His name is Samuel. He has been working on tour boats since he was 13. He is now the captain of a small boat that takes people up the Nile River. On the way his passengers see a variety of birds and some significant landmarks (like one of the burial places of Gandhi). At the end of the trip passengers find themselves at the source of the Nile. It is a trip that takes a few hours total and is a wonderful way to see this part of the longest river in the world.
I met Samuel as we boarded the boat. I was immediately impacted by his evident joy for life and his desire to get to know us. He also told me that we would be driving slowly up the shore to look for birds and snakes and that I could fish as we went, if I desired (of course I desired!!!). Near the source of the Nile I caught a Nile Perch (the fish pictured). Catching a Nile Perch in the Nile was the reason I brought a fishing pole with me on the trip. Feeling pretty good about my accomplishment and feeling very grateful to Samuel for letting me fish from his boat (fishing trips on the Nile can be very expensive) I got out of the boat at the source of the Nile to look around. As I disembarked Samuel asked me if I liked to fish. I responded with a yes. He then told me he would like to tell me how I could be a fisher of men. I smiled and told him I already knew Jesus, but thanked him for his boldness in sharing the Gospel with someone he just met.
This brief conversation made me think about how I share the gospel. Do I take opportunity in life to share with everyone I meet, even if I know I will only have contact with them for a short time? Am I more likely to share with people when my time with them IS limited and I may be the only person they ever meet who can share? Am I willing, like Samuel, to transition a conversation to the Gospel whenever the opportunity arises? Do I look for those opportunities? Finally, am I listening for God’s voice to know when to share and when to be silent and let God work in some other way? I have learned a lot from my brief encounter with Samuel. I will not soon forget his boldness or his willingness to step out in faith and let God be responsible for the results. His example is a challenge to me in my willingness to share in all occasions whenever God compels me to do so.
