Mariel* timidly approached an East-West missionary accompanying her village’s pastor. She usually avoided the pastor since she had never been to his church, but the foreigner’s presence compelled her to the group.
The men asked her about her family and Mariel proudly shared that her four children were all named after Bible characters—thinking this would help her make a good first impression.
Despite Mariel and her husband’s unbelief in God, they liked the names and stories that accompanied their children’s namesakes.
The missionary and pastor seemed appeased by Mariel’s response, and asked if they could tell her more about the God of the Bible. She smiled wide and exclaimed, “Oh yes, please tell me!”
So the pastor and missionary shared their testimonies and the immeasurable grace each of them received from God through Jesus’ perfect sacrifice… a sacrifice that offered eternal life and forgiveness to all who believe in Christ as their Lord and Savior.
The Holy Spirit worked in Mariel’s heart in that moment… softening her to the gospel.
Sensing a change in her spirit, the missionary asked if Mariel wanted to place her faith in Christ. She excitedly shook her head up and down, bowed, and prayed to accept Jesus in her heart.
*Name changed for security reasons.