Sometimes ministry conversation can be a surprise…but then again…sometimes it’s not a surprise at all, that God brings that person directly to you.
>>WARNING…I’m going to be blunt<<
This past week I propositioned by a man that worked at our hostel…for sex. The man, who was not a bad man at all, was actually very polite and offered himself “if you wanted the sexual intercourse…you know, I could help.” The man, we will call him E, went on to explain that he had been able to help in many situations…like “when a woman who is not satisfied with her husband…and they are very open…I can help her to be satisfied and there is no problem.” E also let me know that he was accepting to all people…Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, locals, travelers, etc…because he respected them all.
Although it was not the conversation I was expecting to have that day, E continued to open up more and more to me. As I listened, I cocked my head to the side and asked God… “um…what do You want me to do here?” God gave me His perfect peace to stay and whispered: “you know what to do…you’re a licensed professional counselor…and a Christian one too…why do you think I brought him to talk to you?” As I leaned in to the weirdness of the moment, I listened intently to his broken English and noticed that his voice was getting quieter and quieter the more he shared. He also kept literally checking over his shoulder to see if anyone was going to walk by, and as I watched him God whispered to me “see how he is weighed down and chained to this? Pray for him now while he is talking.” So I did.
Did I get to see this man’s life transformed before my very eyes? Nope. Did I get to see him confess his sin and turn to the Lord? Nope again. Did I get a chance to share the story of Jesus Christ with him? Not even close. Did I ask the Lord for guidance and listen in obedience? You betcha.
I’ve learned this lesson during my time counseling, and God has reminded me of it during this trip too…we don’t always get to see the whole picture. Sometimes we only get to see a glimpse, and show God’s love for the brief moments we are in that person’s life. Sometimes we don’t get to see the big miraculous moment, but we get to be there for the small conversations. Today, I am thankful that God has called me here for the small conversations…with Him and with the people He loves.
Love y’all.
