Those Random Encounters

So this morning I'd like to talk about some of those convoluted, “random” meetings that we all have

 Several years ago, before we retired, we were helping at the Japanese church in Sydney Australia.  Because the church building has "National Heritage” status, it's quite a beautiful icon in the neighborhood.   One day, I happened to be standing at the back of the service, when a very distraught-looking woman came rushing into the church.  

I looked around frantically; nope, everyone was looking the other way, completely engrossed in the worship service. I threw her a “Christian” body block and led her away to a quiet place away from the action. 

"Is this a church?” she practically yelled the question, her hair askew and dark eyes blazing. I led her to a quiet place on the steps, and I explained that yes, it is indeed a church. In fact the service is going on right now … in Japanese.  

Ignoring the explanation, she finally locked eyes on me and asked, “Who are you?”  I tried to explain, all the while wondering where this was going.  Taking a breath, she said, “Well, I'm from Iraq and I HATE my husband!!”   Now, I don’t think I normally “profile” people, but I couldn’t help but look for bulges as I took her hand and said, “I’m so sorry; can I pray for you?” 

She slumped down and nodded, tears beginning to leak from her eyes. I prayed the best I knew how, asking for Jesus to show Himself in this situation and give the poor lady some peace.  She wiped her eyes, collected herself and walked away.  I wish I could give you the “rest of the story”, but as so often happens in my life, I never saw her again, and for me at least, there was no resolution. Whenever I remember her, I pray that things worked out, and that somehow, she found Christ in the ordeal.  I can take comfort in the fact that God never forgets all those “chance” encounters … and He never stops caring.  

Now fast forward to another Sunday: Japanese service in progress, me standing at the back. Once again the door opens suddenly, and this time a MAN charges in.  Before I could even welcome him, he asks, is "Is this a SOUTHERN BAPTIST church?” 

Don't get that question much in Australia.   

"Well," I thought for a minute," it's not exactly SOUTHERN BAPTIST because they don't exist in Australia, but the four non-Japanese people you see here this morning are American SOUTHERN BAPTIST missionaries! We’ve been sent out by the SOUTHERN BAPTIST INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD, and we’re here working with the Australian Baptists" 

He said, “Oh good,” and started for the nearest empty seat.  

“Uh,” I pointed out, “The service is entirely in Japanese.”  

"No problem”, he said with a smile, as he sat down.  Since that day, he came faithfully every Sunday, mixed in with the folks, contributed and was welcomed as family. When his six-month job assignment was finished and he was ready to return to his home in America, as a “thank you”, he took our family to an "Outback Steak House" for dinner!  

Hit the fast-forward button again. Our family is in America for a one-year Stateside assignment, basing at Tony’s Dad’s place in Holly Lake Ranch, Texas. So imagine our surprise when we walked into Dad’s church to run into our friend! "Fate" (read “God”) had led he and his family to Holly Brook Baptist Church where they've been ever since. 

But wait, there's more. Recently, we’d been having some little life 'struggles'. His name came up, so I emailed and asked him some questions. We wrote back and forth a few times.   Thankfully, these issues are now resolving, but I must admit that a lot of that success was due to the wise counsel of this man.  He even joked the other day, "Who knew that that random meeting in Australia would lead to this, with me being able to shed some light and pray you through......" 

Isn't it true?  Who KNOWS (well, besides God of course) whowill be affected by our random connections? Some may be blessed with seeing the “rest of the story”, and some may just have to wait until Heaven. But isn’t it fun to imagine that beautiful tapestry of our lives coming together?   

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11) 

As you're reading this, Tony and I are boarding a cruise ship bound for Hawaii.  I could tell you all about the cheap deals we got and how we're going to be 'suffering' in the lowest class room, etc. but like last week and my Daddy's advice, I'd just be looking for edifications....... To that end, we'll be completely without the internet for 3 weeks (it's a long way to Hawaii)  Tony's going to write a couple of books (he says) and me?  Who knows, but we're excited!   

In Hawaii we'll be catching up with several friends and people associated with the Seminary, also doing an Anagaion Seminar on the Big Island of Hawaii.  I think the time will go quickly and we'll be back home before anyone misses us.   OH, and if the internet works somehow in the big picture, you'll receive a blog each week, sorta like the cooking shows where she takes out the finished product that she had "prepared before".  

Stay tuned!! 

Marsha