[Andrew] first found his brother Simon, and said to him, we have found the Messiah…Philip found Nathaniel and said to him, we have found him…”—John 1:41, 45
I have spent the last few days reflecting on the pivotal role relationships play in opening doors for ministry.
“Frank” became a follower of Jesus on Friday. A few weeks earlier, a mutual friend shared with me that Frank had recognized the need to know God. Because of this common relationship of ours, Frank was willing to trust me and commit to begin reading Mark together with me. God’s word did the rest.
Last Thursday my good friend “Chaplain Rick” (Johnson) asked me to come with him to the Youth Leadership Academy in the juvenile hall facility. The reason: a young man from Guatemala with VERY limited English ability needed translation. Rick knew I had lived there for years.
Rick provided the connection; while common roots in Guatemala provided the open door. My young friend told me at the end of chapel that he had been devoted to Jesus when he was younger but had fallen away. His desire was to reconnect and restore his walk with the Lord. We prayed.
Sometimes I can forget to look around me to find where God is at work. The events of last week reminded me the next disciple may be as close as “the friend of a friend.”
