the great wall, great grace

Ah, where do I begin? Life as of late has been full….full of work, full of decisions, full last minute get-togethers, and in it all, full of much-needed grace.

He has provided some rather neat opportunities lately. Ones that honestly, I wasn’t really seeking, but that He just brought across my path….

Two weeks ago, a group from the Monday night fellowship joined up with a local congr*gation to make a trip to the Great Wall. This trip was an outreach event. Although I knew I would be one of the only foreigners, after our Monday night gathering, I decided to sign up to go.

But by Saturday morning, I was beginning to catch a cold and the strain of a week’s worth of teaching was beginning to take its toll. I was exhausted. But despite my lack of desire to hike anywhere that morning (including the Great Wall), I reluctantly dragged myself out of bed and trekked through the pouring rain, coffee in hand, to the bus.

On my way, I asked the L*rd to change my attitude and grant some opportunities to speak His name that day. I choose and empty seat on the bus, and a few minutes later, a girl I had never seen before plopped down next to me.

Her name was Sophia.

my bus buddy

We introduced ourselves, and I quickly learned that Sophia had attended the local ch*rch for the first time ever the night before for a special event. At the event, she heard of the next day’s Great wall adventure and decided to join – despite the fact that she didn’t know anyone. 

don't worry...she quickly made friends!

Sophia had excellent English and was very eager to share about her life. It was really fun to chat with her…and before I knew it we had talked the whole way to the Great Wall (about a 2 hour trip!). We ended up spending the majority of the day together. Sophia was very open to the g*spel and I was blessed to be able to share a little bit with her over lunch. After lunch, the group gathered together and sang some w*rship songs. 

Then, a brother shared the good news with the group. He ended with an invitation, and Sophia expressed that she wanted to know more about following J*sus!

And the one thought that kept running though my head as Sophia silently pr*yed on the picnic bench next to me was this: I’m really glad I came today.

Because bar the grace of G*d that morning, I would have stayed in bed and enjoyed sleeping in on a rainy Saturday.

But His grace was sufficient, and I came. And I’m so glad I did.

In truth, He was preparing Sophia’s heart for this trip long before she stepped onto the bus that morning…..and I love that. But to be utterly honest, you know what I love just as much? I love that He allowed me to catch a glimpse of that work in her.

Although I knew this before I came to China, its becoming so much more of a reality to me that He really does not need me at all to accomplish His work here. He just invites me to join Him it. And due to my reluctance or fear or selfishness or even my plain busyness…. I can miss it - like I almost missed it with Sophia.

But thankfully, in the midst of my relative unwillingness, He is still ever-willing to pour out grace.

Grace upon me….and upon those around me – like Sophia. 

I was able to spend some more time talking with Sophia on the bus ride home, and I met with her the next week at an English corner. He’s working in her heart, friends. Although I don’t believe Sophia fully understands (or believes) the g*spel quite yet, she expresses great interest in it and possesses a hunger to know more - very encouraged by this “evidence of grace” in her heart. I would love if you could please be asking for her salvation. Thank you so much, friends - so very thankful for you! 

And so very thankful for His grace.