Have you ever summoned a crowd everywhere you went? Chances are, unless you’re a celebrity, you have not.
I’ve seen people try to sneak a picture on their phone when we walk by. I’ve had people run up within a few feet of my face, yell “Hi! How are you! Nice to meet you! Goodbye!” and then run back to their friends in a fury of giggles. I’ve seen people mystified by our looks and gawk with mouths wide open. I’ve seen crowds form around us as everyone tries to “take photo” with us. People run up to our interpreters and ask them who we are. Where we’re from. Why we’re here. I even had one gentleman come straight up to me and hand me his baby to take pictures of us. It’s a big deal.
It’s apparently very popular to be an American over here. Almost as popular as it is to take your picture with one. Just by being who we are we draw people to ourselves. It could be our hair, our eyes, our skin, but one thing that was talked about before we left really sticks out to me. We’re Christians. We have the Spirit of the living God dwelling inside us. We are chosen as His heirs, and given reign over His Kingdom. Therefore we bring His Kingdom wherever we go just by being there. Part of me can’t believe that it’s a coincidence. People are drawn to His Kingdom whether they realize it or not.
While many people don’t care much about us once they get their picture, some people stay. Some want to practice their English by having conversations with us. Some are just excited about the fact that they’re meeting their first foreigner. Whatever their excuse, I love these people because they’re so excited to listen to anything we have to talk about. Many of them are so open to hearing the Gospel just because it gives them the opportunity to talk to Americans. And that’s when the Spirit takes over and begins to work in their life. I’m amazed at how many people are coming to Church with us, studying the Bible with us, asking thoughtful questions about God, and really taking Him seriously after one short week of ministry here.
Out of all my ministry and evangelism training, I never thought my nationality would become such a powerful tool for God to use. Seeds are being planted everywhere we go. Even if I never get to see any of these seeds actually sprout and watch someone commit their life to Christ for the first time, I know we’re making a huge impact by being here. I’ve fallen in love with these people so much, and I know I will be thinking about them and praying for them long after I leave China. What are some ways God could use you that you’ve never thought about before?
