(This story comes from an MCN mission partner in Central Asia)
Last month, I asked in my newsletter for prayer for more spiritual conversations with local people. This month, I reconnected with my friend, A, who speaks English well. After having tea at my place, we went on a walk to his home, and he invited me inside for dinner.
I gladly accepted his invitation, but when we stepped inside, I saw that almost all the food wouldn’t be good for me to eat (I avoid eating gluten and restricted my diet even more after a recent illness). Yet I immediately thought I should “eat what is set before me” (Luke 10), and face the consequences later —the chance to connect with A was precious, and I wanted to share the Truth with this searching young man.
While we ate, it started to rain, and A suggested that I spend the night. That wasn’t in my plans, but I felt like it was in God’s! After a great time talking and playing games, A showed me my room for the night. He gave me a glass of water but covered it with a small plate, “to keep the evil spirits from poisoning your drink.” Umm, ok… I assured him I didn’t need it.
Over breakfast (with more gluten) the next morning, I observed the unfolded napkin loosely covering a pile of fruit on the table, and I asked A, “How you think a napkin protects your food from evil spirits?” Praise God, this question cut through groggy morning small-talk and launched us into an hour-long conversation about spiritual powers, God’s plan for the world, human choices and sinfulness, and the Way to God. I’d never had a conversation like this before, and it was amazing!
As A walked me out after breakfast, he thanked me for sharing about my “interesting religion.” I said that every religion is about what people need to do to get to God, and A eagerly agreed. I continued, “What I’ve shared with you this morning is about what God has done. I wouldn’t say I have a religion—I have a relationship.” This really blew A’s mind!
As we kept walking together, A told me he wants to read other religious texts before reading God’s true Word. He was certainly intrigued by our conversation, though. I am grateful God guided the entire time and gave me words to share with A. Oh—and God protected me from all that food I shouldn’t have eaten! God is so awesome!
