So there I was sitting in a smoke filled room drinking black tea with drug dealers, other salesmen, Kamal and my new Californian friend Justin. We talked about life, and I shared a bit of my testimony. Justin mentioned he was traveling, looking for insight at a local monastery there in Kathmandu. I was praying to myself the whole time, waiting for my opening to share the Gospel. I was nervous, but full of excitement and focus. I felt the comforting voice of the Lord tell me to just mention His name, and He would do the rest.
I slowly sipped my tea while they inhaled one cigarette after the other. We sat and talked for about an hour, then finally agreed to leave.
As we all stood up, I had my opening. I told Justin to enjoy his time here in Nepal, and to remember Jesus as he searches for insight. I told him that going to that monastery might not give him what he’s looking for. I reminded him again to call out to Jesus for insight. I felt a sense of relief in him as we parted ways.
As I said my goodbyes I reached out to shake Kamal’s hand, he rejected and went in for a hug. We were both noticeably sad and people began to stare at how unusual it was that Kamal and I were such good friends.
I was truly sad knowing this would be the last time I’d ever see him.
I went to a small restaurant to sit with the Lord and reflect. In my time there my heart broke, as I remembered the lost look in Justin’s eyes. I wanted more than anything to see him again. I wanted to tell him again how important it is that he cries out to Jesus. I was seriously heart broken. Then God reminded me of his comforting words…
”Just mention my name, and I’ll do the rest.”
There is no doubt in my mind that God will begin a work in Justin’s life. I am confident in the faithfulness of The Lord.
I left the restaurant thinking my mission in Nepal had come to an end. It was around 6:00 pm, I was hungry and tired.
Once again, God had other plans. As I walked out of the restaurant door, an overwhelming feeling of passion pulsed through my entire being. A few beggars came up to me and I began sharing the Gospel with them, no small talk just straight up Gospel! I was filled with the Holy Spirit and spilling out into the streets of Kathmandu.
After sharing with the beggars, I noticed an unusual amount of street people. I didn’t recognize any of them, and they were flocking to me. Some offered me drugs, others tried to make small talk, but I rejected it all and began sharing the Gospel. I was speaking so intensely with this small crowd, I couldn’t believe what was happening. I knew it was not me speaking.
After sharing Jesus and praying for these people I heard my name in the distance. It was another member of my squad. A big group from our squad were eating together, and she was inviting me to dinner with everyone. People were still coming up to me and I was getting overwhelmed as we walked to the restaurant. A few more people came up to us, then we made a clean break into the restaurant.
I explained to her, briefly, what had happened.
”You’re glowing!” She said, and I knew in that moment that the people in the streets of Kathmandu never saw me that evening. For I had been there all month, and the people never flocked to me like this. No, this time was different, they didn’t see me at all.
They saw Jesus.
