The World Race has begun! After about 40 hours on a bus or in layovers, Tana (a World Racer from the B Team) and I arrived in Harlingen, Texas. It was definitely an experience. We met some interesting people and saw interesting sights.
One of our favorite encounters was with a man named Tony. Tana and I were on a fairly empty bus when a tall man with a flannel shirt, army pants, and a really long beard walked on. I was very alert when he decided to sit near Tana and I, especially when there were so many empty seats elsewhere on the bus. After awhile I saw him pull out his Bible. I thought about saying something, but decided to remain quiet.
I sat quietly thinking about this next year and wondering- “Lord, I’m going around the World to love and serve others, but what do I say…what do I do? Do I need to say ‘God bless you, Jesus loves you’ to everyone I see?” I pulled out my Bible to read what God had to say about it.
It was when I was searching for an answer that the man (Tony) said “that’s the greatest book you’ll ever read.” He began to tell us about his travels – telling drug addicts, homeless people, and any one else he came in contact with about the love and grace of Jesus. He found out that we’re doing a similar thing. I asked him the question I had been pondering and he responded telling me that we don’t need to say anything. We’re living episitles…Christ is living in us and telling His message through us, all I need to do is abide in Him. He then said how often you can tell when someone walks in a room if they’re a believer. He asked me if I had known he was when he walked on the bus. I looked at him and after awhile said no. He asked “was it because of my appearance?” and I nodded yes. I had totally judged him by his appearance.
He went on to tell us more stories of God’s goodness: murderers turned lovers after receiving the message of Christ, families knit back together, and the gentle leading of the Lord in his own life.
Tony told us that he thought something special was going to happen that day and he thought meeting us was it. I was so encouraged by him and amazed that the Lord answered my question so quickly. Once again He reminded me it’s not up to me and my self effort, but it’s walking with Him…it’s being available and allowing Him to do the work…like the wind in a windmill.
