~ by David Evans, a missionary with Church Movements Ministry

Student prays for a sign

Do you believe that God places people in your life on purpose?

I met Andrew at a café. I was sitting down, and he walked past with a banged-up knee in a brace. He was hobbling along, and it looked quite uncomfortable. I asked him if he wanted to sit down. He thanked me but continued to stand while he waited for his order. We began chatting about how he injured his knee and what he is studying. In return, Andrew asked me what I was studying. Many students on campus ask me this same question.

I simply say, “I’m not studying. I help out with the Chaplaincy meals program here at the Uni and talk with students about life and faith related matters.” I quickly added, “I am a follower of Jesus and I like to encourage and pray with people.” I offered to pray for him and the healing of his knee.

To my surprise he offered to pray for me! He got out his phone and recited a prayer to direct our hearts to God, to not fall into temptation and for the Holy Spirit to help us today. I then prayed for him. At the end of my prayer Andrew said, “You don’t know how much this means to me. I asked God for a sign this morning. I have been wanting to devote more of my life to God”.

This encouraged my heart, and I knew I was meant to connect with Andrew today. Isn’t it amazing how God uses everyday interactions to minister to his followers? Before we parted ways, I showed him the God Tools App on the phone (App Store or Google Play) and walked him through how to download the Satisfied booklet. Since he had mentioned the Holy Spirit in his prayer, I thought this would help him include the Holy Spirit in his everyday circumstances and help him with his struggles.

Aroon shares Jesus with a classmate

I was on campus praying and asking God to make it easy for me to connect with students. Shortly after meditating and thinking about this very thought, I saw Aroon (a student) whom I had met the previous week at the meals program. I was able to sit down with him and his classmate, Peter. We began to chat, and Aroon mentioned that he was a Christian. I then asked him how he became a Christian. I already knew the answer, but I wanted Aroon to have an opportunity to share his testimony with Peter.

Aroon shared how two years ago he wanted to find the purpose of life and through his search he was led to Jesus. This was an encouragement, because I want to help followers of Jesus be prepared to share their testimony with others. If you would like to develop your own Elevator testimony (2-minute version), see this resource that I use in the MyFriends training.

Celebrations bring opportunities

Recently Ruth and I were invited to a neighbour’s home for a meal. The family had just completed Ramadan and were in a time of celebration and feasting. Ramadan is an Islamic holy month, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. We had a lovely meal, in which we were waited upon and shown abundant hospitality. I was blown away by how they treated us like royalty.

Our conversations led to hearing about how they prepared the food, about their family, work and Islamic faith. I was able to share about my work and how I came to follow Jesus. At the end of the evening, I ended up having more serves of food with Mr. M. He insisted that I come and eat with him. As I reflect on this event, I am reminded that God sends out invitations to join him at his banquet feast for Jesus, which will last for eternity. “The kingdom of heaven is like a king. who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come” (Matthew 22:2-3). What I long for is the day when people like Mr. M and his family receive the invitation of the King and come to the banquet. Pray that they would join the eternal party by placing their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus.