I don't know where I heard the phrase to "cooperate with the Holy Spirit," but it really has become my prayer. People who know me call me an evangelist. They often catch me handing out tracts and freely talking with people about the Lord. What they don't know is how much I struggle, and how many countless "fish" I've let get away because I was timid, tired, or just didn't know how to start a conversation! I am very much still taking baby steps when it comes to sharing the Gospel. But my Heavenly Father is taking me by the hand and hasn't given up on me; lately He has given me greater liberty to boldly share Christ with others. Two prayers have freed me up--the one that I might cooperate with the Holy Spirit, the other that I might give myself permission to slow down and just enjoy people along the way AND share openly about our wonderful Savior.
Why this blog--Vision 119 Momentum? I'm the Short Term Missions Coordinator for SEND Taiwan. The fact that many eager short-term missionaries will soon be in Taiwan anticipating sharing Christ with many in hopes that they, too, will come to know God has kept me praying--"Dear God, Show me what YOU want to do in Taiwan this summer. Give me enlightenment from above. Open wide the doors for the Gospel. Prepare special friends for each of our coworkers this summer, that they might show them the way to Christ. What opportunities do YOU have in store for us this summer that many will come to know You, and so that our local partner churches will be strengthened and encouraged?" After today's opportunities to cooperate with the Holy Spirit it occurred to me that our short term missionaries need a glimpse of what they'll be doing this summer.
Today was a wonderful day of learning to respond to the Holy Spirit and share Christ with people when He nudged me in their direction. First thing this morning, while I was walking our dog Nebby, I saw an old woman sitting on a bench. Our eyes made brief contact. My heart stirred as I realized that her lips were deformed, and I wondered if she had mouth cancer. I prayed for her as I walked away, but I knew I had to go back and make sure she knew Jesus. This was one of those circumstances when I really had to think about how I would open the conversation. I made sure I had one of my favorite tracts in hand, and started back. Wouldn't you know it, as I approached another little Maltese came running over and began barking at Nebby RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE WOMAN. (Maltese are macho-dogs and very territorial.) I asked her if the doggy was hers, and she said No and offered me a seat on the bench across from her. Through our conversation I discovered that Fang Mama is 82 years old, and has been Catholic since she was in her twenties. Now she and her whole family go to church. She said that at first she did not understand. But over time she has come to KNOW JESUS! She has trusted Him--and not her good works--to forgive her sins and make a way for her to be with Him in Heaven someday. She was a very sweet woman, and truly seemed to be at peace with God. We prayed together, and then we both went home.
Mark and I had to go to the hospital today. While there, I saw a young woman named Miss Chang standing in the doorway, her head covered by the little cap worn by cancer patients. Once again I got out a useful tract and walked over. Putting my hand on her shoulder lightly to let her know I was there, I asked her if she knew that her Creator God loved her and really cared for her. She said she did, and smiled from behind her mask . . . I could see the smile in her eyes. She actually seemed to have a generic belief that God loves her and will take care of her; but I sensed she had not yet received Christ as her Savior. So I said, "Someone could give you a beautiful gift, and you could dance all around and be so happy because of the gift, but if you don't receive it and open it for yourself, then is it yours?" She said, "No," and seemed to follow me as I continued, "God has given us His Son to die for us, and rise again from the dead so that we can have eternal life and the forgiveness of sins. Now He's in Heaven preparing a place for ALL who believe on Him. He's even praying for us! God wants you to receive Him, not just know about Him." Then it was time for her to go, but she was very appreciative and took the tract I had to offer (with my phone number on the back, which I encouraged her to use to call me anytime). Praise the Lord for His goodness!
There was also a sweet couple, the Kangs, waiting to see the doctor. Mark gave them a Jeremy Lin tract, and we encouraged them to contact us if they are interested in summer activities with our church for their children. We even ran into them later, and discovered we'll likely see each other next week for return check-ups! Lord, what would you have us prepare for this dear couple?
We enjoyed some other pastoral visits in between appointments at the hospital today. It was a long day, but a very fulfilling day. There's nothing really more important than reaching out to others with the love of Christ. I may have missed an opportunity today, as there was an American woman who I wanted to talk with to see if she needed help, but I didn't see her later as I anticipated I'd have the chance to do.
"O Lord, Help me to be sensitive to Your leading, and careful to take advantage of the opportunities the moment you nudge me. In Jesus' name, Amen!"
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