She asked about a book I was reading
I met a lady in a doctor’s office. She asked about a book I was reading, “Putting Your Past in its Place.” I shared about how Jesus can help us through anything. I asked questions and listened to learn more about her. I learned she left Scientology after 10 years.
I knew I needed to invite her to church but I really didn’t want to give my phone number out. I kept picturing all the people at the CFC worship service who had raised their hands saying they were there because somebody invited them. In fact, my relationship with Jesus began with an invitation.
I gave her my phone number, told her I would sit with her at church, and that I would love for her to join me tomorrow at church. She said that she felt drawn towards me but then felt fear inside of her well up pulling her back. We both awkwardly laughed. I then encouraged her not to let fear make her decisions, and that true healing can be found in God.
As I left the waiting area to go to my appointment, I turned and told her I hoped to see her. As I waited for the doctor, I prayed for her wondering if I would ever hear from her… guessing that I wouldn’t. But the next day, I got a call from her saying she wouldn’t be coming to church and that something had come up but that she really wanted to. When she told her husband about our encounter, her husband asked if he could come to church, too. Of course, he could come! Our conversation ended with maybe we could connect with them the following week.
When I got off the phone with her, I was telling my mom about the encounter and we both felt we should invite her to a woman’s conference I was speaking at that weekend. It felt extreme to invite a stranger to a conference at the last minute especially since registration had already closed. But I knew the conference coordinator’s heart and that she would do all she couldn’t to get her in if this lady was even interested. Once again, it felt awkward to invite but I’ve learned not to live by my feelings. I invited her and told her we would pay for her registration (we were going to use our BLESS money). I didn’t think there was any chance she would go but the Holy Spirit reminded me that was not my responsibility. I needed to be faithful and just invite. We saved her seat at the conference wondering if she would show. She did!
As we were sitting next to her at the conference learning about being transformed by Jesus, I was praising God! When it was my turn to speak, I remember being on stage looking out at her face – Our God is amazing. So at the beginning of the week, I’m going to the doctor’s office and by the end of the week, I’m singing praises to our God next to a new friend. Turns out this lady lives within walking distance of CFC – God has a sense of humor. We are still praying she joins us at church. Through tears, she thanked us for inviting her to the conference and shared how much it impacted her. She never did accept our money for registration…so now we get to bless somebody else.