Saturday night in Antigua, we went out to dinner for Carly Farver’s birthday. It was a great evening of fellowship and just getting to know some of the people on the October squad. In case you didn’t know, they’re amazing people who are living life to its fullest. I was greatly encouraged by being able to spend some time with them. It reminded me about why I do what I do.
Afterwards we went for a walk in the plaza. It was late at night and a weekend, so a lot of people – both tourists and locals – were prowling the roadways in search of something hiding in the heart of Antigua. It was a beautiful evening, the weather was perfect, and I was relishing every moment. Then a super short guy walked up to a group of us. He had on baggy clothes, had an oversized ball cap on sideways, and wore a huge smirk.
“Hey man!” he shouted at me. “Want some weed? Want a little somethin’ somethin’?”
Now this isn’t new to me. Overseas last year there were a fair number of men who approached me and offered me some hash. No worries mom – I always turned them down. But this guy really caught my attention.
“Weed? I don’t want weed, man, ” I replied.
“Aw, c’mon. Weed? Just a little? “
“No, dude. Weed’s bad for you. You need Jesus. Holy Spirit? Have you heard of it? Get high on the Spirit, man. It’s better for you.”
He stood there, threw his arms up and pivoted on his heel while expressing how he truly felt.
“I know, man. I know it’s bad. Okay.” And then he walked off. But I wasn’t done. I shouted over at him as he walked away, “weed’s bad! Jesus!”
Next thing I know this guy turns around and starts walking towards us pretty fast with a serious expression on his face. I wasn’t alarmed because, well, I was held at gunpoint last year and nothing has really taken me by surprise since. But this guy comes over, stands there and starts pleading with me.
He’s not from Antigua, but a surrounding village. He’s been sleeping on the streets and was just trying to sell something so he could get a bite to eat. Brandon, who had leftovers from dinner, handed them to this guy.
Suddenly, his demeanor immediately changed.
He was so thankful and wanted to give us hugs. I asked if we could pray for him and he said yes. He put the food on the ground, walked into the center of our group, collapsed on the ground and began weeping uncontrollably.
We hadn’t even prayed for him yet!
His name was Mike and we just asked for God to show up, to supply his needs and prove His presence active to this guy. It was great. He eventually left and found some friends to share his meal with.
Mike offered me weed and we supplied him with an encounter with God.
I love doing stuff like that. We should actively be seeking out opportunities like that here in America; we don’t have to go overseas to do that kind of thing. God’s power is living and active within us and He desires to reach out to His kids. We just need to make ourselves available to be conduits for His love.
Kingdom comes to Guatemala, baby.
