Recently, I’ve had more opportunities to meet with new friends! What an answer to prayer! Game nights, house visits, picnics, coffee dates, and birthdays filled my summer. Luckily, more relational time meant more open doors to talk about Jesus.
My teacher and friend, M, and I often get into spiritual and religious topics, comparing cultures and whatnot, but she generally believes we basically believe the same thing. When she asked about the penalty of a particular sin in class, I took the chance to explain an area that we differ. I said that all sins have the same penalty, and that there’s nothing we can do to overcome it, but they’re erased if we believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection. I’m certain she’s heard the gospel before, but I pray for it to get deeper and affect her.
In the same week, I had another good, gospel conversation. My teammate, Anne, and I have been meeting with a new friend, D, for language exchange and have talked about creation, our giftings, and, communion. As I shared the meaning of communion, she was visibly uncomfortable and looking around to see who was listening, however, she allowed me to continue. We even left talking about getting together more often! I always get anxious when I can tell someone is uncomfortable and never want to force anything. Learning how to have authentic and intentional relationships has been one of the hardest parts of the job, but I’m learning to trust God’s guiding, take opportunities, and leave their response to Him.