It is never my intention to receive recognition or credit for anything that I do especially when it comes to kingdom work. Even when I don’t see the fruits of my labor I trust that God is moving, knowing that he uses unworthy people like me as vessels to bring glory to his name. With that being said I would be lying if I said I didn’t appreciate when people tell me there’s something that they saw me do or heard me say that effected them in a positive way. I want to share with you all how an small act of obedience started a ripple effect of an Indonesia friend of mine sharing the gospel with a unbeliever from Spain and starting a lifelong friendship.
As I was preparing for breakfast one of the workers “Herman” from the Hostel asked to speak with me outside before we started our team prayer time. Once I grabbed my breakfast I went outside to see what was going on. Initially I assumed he just wanted prayer or wanted to thank us for being there since this was our last full day at the hostel. Like a kid in a candy shop Herman frantically begins to tell me how he had the opportunity to share the gospel with one of the hostel guest and he did just that. As he was telling me this story with full excitement and joy he began to cry and tell me how thankful he was that I was bold enough read my bible in public and how myself and the other girls were so bold to one to Indonesia and share the gospel with everyone we come in contact with. To those reading this may seem like a minor victory but what you all don’t know is about a week prior to this conversation, Herman had prior conversation with Hillary that went the exact opposite of ours. He was sharing to Hill about how he wants to share the gospel but he is too afraid because of the ways of Jakarta. Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world so I can see how it can be very intimidating. Herman shared that he wanted to move out of the country so that it would be easier for him to share the gospel. To go from being scared to share the gospel to “ I couldn’t hold it in” within a week is a huge testimony to how God gives us the desires of our hearts.
I take no credit for this huge obstacle that Herman has overcome but I do believe God rewards obedience. He turned his fear into strength to push his to share Gods word. I am so grateful for my new friendship with the guys at the hostel and I know it was because if Gods grace that I was able to meet this amazing man. Intentional relationships are the best. Herman is my friend on purpose.
