Trying to bring up Jesus...

Lately, I've been taking mostly short bus and train rides, and yesterday God gave me the opportunity to show some love in Jesus' name to Jordan and today to talk to a business man about why I wanted to share Jesus with children. Nothing spectacular, but God can use just the casual interactions of each day.

Just 3

On our first day of Vacation Bible School, we just had 3 kids come and join us. Although it was disappointing that we didn't have many more, we can be thankful to have three unsaved kids coming to the event.God is in full control, and I praying He'll bring more kids today.

So...you're gay

It isn't every day a gay guy visits someone at your apartment, but that's exactly what happened to me today. Ryan and I got talking about life and how he teaches French at a public school, and to my surprise I learned that Ryan had attended Wheaton. We talked for a while about gay-friendly churches and other things like women pastors, but sadly he thinks he's beyond the closed-mindedness of Evangelicals. Pray that God will draw him to Himself.

Medical & Spiritual

Please pray for my roommate Jamie. He is a Christian and goes to Moody Church. I just learned today that he's bipolar and somewhat schizophrenic, but is really open to what God's Word says concerning his condition. He really does what to live a godly, responsible life and not blame all his sin on his condition, but still dealing with the medical implications of being bipolar and schizophrenic.

Haven't talked lately...

While riding home on the train, I got talking to Mike about the party he was going to that night. We talked about how much he was planning to drink, and then I told him that drinking wine isn't a sin, but drunkenness definitely is. He agreed that getting drunk isn't a smart decision, and then told me he considers himself a Christian. Sadly, he said he said he hadn't talked with God lately. I explained the Gospel to him and how it is only logical that one should put God in first place in his or her life. He still wasn't ready for that type of commitment, so pray the Holy Spirit will prepare him.

Even Kids Need Jesus

Today I assisted a suburban church as they canvassed for the upcoming Summer Bible Time at a park near our church. Although we didn't see as many people out on the streets as we had hoped, we were still able to invite many kids and moms and God even gave me a chance to quickly talk with a guy who claimed to hate Jesus and love Satan. His girlfriend said he was lying, and I pray that the Holy Spirit is working deep in his heart.

Patience

Today I had the privilege to work for one of Ryan's parking lots and got a chance to have plenty of interaction with him. It is easy to tell that he's not a Christian even though he works very close to Matt and Erik - 2 Christians in management. God gave me an unusual amount of patience today, so I could show Ryan in some small way that Jesus must impact every part of one's life. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will break through his hardened heart.

Conversation starters...or just life

I didn't find it tough to start a conversation with Leon on the bus ride home since I was carrying a backpack (with my laptop, hymnal, etc), the church's new laptop, and a couple thousand fliers I printed off today. As we starting talking about the Bible club our church is putting on for the children next week, Leon essentially told me that he was a spiritual guy, but not all that religious. He believes in some type of creation and god out there, but not in going to church and calling himself a Christian. Pray that God will show him that being spiritual isn't enough; he needs Jesus!

Interupted

Last night while I was talking with Michelle, the doorbell rang and to my surprise Margaret, a homeless lady, was standing there. She went on to tell Daniel and I her long, long, long story (90% of which I am almost positive is a lie because he isn't our neighbor, but instead lives underneath the Belmont bridge). We helped her out a little bit and tried to explain through our some gifts the ultimate gift God gave us when we were totally unworthy and unlovable. Please pray for he and also the guy, Dan, I met who's living downstairs with his girlfriend for the next couple weeks. Maybe meeting him was part of the reason God put Margaret in my path...

Went to a Catholic high school...

Although we were only able to talk for less than five minutes, I got to know Joel a little bit. He had just finished work and was on his way home to chill until the evening. When he found out that I go to a Bible college, he explained that he went to a Catholic high school. I asked him if he still considers himself religious, and he replied that he doesn't even though he thinks he's fairly spiritual. I wasn't able to go into much more depth before he had to transfer to the Purple Line, but pray that God will use that short conversation for His glory.

Pray for Mike

Mike has come to our church for the past two weeks and seems very interested in continuing to come. He came up to me last week wanting to serve the church in any way he could, so we spent half the day together cleaning the church van today. Since he's from Africa, I have had a tough time understanding some things he says, and I'm not sure of his salvation even though he surely appears to demonstrate many of the fruits of a real relationship with Jesus. Please pray...

I hate religion

On the train, I found a guy my same age who is disgusted with religion. Meshawn grew up Catholic, but hasn't attended church regularly since he left his parents' house. God opened my mouth to share that I hated religion too! How worthless are man's attempts to get to God through doing all these good things! Then, I told him about who I do love - Jesus. Pray that he'll look at Christianity in a new light.

Trash Bags?

"Could you help me find the trash bags?" That was the question that greeted me while browsing for automobile equipment for the church van. Sandy couldn't see well, so she couldn't determine which bags were the right ones. Then, she started complaining about the new sales tax increase here (it's crazy!) and discovered that she was short a little money at the cash register, so I decided to help her out a little and told her that the reason I was doing this was that Jesus had done so much for me - an undeserving sinner. Pray that she will be changed by Jesus' sacrifice on her behalf.

Drunkenness & Spirituality

Feeling a little bit weird seated next to a man with long hair, earrings, necklaces, and a shirt buttoned half-way down; I decided to trust God and just try to start a conversation with this guy. In the end, Chi and I had a fun conversation and laughed a lot. He told me about what he gets drunk from at certain parties. I told him that I was a Christian and that the Bible condemns drunkenness as a sin against God. He was surprised I didn't say wine in and of itself was wrong, and that surprisement allowed me to further explain Jesus and what is really important to Christians. Pray that the Spirit would open His eyes to see Jesus, and then he would hate his sin.

Passing out parking fliers...

God decided to open a door when I least expected it today. While I handing out fliers for our parking garage, I came into contact with a homeless guy, Jim, who was standing at the same street corner. For some reason, we started talking, and eventually I shared that I am a Christian. He wasn't surprised. My prayer is that God is drawing Jim to Himself right now.

People need to hear

Even though I was ultra-sleepy, I tried to start a conversation with Angelina on the bus. God appointed her to be a very friendly woman, and eventually I found out that she at least professes to be a Christian. Before I exited the bus, God gave me the opportunity to challenge her to witness to all the people around her that desperately need to hear about Jesus.

Jehovah Witness

While riding the bus, I literally bumped into a lady and then sat right next to her. After learning that she worked at a rehabilitation center, I thanked her for her willingness to serve and then explained Jesus who is God, but still came down to earth to serve us. She told me that she is a Jehovah Witness, but God ended our conversation at the next bus stop. Pray that God's love will get through to her.

Everyone talking about Jesus

Although Christianity and Jesus are usually on the bottom of the list for most people to talk about at work; Henry, Robinson, Roberto, and I carried on a long conversation about Jesus today. Robinson is a strong Christian; Henry is tough to figure out; Roberto is, by his own admission, unsaved. Jesus opened up a door to explain to Roberto why I don't do all the things most college students do (get drunk, sleep around, smoke, etc.). I pray that he understands that I want to avoid certain things because I'd rather worship Jesus.

Friend Day Blessing

God not only blessed us with a nice musical team from Brookside for the special day, but also gave us around 10 guests. Annie came back from Pizzology. Also, after talking to a couple of the first-time guests, I think they may continue coming to the church and may become integral parts of our church community. Praise Jesus!

Brookside Blessing

What a blessing God furnished me and our entire church with when He sent us a team of 10 from Brookside today to pass out flyers and help out around the church!

Another Joseph update

Remember Joseph in your prayers. I was able to talk more with him about Christianity and invite him to Friend Day on Sunday. Hopefully, God will bring him out for that event!

Willing to talk

Please pray for Sunni. He's a Muslim who owns a couple coffee shops here in Chicago and does tons of nice things, but doesn't believe in the true Jesus. He told Pastor and I about the dream he had of Jesus, and Pastor had the opportunity to challenge Sunni to search out what the Bible says about Jesus. Sunni is very open to discussions - which is a tremendous blessing.

India & IT work

On the train, God led me to another man who came over here from India to work in the IT industry. As can be expected, he claims to be a Hindu. He also said, though, that he hasn't went to a temple lately because it has been hard for him to get there while in America. I presented the Bible to him and just asked him to read it and think about what it says about Jesus. Pray that he'll search out the truth!

Need a job; really need Jesus

While we were joking around on the bus, I found that I connected well with Greg. He is currently looking for a job and showed me a couple of the applications he is currently filling out. I told them I am a Christian and that I will pray that God will provide him with some work to do and ultimately that he'll realize that Jesus has already done all the work to save him. Pray that God will use my feeble words.

Filthy Rags

Audrey and I had a short conversation while waiting for and riding on a bus today. Somehow God swung the conversation to eternity with Audrey saying that she just thinks a person needs to be good and moral to get into heaven. Like I expected, she considers herself a Catholic although not a very devout one. Right before she got off the bus, I gave her something to think about from Isaiah - that all our righteousness is as filthy rags. Please pray that the small mustard seed witness God allowed me to be will be used to bring her to Jesus in His timing.

Back from Korea

Praise God Michelle (from the church here) returned safely from her three week trip to Korea and had numerous opportunities to witness to friends on the study tour.

Never really thought about that

While I was frustrated over an ultra-long bus wait, God placed Eugene right in my path. He was on his way to an early morning shift at McDonald's (the one near Navy Pier). As the conversation progressed, I asked him what he thought about Jesus and surprisingly enough he replied that he hadn't thought deeply about Jesus, religion, and stuff like that. God gave me a couple minutes to share how Jesus has redeemed me and then to direct Eugene to the Bible - God's written self-revelation. Pray that the Holy Spirit will do the "heavy lifting" in Eugene's life.

Eternity Written on Their Hearts

I tried to start a conversation with Juan on the train, but it didn't seem to go too well at the beginning. He appeared more than content to keep to himself, but God gave me a burden to present the Gospel to him. After talking about a shooting here in Chicago, I asked him what he thought would happen when he stepped off this planet. He thought for a while and just shrugged. I directed him to study the Bible for the answer and please pray that he will.

Pray for Henry

God has given me at least two more weeks to work with Henry before I'll probably move to another parking lot. Today, e appeared to open up a little bit to talking about his view of Christianity. Please pray that that transparency will continue.

What if you won $10,000?

Usually, questions like that seem a little bit "old school" to dudes in their 20s today, but God enabled me to talk with two guys while we were waiting for the bus. For some providential reason, the bus was running 15 minutes late, so I waited with these two guys for over 20 minutes before they finally gave up and grabbed a taxi. I was able to impart my desire to them about how I would use the money to tell people about the most important gift ever - Jesus. Please pray that my very insignificant witness would be used by God in a mighty way.

It's about Jesus, not Bush

Wow! I never knew how frustrating it can get trying to convince someone that Jesus is the answer for the issues the world is facing, not politics! I thought most people realized how little politics usually accomplish. Annie and I talked for a long time as I tried to convince her that even above a good president, job market, and fair taxing; America needs to turn to Jesus. Unfortunately, Annie is convinced in her mind that politics is the answer to the world's problems, and she tries to blame Bush for her homelessness. Please pray that she will realize her sin and need for the one and only Savior.

Church...but relationship with Jesus?

I met Georgina on the bus today while she was on her way to do some shopping and get away from her hectic home. When I mentioned my involvement in River North Baptist Church, she started to make excuses as to the reason she missed church this morning. She said she usually goes to a Catholic church, so I explained that going to church does nothing for you unless you have a genuine relationship with the Jesus that the church is praising. Pray that her relationship with Jesus will grow or become a reality in her life.

Visiting the City?

I met Mee on the train today while he was trying to take a photo of a few of his friends across the aisle from him. Although we didn't have long to talk, he told me that he is visiting Chicago for a couple weeks from California. He works in the IT field - which isn't surprising at all when one knows that he was born in India. He grew up as a Hindu and still embraces it even though he seemed a little bit more open to Christianity since he lives in the US and not his homeland anymore. Pray that the Holy Spirit will break down the barriers in his life.

Hard work, but of no eternal value

After the fireworks celebrating the 4th of July, I took the train home and met up with Angel. He was dressed in a white shirt and black pants, so I figured he had just got off work. Not only did he just get done working at a restaurant, but he also works at another restaurant so he can put in 60-70 hours per week. I challenged him to make sure he is chasing the right thing - which needs to be Jesus - before he just keeps chasing hard after the wrong things. Pray that God will show him the emptiness of his life.

Oh, you want to talk...

While I was sweating in the subway station, Shantel came up to me and started talking. She weirded me out a little bit at first, but I progressively realized that she just has an outgoing personality. After discussing Chicago, the weather, our jobs, and schooling, I asked her if she had read the Bible. She has read it, but I found it extremely difficult to discern whether she solely believes the Bible provides good, moral stories to pattern one's life after or if she believes it is actually God's revelation of Himself to her. Pray that she'll think about the Gospel which God privileged me to present to her.

Spare change

While waiting for the brown line, I decided to move some of the change a customer had given me as a tip. Right then, a woman next to me asked me if I would buy her a bottle of soda. On the spot, I said, "Sure!" and went looking for a vending machine. When I returned, the lady asked me if I am a Christian; obviously, I replied that I definitely am. God allowed us to talk for a few minutes about how Jesus had brought this lady to Himself and what she was doing here in the city. She wanted to know where River North Baptist Church is, so I'm praying God will allow us to minister to her some more.

Bible Survey Test

Think Bible survey tests are these long multiple-choice final exams for college? Think again. Adron, one of my co-workers, randomly started asking me questions about the Bible: everything from the longest verse to the writer of Lamentations to the only verse with two blessings. Praise God for Bible survey classes at college! I found out that Adron is a Christian who serves as a deacon at a church in the area. How amazing is our God!

Cubs may lose, but Jesus won't

I was wondering how to engage a guy like the one who was sitting next to me on the train. Thankfully, God brought the idea of the Cubs and Sox to my mind. God worked it out that Ryan is a Cubs fan - allowing me to easily relate to him. Raised as a Catholic, he still seemed to embrace the faith. I explained to him the difference, though, between being a religious person and a Christian and how God has showed me that my own good deeds are like filthy rags. He appeared to understand and to be thinking deeply about what I said. Pray for him!