David (early 50s)

Dave E. & I met David who was sitting at a bench on 17th Ave who commented that it looked like we were about to get rained on.   We all looked up at the very ominous clouds that were passing over us.   We chit-chatted for a moment, and asked him if hed' be interested in participating in a spiritual questionnaire.   He was glad to do so.

David said that he is a Christian, but is trying to make his way back to church.  When asked for some words to describe his background with Christianity, he said "Forgiving, honest, & faithful."

The one question that he would ask God is, "Can I live in the new earth."   When asked what he would say if God were to ask him, "Why should I let you into heaven?" he answered, "Because Jesus forgave me."

I gave him a booklet on Christianity and we continued to talk.   He thought it was great that we were out talking to people.  I asked if I could take a picture of the two of us to remember the conversation and to be reminded to pray for him, and he said yes.

After the picture was taken, Dave E. asked if there was anything that we could pray for.   He listed a couple of things, including his mom's bad health.   We asked if we could pray for him right then & there, and he said "Sure.   Can we hold hands?"  So right there at a bench by a bus stop on 17th Ave, we held hands and prayed for him.

I told gave him a card inviting him to New City Church, and he asked for directions.  He was so excited to learn that I was a pastor, and he asked me more questions.  

"Do you have a Bible, David?"

"Yes.  But I'd like to get one that is easier to understand."

"Well, I have a copy of the Gospel of Luke called, The Essential Jesus.   You can have this and read it because it is translated into very readable English."  He was very thankful.

"One last thing, David.   Do you believe things happen for a reason?"

He processed the question for a moment and then said, "Yes."

"Well, maybe this conversation happened for a reason."

I gave my contact info to David in light of some questions he had.  David was very grateful.  We thanked him for answering the questions and for the conversation.   As we were departing, he said that he was going to start reading The Essential Jesus right then.

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Colossians 2:7, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,  rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

Since David has received you as Lord, Jesus please strengthen him to walk with you so that s/he can be built up and established in the faith.