Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Donna is still touching lives!

For those of you who are on facebook, you may have already seen this post on my page. However, I wanted to post it here also for those not on FB.

The background is that our pastor is teaching a seminar entitled Conversational Evangelism. The purpose is to teach you how to share your faith in a manner that is, as the title suggests, just a simple conversation with someone.

Yesterday evening, I had an opportunity to do just that. God used not only the information I picked up at the seminar, but also used Donna. It was totally cool.

I attended the conversational evangelism seminar at OG yesterday afternoon for what I thought was one reason--to record the seminar for later posting on the website. This evening, I discovered God had another reason for me to be there. He had a plan that involved both Donna and that seminar.

You probably remember the note I posted a few weeks ago about Donna entitled, Do You Remember Me? In that note, I talked about the angel necklace I now wear. This evening, I ran into a gentleman who made comment about the necklace. I told him about the background, how it had belonged to my sister and was given to me on the day of her funeral in March. I then explained why I allow it to be tangled with the cross necklace. God then set my brain in motion and the CE seminar information kicked in. I was able to relax and "conversationally evangelize" with this man.

I learned that he was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, which set him off into a world of heavy drinking. He started attending AA and was able to get sober. He talked about how he lost two jobs to his drinking, and now that he is sober is rebuilding his career. He talked about how he found a "higher power." I think he was afraid to mention God, so I did. I told him our hope rests in the Lord. We talked for little bit longer, and then with tears in his eyes he thanked me for talking to him and walked away saying he is learning that there really is hope in the world that he had come to hate so much.

I don't know if I was the "7.6th" time he has been evangelized, or the first, or the tenth. All I do know is that God allowed me the blessing of meeting this stranger and using me as a vessel to show His love.

We never know when God is going to use us. I encourage all of you to attend the CE seminar next week at 4 p.m. in EB3. Sharing your faith does not have to be scary, nor does it have to be "Bible-thumping."

You never know what a simple smile and "hello" to a stranger on the street will lead you.~


bev~

5 comments:

  1. This is so neat, Bev. I'm glad you got to speak to this man, and thanks for sharing this on the blog, as I do not share in facebook. It's going to be amazing to see how Donna's strong faith is still shining through to each and every one of us. She will always hold a very special place in my heart!

    Lorelei

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  2. Bev, not sure if my FB posting made it on, having HUGE computer issues today..but wanted to say you are so right. The "thumping" rarely touches the way its meant to, but a word to someone lonely or scared, a friend to the friendless or food to the hungry are sure to be remembered a lifetime. Just as our Lord traveled the world touching lives. Thanks for sharing, love, j

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  3. Precious Lord a prayer tonight for Joel as he faces their first anniversary without her tomorrow. Like Bev's story Father please send an angel to cross his path and bring an unexpected smile or comfort on a stormy day and carry him through the day in your loving arms. Thank you Lord for Your loving care. Amen.

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  4. Thank You All for the continued prayers for our dad, ecpecially today, and everyday after.
    He seems to be doing okay. We were there yesterday hanging out with him, of course we were laughing, who doesn't laugh, when your around our crazy dad! We're bugging him and taking care of him the best we know how. Our Faithful LORD takes care of the rest!
    Love You All,
    Tasha and Jesse

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  5. Thinking of you guys too Tasha and Jess, I talked to your dad last night & he was doing okay but I could tell it was hard for him. Have had him in my thoughts today and praying he got through all right. Keeping all of you in prayer. Love, Jan

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