I visited a village where I had never been before. I planned to start a house church there and came to gather information about the area, the people and the culture. While sitting at the coffee shop, I prayed and asked God to guide me to a man of peace. From experience, I know the Lord goes before us and brings the right people in our path.

Later, I went to a shop to have some of my clothes ironed. While there, I started a conversation with the shop owner. I asked him about his village, and then I asked him where I might find a place to spend the night. He asked me, “Why are you here?”

I explained, “I work with people who help young people and families grow in their faith and restore their relationships with others.” When he finished ironing my shirt, he looked at me and said, “I have a place for you to sleep, sir, but it is very simple. You come to my house.”

I sat with the family on the carpet as we ate and talked about their lives and little village. When we finished dinner, the man led me to a small room upstairs with a bed and then left. While I was thinking about how the Lord had prepared a place, meal and new friend for me, the man knocked on my door. He entered with two cups of tea and asked, “How can I help you, sir, in your mission in our area? I believe in what you are doing.”

I asked him, “What do you mean by believe?” He replied quickly, “Because I know your Master.” He told me how he had accepted Jesus as his Savior and about the suffering he had experienced after telling his family and friends of his decision. He left his hometown and came to this small village to start a new life where no one knew him.

He told me he had lost one thing since he moved to this village. He said, “I miss the church, the fellowship and sharing the Bible with other believers!” After sharing and praying with him, he offered his home to be the first house church in this area.