name is Mohammad.”
“Mohammad? Really? The most common name in the world?” (I know, I know…just ignore me)
Laughing, “Yes, I know. But my name is my testimony. People hear my name and think I am Muslim or Islamic and I get the chance to tell them why I’m not.”
Done.
I invited him to our worship service that night in Cole Park. Gave him the address, a friends number, and some Watermark information. He was unsure and left in an uncomfortable hurry once he felt the conversation was over. Which I was not surprised or hurt by. I would have slapped me if I were in his position, ha.
The day goes on.
My team grabs dinner.
My team grabs coffee.
I assume I will never see Mohammad again.
We are walking to Cole Park along McKinney, I think, and I am in a hyper rush running ahead looking for a trashcan.
My team member calls out my name behind me, “ERIN!”
“Whatttt?”
“Look who it is?”
“MOHAMMAD!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOD!!!!! (literally) WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?! OH MY HEART! Oh my heart.”
I was sprinting towards him, and collided into him with what was meant to be a hug. I am certain this was too close for his culture comfort.
“Did you text the number I gave you? Did you plan with Jessica to meet up with us? How did you find us?”
“I didn’t. I was just trying to find Cole Park.”
…………..
Hi, God. Thank you for this. This so obviously God moment of putting 2 people from COMPLETELY different backgrounds, in the same place, at the same time, TWICE. The lesson I took away from Mohammad’s fight for his faith was life changing. I doubt and lack faith, and this individual has changed his entire geographical existence for his. Reality Check.
Mind blown. Heart full. What an awesome story of God’s faithfulness and fun in showing us little, big miracles like this.
Abba, you romantic you.
Team member Lucas, “So do you think you guys will get married?”
“Lucas, no. Not at all. That is not what this is all about.”
“Sorry, Tswift got me like love story found in a coffee shop. But how cute would that be if y’all did?”
“Lucas…no.”
