Sipping Grandpa's Ol' Cough Medicine?

This morning was in so many ways the same and in so many ways different. I’ve met some really interesting people this morning. Marvin being on of them. We first met this morning a few blocks aways from the courthouse and as I began to witness to him I was able to present Law and Grace plus he walked away with some really good tracts. I ran into him again a few blocks away as he was headed to the court house. I asked him if he was ok and he quickly pulled me aside.
Marvin said “Hey man, smell my breath” and he let loose a deep exhale that smelled like a brewing factory. So I asked him “Did you have a drink or two this morning or something?”
“Yes I did. I am nervous” He said. He then added, “Is it real easy to sniff out?” I told him you may want to pop a Tic Tac or find some mouth wash before you see the judge. We both got a good laugh at that one and off he went.

I also had an interesting conversation with an older lady at the bus stop. She never asked me for money but she did make the comment that she didn’t have much food in her house. She told me she was a Christian and she was on her way to meet her pastor to talk about some personal issues. I encouraged her to speak to her pastor about this need and hopefully her church would be able to help her out. I had no cash on me this morning so I offered to exchange phone numbers with her and I promised I would make arrangements to bring her a Bi-Lo gift card.

I also ran into an old buddy of mine. George was one of the first people that I witnessed to since I started street witnessing and since we have grown to have a good friendship. The first time I talked to him over a year ago he was just looking for a new pair of shoes but he told me today that God has blessed him because now he has his very own apartment and his rent is paid for 6 months. He told me that he prays and thanks God everyday for our very first talk and he asked me to keep him in my prayers. He is truly dear to my heart. He pulled out his wallet and showed me the very first tract that I ever gave him. He added “I can’t tell you how many people I have talked to about God using this that you gave me.”

I noticed today that street ministry is more than passing out tracts, it is more than proclaiming the Gospel to people. It is reaching out to them the way that Jesus did. To offer our time, our own money, even just to be an ear for people to talk to. I enjoyed this morning because God opened my eyes to more than I could have ever seen on my own. I thank the Lord that He continues to teach me so many simple things that I never notice.