Being in Cyprus this month presented the challenge of being stuck in one place for a long time for someone like me. So Patrick and I decided to hitch hike into the city and see where God takes us, and who He leads us to meet along the way. We definitely learned a few things along the way, and this easily became my new favorite way to share love-JC.
Here are a few tips I picked up along the way.
- Women are hitch hiking pros. Always send your best to the field; Blue eyes, blonde hair and a big smile, and you will have 4 cars in less than 10 mins. Leave the men accompanying you in a hiding spot for just the right time.
- When telling the driver where you need to go, you may have to tell them 5 times in 5 different ways [If your in a foreign country and they don’t understand your southern accent]
- If they are falling asleep at the wheel and about to run into a car or the guard rail…act like you have already arrived at your destination and ask the driver to pull over even if there isn’t anything there. Also…then pray for them to make it home safely.
- When the driver starts flying 100 mph…PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.
- Wanna test your trust in the Lord? Get in a car with two men while the song “I wanna get friendly with her” is playing and trust that nothing bad is going to happen. [LOL…If you haven’t heard the song, its hilarious in a moment like this]
- If the driver doesn’t speak English and his music is bumping, start dancing like a FOOL and they will LOVE IT.
Some experiences were better than others, and while my stories sound a little dangerous, the people were so friendly! Regardless if they were Cyprian, Turkish, Muslim, or a little on the wild side; these people KNOW hospitality. Not only were we greeted with a ride to our destination; we were invited to dinner, given phone numbers in case we needed anything at all, offered to buy us a drink, and some people would literally drop us off at the hotel. Some weren’t even going all the way to where we needed to go and would take us there anyways.
EMBRACE PEOPLE FOR WHO THEY ARE. Don’t judge them for their culture, religious status, or their crazy [FYI we are all a little crazy in different ways].
WE have been made to love people exactly where they are. Get to know them, you will be pleasantly surprised how in return they go above and beyond for you because you made time to be intentional with loving them.
YOUR LIGHT SHINES BRIGHTLY WHEN YOU ARE FOCUSED ON HIM AND THEM.“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can not extinguish it”… “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the LIGHT that leads to Life” John 1:5, John 8:12
Lets LOVE Radically together. Lets not be afraid of people, what may or may not happen. Lets be intentional. Lets go out of our way for others. Invite people in to your home, share a meal together, talk about life, search for God together.
Don’t think you are right and they are wrong, be humble and learn together.
This is what God is calling us into, FAMILY. If you don’t believe me, check out John 17 and Acts 2:42-47 or ask Jesus yourself 😉
Love, Love, Love
ACE
