Heart Ripe To Receive

We went to visit my uncle in St Paul. He had no idea we were coming as we had no phone number and he doesn't own a computer to receive emails. The main doors to his apt complex are kept locked so we went to an open window and called out his name. Thankfully, he was living in the same apt as eleven years ago, when I last visited!

We shared with Bruce about what God was doing in our lives. He asked plenty of questions. We answered them with as much love as possible. Bruce admitted to belief in God, in fact he had felt this conviction to attend a downtown church, but never did. He doesn't drive. He stated that he has had two major heart attacks and he felt God was keeping him alive for a reason.

I watched as this man's heart seemed to be ripe to come to The Lord.  I asked him if he wanted to pray, he didn't say yes or no. I gently asked again. We bowed our heads, being careful not to pressure him into "saying a prayer". We did not want a false conversion. But, after praying he remarked, " I feel better."  Time will tell if his heart made that true commitment, but, I believe it was sincere!

On The Road Again

We left Colorado and the beautiful landscape, entering into flat-land, definitely boring. We are heading for Minnesota, 16 hours away, making for long days of driving, no time to waste.

Like lightning, Steve pulls over to help a man who's Lexus suddenly stopped in the middle of nowhere. ( yikes!). Mr. Z had just bought the car in Las Vegas and was driving it home. A tow truck was coming. 

Meanwhile, Steve talked about why he stopped.  We gave Mr. Z our water as the radiator was bone dry, but what the man really needed was living water! The man implied he was financially well off. Steve encouraged him not serve money as it will never satisfy. He shared how he gave up a high paying job for something more valuable. The mans arms were crossed in a defensive pose, listening to Steve but uncomfortable. Perfect timing, the tow truck pulled up.

I sat in our car an waited.

Still Learning

After having a beautiful opportunity to share Jesus with an older man, expressing why we came and what Jesus means to me in my life;  I was sure I had been cured of my ugly attitude and could now move forward in the process, but God had to stop me in my tracks again.

First prejudice, non believers helping to sift through valuable items. I was very suspicious of them, certain they were pocketing items. I was also angry that Samaritans Purse would allow them to wear their Samaritans Purse logo tee shirts and work along side us Christians! They had to gain special permission because they refused to sign the "statement of faith" paperwork. Their boss routinely has them take a day off with pay, in order to do community service. However, it was easy to see that God was not surprised, in fact, it was in His plans!

 

Steve took time during lunch to share with them about Jesus, and they "hung" on to every word. Then, Steve said to me, "these guys really worked hard today, we really needed their help!" Ouch!

Man, did I need to bite my lip and ask for forgiveness! 

Learning About Myself

Steve felt led to change our plans and return to Colorado In order to help Samaritans Purse with the flooding victims. My heart was disinterested. But God had something to show me. 

My first prejudice. The first home we helped out at, it felt as if the homeowner just wanted to remodel, so he declared his back pantry area a disaster and we tore out cabinets, walls, and flooring. I had trouble seeing the damage. I thought, " why are we here?"

My next prejudice. I saw so much stuff out in the streets that could have been recycled or washed off with bleach and reused, that I found myself irritated, questioning peoples motives.

Then came my third prejudice. We were asked to wash the mud off some very nice collectibles out on their driveway. One of the other workers dropped a very elaborate and expensive vase. I was certain we would be harassed and scolded.  The homeowners response, "don't even tell me what it was, I've lost so many things so far, what's one more! "

I needed to not harden my heart, but to work as unto The Lord, the material stuff was irrelevant, my job was to love the people, but could I ?