It was a typical day at trucker ministry. We came and split into small groups of people, prayed together, and spread out to go speak to the men.
My group started walking and came upon 10 young men, who were laughing, talking, hammocking under their trucks, and sitting on rugs. After days of travel, they were resting.
As we approached, they created room for us to join them on their rugs. We removed our shoes, sat down, and started to introduce ourselves and talk. We eventually began to ask them about their religious beliefs – a topic that is not seen as rude or odd.
Some of them patiently answered our questions, others of them gently laughed, and still others chose to not engage in the conversation. I began to notice how really after a bit only a few continued to participate.
As our translator took over, I began to consider their hospitality and felt overwhelmed by the kindness we’d received many times over from giving up their seats, to offering food and drink, and stopping to listen to complete strangers for hours at times.
I began to notice one young man’s particular interest in the Gospel being told. He loved the story of Jesus, and I knew that today would be the day he would say yes to a relationship with God and Jesus in the midst of everyone sitting there.
While these thoughts ran through my head, two other young men approached the group. They quietly listened from the side but I began to see that they also had a strong interest in what was taking place. I felt this desire to want to pray for those two young men but sat and waited as the other gave his life over to Jesus!
He did this right there in front of all of his friends that made no such decision. I began to consider the amount of bravery that took place in that one moment. He had no consideration of their opinion and stood on his own. What a beautiful thing!
After sitting for awhile longer, we rose to keep walking and sharing. Suddenly the two young men followed us, and our translator informed us that they wanted us to pray for them! I love when the Lord works out little details like that. They were not ready to accept Jesus at this time but wanted prayer in regards to making that decision and for protection in their trucking jobs. So we prayed.
As I am learning more and more to lean into Him and trust Him in different cultures, I’m watching as He changes hearts and lives and draws people into His loving arms. He loves them. He loves me. He loves you. All of this can be realized in a moment, as He pursues us wholeheartedly.
With love,
Kim
