The Persons of Peace and God's Plan

We recently had a couple of guys visit us from one of our prayer partner churches. One of the ways we use volunteer teams here is to visit some villages who have never heard the Gospel before and we share with them and give them an opportunity to accept the gift of Salvation of Jesus. We follow Jesus' example of finding the person of peace in that village, but what does that person look like?

The first day, we planned to go to some villages and give gospl presentations. However, God had it raining a lot that day while we drove to the area. We knew that this was a problem for where we were going because the roads would be muddy and treacherous and no one would come out for anything in the rain, even to hear good news. So we let God lead us to an area that had a paved road and got out to find the person of peace. As we walked and greeted those in their homes looking out at us, the rain subsided and we were able to stay dry. A lady inside her home asked us what we were doing, and then invited us in for tea. As we sat and accepted her hospitality, her son came in to visit with us as well as his three children. While we drank tea, the leader of our group asked if he could share a story about his life. He shared his testimony and then asked if he could share with them the good news that changed his life. The son was wide eyed and nodded yes. The mother, who was a widow, began to figit some. At the end of the salvation presentation, he asked if they would receive the salvation. The son said that he would, but the mother was opposed. She said that since they were poor that if Jesus would help them financially and show them his power this way that she would believe. Please pray for this household and especially this woman that she would see that the truth is what she needs and that God will provide all her needs. We gave the son a bible so that he could read further about the truth.

The son then took us through the village. As we passed through, we came to the house of a very large and elaborate house. My first thought was that this house and the people inside are completely unapproachable. It looked totally out of place among the other houses that were crumbling. We walked further and saw the place where the son worked. He was working at a tobacco selling stand. He apologized and seemed embarrassed that he worked there, but explained that it was the only work he could do. God will work on his heart in this area as well, because most men who work these stands use the products they sell.

We then started back towards our house, as a crowd was beginning to form near us, but just out of curiosity. We were told that it had been 30 years since any foriegners had been to this place, and that was as survey team who was coming through the state. WOW! We were walking past the wealthy man's home, when the son, who now was our guide for the village, walked up to the house and knocked. We did not know what was happening, but the next thing we knew we were all sitting in this man's living room sharing tea and stories! This man and his wife have lived here all their lives, and obviously have much influence in this village. He was very gracious and engaging and very happy that we were there to visit. We shared the gospel with him and got into a friendly debate with him. He said that all religions and beliefs lead to heaven. That there were many roads to heaven and any one that you choose would take you there if you were obedient. He knew of Satan and we asked if the road of Satan lead to heaven. After a thought, he said no, so we told him that all ways do not lead to heaven. All this debate was very friendly, and there was no harsh words spoken. Obviously this was the man of peace and influence in the community that God lead us to that day. We gave he and his family bibles, got his contact number for future visits and then went on our way praising God for this encounter. This may not sound like a successful visit, but that wealthy and influential man is very important in this village. He is not opposed to Jesus and His way, so the door has been opened and Gospel seeds planted in this village for the future. This is a win-win situation. If the man accepts Jesus, many people in the village will follow his lead. Even if he does not accept, he may be open to holding gospel sharing meetings in his home with other people, and if there is ever a problem while we come back, we have made a friend among the people and we will probably not be bothered. Pray for this first contact and the man of peace, that peace will fall on his house and he and his family will read the Word of God and find the truth.

Thank you Lord for showing us Your plan, when it seemed we had our own plans in mind that day.