One summer day in 2018, when the kids were still at home, I needed a quiet time, and the house was just a little too loud for that. So, I packed up my Bible and journal, jumped in the car, and went around the corner to an almost empty parking lot in front of a contractor's office. I could not know at that moment how much that one simple move would change my life...
While I was sitting there, deep in study, a pleasant, older gentleman who had come out of the office knocked on my window, asking if I was ok and needed any help. When he learned all was well, he started to leave but stopped and turned back. With soft confidence, he said..."I promised the Lord this morning that I would talk to someone today about Him. So, let me ask you a question. Do you know Jesus?" I giggled as I held up my Bible from my lap and said I sure do. He introduced himself - Mr. Leon - and we spoke for a few minutes, honoring our great God together. Then, before he left, he prayed for me.
It was a beautiful...truly moving...moment that would lead me to pray for Mr. Leon just about every time I passed his office. I kept thinking about how brave and kind he was and how easy it was for him to reach out to me. I didn't think I would ever see him again until one day, a couple of years later, at church, I started talking to this precious couple in the hallway as we waited to go into service. Honestly, I did not recognize him initially, but when his angel of a wife - Mrs. Judy - told me their names, I was immediately thrilled. I quickly shared my encounter with him; from there, she and I became fast friends!
Over the past four years, I can count on two hands the number of times we have communicated, but every single time has been a true blessing. She would share a little more about her life with Mr. Leon and their service to God and others together. Their testimony touched me, and through their example, my conviction and challenge to share the gospel of Jesus with people I did not know was growing even more.
So, this past week, when I got a message from Mrs. Judy saying that Mr. Leon had gone on to be with the Lord, I was heartbroken and full of joy and worship at the same time. I knew the funeral would be a celebration of God's work in his humble life, and I was not wrong! There was story after story of him going out of his way to spread the truth of Jesus Christ...one person at a time.
Not only that, as we sang "Victory in Jesus," Mrs. Judy lifted her hand as high as she could in the air, giving the whole room permission to join with her in honoring Jesus Christ's triumph over death. As I sang, I could not hold back the tears. You see, I have been bolder since I first met Mr. Leon, but not like him...not like I was convicted to be when I met him. Right there in that service, all of the conviction and confirmation necessary to know what I am supposed to do next in my life was poured out on my heart.
The Lord has been patient, surrounding me with the message that far too many people do not know Jesus for me to sit still. I've shared the gospel...but in comfortable places. Over the past two years, the Lord has been burdening my heart with the prayer for Him to help me have a deeper desire to go out into the highways and hedges...into uncomfortable places...to share the gospel, bringing people into His heart and His house. Six months ago, during VBS, the Lord broke my heart for how ill-prepared I was to actually share. So much so that I changed my course at school from counseling to evangelism. In September, my Daddy shared a message, challenging the congregation...challenging me....to GO and share the gospel.
One step at a time....starting way back in an almost empty parking lot with sweet Mr. Leon...God began to refine this heart that is so prone to wander toward His perfect plan. I am so far from where I need to be, but so much farther than where I was. Hallelujah...Praise be Yahweh...and thanks to Mr. Leon and Mrs. Judy!! I am a life that was changed!!!
"Mine are days that God has numbered
I was made to walk with Him
Yet I look for worldly treasure
And forsake the King of kings
But mine is hope in my Redeemer
Though I fall, His love is sure
For Christ has paid for every failing
I am His forevermore
Come rejoice now, O my soul
For His love is my reward
Fear is gone, and hope is sure
Christ is mine forevermore"
"Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave."
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