May 23

Witnessing

A Willing Heart

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the
weak things of the world to shame the strong. … Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let
him who boasts boast in the Lord.’ ” 1 Corinthians 1: 27, 31 (NIV)

We were new missionaries arriving in a large city. While waiting to disembark
the plane for our first glance of Africa, my 9-year-old son said,
“Mom, have the camera ready. I want you to take a picture of the first
person I tell about Jesus.”

In the weeks that followed, we continued to talk with our children
about witnessing. God often reminded me of the words my son spoke
our first day on this continent.

One day, we were invited to go ice-skating at a local mall. The kids
laughed that their first time ice-skating was in Africa. After a while, I
noticed my son and another boy standing in the middle of the rink having
a serious conversation. Eventually, my son rushed to me.
“I was nervous, but I knew I had to do it,” my son said. He asked the
other boy if he knew how to get to heaven. The child said no. My son
then told him about Jesus, sharing the ABCs of salvation that he had
learned in Vacation Bible School and several verses he had memorized.
I listened, absolutely amazed. Why? Because our son has learning
disabilities that often make conversation difficult for him. So when he
shared Jesus, I knew it was God working through him. God simply used
a willing heart.

Are we an example of sharing with others before our children? Are
we teaching our children to share their faith? God can do this through
us, and He is willing.

—Joye, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa

Heavenly Father, may I be obedient to Your leading today when an opportunity
arises to share my faith. Help me to be sensitive to Your spirit. May missionaries
and I never share in arrogance or in our own strength, but let us be vessels of
Your compassion and love when witnessing. Amen.

Next day