Before arriving in Asia, our prayer was, “Lord, strategically place us where we can minister to people.” The answer was evident when Kelly* smiled and asked me to walk with her and a friend to the local market. The following day, we met, and as we started toward the market, we passed through a Buddhist temple. I observed a monk in the distance, some fragranced candles, a few people praying and mostly silence. Kelly’s friend broke the silence when asking if we were Buddhists. The friend stated, “I’m not Buddhist; what about you guys?” Kelly confidently replied that she followed the traditional Japanese religion. Then I said, “I am a Christian.” Glancing at their faces, I noticed both women were pleasantly surprised. The conversation continued as we visited the market, purchased our vegetables and walked back through the temple toward home.
I felt compelled to bake some cookies and deliver them to the women, thanking them for inviting me along to shop. I knocked on Kelly’s door, and she opened it. I offered her cookies. Surprisingly, she quickly became emotional. Tears came to her eyes; she thanked me for the cookies and offered a hug in return. I learned later that gifting cookies boosted the opportunity to establish a deep friendship with Kelly, who desperately needed Jesus.
One day, we had tea and discussed our faiths. Kelly explained how she prays to the river for blessings. I responded, “How do you know if the river responds or hears you?” She smiled, then said, “We don’t know.” I shared how Jesus is personal and responds when we pray. As I explained more about the Christian faith, she nodded in agreement. God continues cultivating our relationship and revealing Himself to Kelly through some answers to my prayers for her family during times of need. But she and her family still need Jesus. Will you join us in praying for Kelly, her family and other Asians who need Jesus? Pray our ears will be tuned to the Holy Spirit’s voice and leadership as Kelly and others pursue Jesus.
*A fictitious name is used to protect the individual.
