Because I spend so much time on the U-bahn (subway), I’ve started reading books to pass the time. The most recent book I completed was Mark Batterson’s, The Circle Maker. This book really challenged the way I pray and the way I talk to God. There are many things in my life now that I daily circle in prayer. One of those things is the issue of prostitution here in Germany, and more specifically the women who are prostitutes that I have the privilege of building relationships with.
One woman in particular, Julia*, God has really lain on my heart. I have been praying for her for a while and one day last week before work I asked God to please bring her into the café so I could talk to her. After the initial rush of women was starting to die down, I got a little sad because I thought Julia wasn’t going to come in. I asked God if He was protecting me because she wasn’t in a good state of mind to talk but I again begged Him that she would come in. No less than 10 minutes later Julia walked into the café! I was so excited and thankful that God answered that prayer.
I sat down by Julia and started talking to her, at first she didn’t seem very interested but I then invited her to go get coffee with me sometime and her complete attitude changed. She seemed excited by the invitation and happy to feel singled out and noticed. After we set a time and date to meet, she started talking to me more about life, and her hobbies, and for a brief moment even opened up about God (only to then quickly close that door again, but it was encouraging that she brought Him up in the first place!).
I’m really optimistic about the relationship God is letting me build with Julia. She can be a bit callous at times, but other times she is really sweet and cheerful. She has a really difficult past and therefore has a hard time trusting people. Please be praying with me for her, our relationship, and that God would speak to her in a way that she would be able to hear Him and know He loves her.
*Name has been changed for protective reasons
**Picture from the Wall Memorial