By Claudia Koenig
We were visiting with a young friend in a neighborhood of Washington, DC. The population there is very young. They are seeking their degrees to follow in the footsteps of political leaders. What caught my attention is that most of these young people are very sweet and kind. They come from various states of America and are not yet “Washingtonians.”
There are so many of these young students in this neighborhood that I felt like I just did not know how to reach just one for Christ. I am not used to being around so many young people.
I had an appointment in the morning. Afterward, I had to meet my husband at a restaurant in this neighborhood. Everyone around me was so young. I took a seat outside of the restaurant. How do I get started amidst all of them to talk about Jesus? My dog, Star (of David), was with me.
A waiter came to give me the menu and started a conversation about Star. We talked about her age and her sweet disposition. Later, another waiter came with a bowl of water for Star. He lingered around us and talked about how he likes dogs, children, and people in general. He stayed by our side and continued to talk about his work and what he would like to do, but revealed that he just couldn’t figure out exactly what he is supposed to do with his life.
I waited for this waiter to go on to his work, but he just stayed and kept on talking. Then, it dawned on me, “Oh my, God is keeping this young man around to hear about Jesus!” He had a different kind of accent, but his English was perfect. I asked him where he was from. He said that his mother was El Salvadoran, and his father was German. This mix explained why his accent was rather different.
I asked him what he thought of God. He said that he believed in a higher power and that one does not have to go to church to know God. I let him keep on talking until I sensed the Holy Spirit telling me to speak. On my own, I could say much, but I needed the help of God’s Spirit. I did not want to miss leading this young person to salvation in Christ. I began to explain what the Bible says about God, His Son, and salvation. He listened. He said that he had a Bible and that he has read it. I said, “It’s time you know the God of the Bible. He wants you to know who He is, because He loves you.”
He focused on my eyes. I continued, “He gave His life for you on the cross.” He listened more closely. I said, “I am going to help you talk with His Son and believe in Him as the Savior of your soul, because you need to be sure that you will go to heaven.”
I asked him if he would pray. He stood silent. I began to pray. He listened. I said, “You can talk with Him. Just pray with me.” He began to pray with me. His eyes were now focused on mine.
While we were praying, a customer came up to us and interrupted us to pet my Star. We stopped praying. The young man who had been praying just waited. I thought, “Oh Lord, I am going to lose this soul. He will have to go back to work.” Finally, the young man petting my dog left. We continued praying and then the first waiter came and knelt to pet Star. Again, I thought, “Jesus, this young man is going to have to leave, and I will not finish praying with him for his salvation.”
He said, “I will be right back.” I responded, “No, you stay right there.” I could not believe that I had said that! But this young man stayed and asked another waiter to tend to his table. Then we continued to pray. His eyes were fixed on mine, and now nothing would distract him. We finished praying, as he gave his life to Jesus!
I asked him if he had a Bible. He said that he did. He shared, “When any of us was late past the time we were supposed to be home at night, my grandfather would make that one sit in front of him and listen to him read the Bible for two hours.” I laughed so hard! He laughed and let me know that his grandfather was very serious about this. He revealed, “My favorite book is Revelation. That is the best!!”
This young man’s grandfather’s labor for his soul had been answered!
“Abba Father, how many read your Bible and miss Your Son!”
“Jesus, how is it that some miss Your love in Your Word? Yet, sooner or later, Your love pursues them without ceasing, due to the prayers of Your saints for their souls! You, King, are faithful!”
“Spirit of God, thank You for helping me talk to at least one of these young people about Jesus. You knew which one’s soul had been labored over and was ripe for heaven.”
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Matthew 24:35
And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Luke 4:4
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; Romans 10:8
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.2 Corinthians 5:19
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 2 Corinthians 6:7
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Philippians 2:16
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Colossians 1:5
All scripture is KJV.