I spent Thanksgiving with a small part of my family in rural North Dakota. A few months ago, living on their own became too hard for my grandparents and they moved into an assisted living facility a town or so over. I was given the task, along with a cousin, to pick them up for Thanksgiving Dinner with the family and then bring them back. I had gone to visit them a year ago in their home, and while life was hard, they still got by on their own.
A lot changes in a year.
Summer 2012
I could plainly see their late-80-year-old bodies had given just about all they had left. Spending weeks each summer with them gave me a million memories that I will continue to cherish for my life. They were the first people I remember telling me about Jesus. My grandfather’s voice I still hear clearly — “The only thing that matters is Jesus.“
After a few hours of visiting with family and eating a delicious meal, they were ready to go home. The four of us loaded into my vehicle and we were off for our short journey. I was excited to be able to tell my grandmother more about my trip next year. As I was helping them get settled back in their room, my grandmother tells us that they are just getting older and soon they will pass on — unless Jesus comes first.
And my heart broke.
I’ve heard the statistics. According to the Joshua Project, 40.7% of the global population are unreached. I heard, “Until every ear has heard.” I am fairly certain that Jesus would not be returning in their lifetime.
In Ponce, I met a man named Rafael Torres Rivera. He will be turning 84 this summer and he had never heard of Jesus before two weeks ago.
He spent about 20 years in the States with the military and spoke English very well. At his age, his body seemed to be functioning fairly well. With only one leg, he brought himself to and from the Center and all around town. In discussions with him, we could only assume his mind was not as great as it once was. As I talked to him this past week, he told me the same stories a few times. This is something I have been accustomed to visiting with my grandparents.
On Wednesday my teammate, Kay, asked Raf (one name we affectionately called him) if we could pray for him. He said, “Sure!” He seemed excited, as if — “I’m not sure what you were waiting until now for!” As Kay prayed for him aloud, I symphonized with her in my heart and helped lift the prayers up to God. Later that day, I asked if he would be at the Center on Thursday because I knew we were bringing cookies for everyone. When he came in Thursday, he seemed excited to see me. I was excited to bless him with a little cookie, and I realize now that just asking if I would see him the next day blessed him more.
It was the idea that someone was looking forward to see him; someone cared about him.
Friday did not go according to our plans. We arrived at our ministry site about 11:30, and we had been giving 9:00-10:00 to wash their feet and pray for them. Here’s what God’s plan was: While we were waiting for our ride in the morning, we changed our devotional to the story of Zaccheus. The patrons who were still in the Center once lunch was finished were invited to a table to share in the devotional time with us. Raf wasn’t there for the devotional time, but about 20 minutes before we had to be at the Plaza to be picked up, he came in. I visited with him some and said I was glad to see him. He laughed as we joked around and interacted with another patron that we had befriended. I think Friday was the first time I saw him laughing.
After pictures, Kay sat down across from Raf and said, “Have you thought about asking Jesus into your heart; do you want to do that now?” With another excited ‘why have you waited until now’ tone, he responded, “Yeah!” As if instructing a child, with such patience and grace, Kay lead Raf through the prayer of asking for forgiveness and inviting Jesus into his heart and life. We told him that whenever he needs help or guidance, he can just pray and ask Jesus. He asked us to pray for him, and his desires to move to the States with his brother. I believe he will make it there. I will continue to be praying for this for Raf.
Last week, I talked to Raf about my grandfather, and how he reminded me of him. This is why I came on the World Race. Even if it was just to meet Rafael Torres. This is why I must continue on the World Race. Even if it is just to meet one person in the Domincan Republic. We are all graced to reach a certain people, and for this year I am graced to reach Latin America.
Who are you graced to reach where you are?
