the plane ride (written july 18th)

When I bought my plane ticket to China, I began to pray for the people that God would have me sit next to, both on the way there and the way back home.

On flight to China, I think the Lord knew that I would need some time to think, cry, and prepare my heart. In fact, on my first flight from my home to Newark, my whole row was empty. And on my flight from Newark to China, the man I sat next to was Chinese….and he knew absolutely no English (which made me realize that I knew absolutely no Chinese – which was not exactly a comforting thought when you are moving to China). Needless to say, both flights were pretty lonely rides, but they were exactly what I needed. 

My trip back home was quite different. I sat next to a Chinese man. I assumed that he didn’t know any English, but he soon proved me wrong.

Before take off, I attempted to help a stewardess by asking him in Chinese about a bag in the overhead compartment….and after I “language fumbled” and made a great fool of myself, he responded in perfect English. (Embarassing :S).  We began talking, and I was surprised by his openness, both about his life and concerning spiritual things. He was very interested in philosophy, and soon admitted to me that he knew he had some “bad spots” deep inside him. Without really meaning or planning to, I began to share with this man about Jesus and how He completely cleared “bad spots” in my life…..and this was just in the first hour of our flight! We were able to talk quite a bit more throughout the flight…. and well, it just encouraged my heart so much.

I love how God provided this opportunity and was preparing Bill’s heart long before he stepped on the plane.

This little conversation just once again reminded me that God is at work in the world. He is at work in China. He is at work in the U.S.

And He is at work over the ocean between them.

Even though I may never see Bill again, I’d love if you bring Him before the throne right now and ask for the Lord to save him. Thanks, friends!