Monday, June 23, 2014

Yesterday's lunch after church was quite lively.

A group of us went out to eat after service. We sat at a long table and Emilio said a prayer to bless the food for everyone, and in order for those at the other end to hear, he had to speak a little louder than normal. Not even thirty seconds after he prayed, we heard someone say “I’m tired of Christians trying to convert me. Christian's are the most judgmental people!” I looked up and saw that it was the lady sitting next to us and that she was wearing a large pentagram necklace. She went on to say to her male friend, “I’m pagan and Christianity came after paganism, and stole our ideas. Where do you think they got Christmas from?” She went on and on loudly disparaging Christianity. “Who’s judging who right now?” I said to a couple of the ladies sitting next to me. Emilio turned to her and said in a gentle and loving tone, “I can hear every word you’re saying, and paganism did not come before Christianity and I would love to talk to you about it.” She said, “No, I’m good”, and continued her loud Christian-bashing. She and her male friend were getting so loud and threatening that others in the restaurant were starting to stare, so Emilio alerted the manager who told them to change their topic of conversation or they would have to leave, and then stood close by to make sure they behaved. The funny thing is we didn’t even give them a tract or speak to them or have any interaction with them whatsoever. All they heard was the name of Christ and that was enough. I write this in hopes that you won’t be discouraged when you encounter opposition to the Gospel, because it will happen even. May God have mercy on them and open their eyes.

1 comment:

simplewithsyd said...

Every story, easy or hard is great to hear! Thanks Trish!

If our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord 2 Cor. 4:3-5

Oh...read a quote from you in Ray's 180 book yesterday :)