08/11/2024
As a Missionary there are planting days and harvesting days. Yesterday was planting day. A BOGO coupon for Jesus. I'm currently in Texas. I rent a car with Rideshare, using my wages to pay the rental. Rideshare peeps are a ministry field. I started driving at 5 PM. At 1230 AM I thought, "I'll just do one last ride..." WOOO HOOO!
My "last run" was a 21 year old guy. He got in the car and said, "I just gotta rant for a minute." I braced for impact. He just brokeup with his girlfriend of 2.5 years. He was emotional and chatty. What proceeded was a God conversation lasting until 3 am. After the ride ended we stood in front of his house chatting about life, relationships and God. We cried. I prayed for him. He needed a listening ear. He grew up with no dad. He is working hard to make it. He is a fighter. Determined to do well. He believes in a higher power, but doesn't call it God. I shared my faith in Jesus. I hugged him goodbye, he cried some more. I cried. I left with a heavy and thankful heart. When the Holy Spirit says He will provide the words you need, it's TRUE. Pray for "A" if you would.
So last "last ride". A $23 ride popped up. I cleared my screen. Then it popped up again. The ride intrigued me. I accepted. It took me to the rainbow area. I approach to see a shirtless young man carrying a pizza box. Jesus is Lord, because only thoughts were, "Wonder what's on the pizza?"
It's two riders. They get in. One passes out. The other kid starts asking questions. I have residue from my old LGBT life. He sensed it. Yet once again, Jesus was planting seeds. The young man said they had just broken up. I identified with him in his pain. As he asked questions, I boldly and lovingly shared my story. I shared my heart for the gay community. I shared about some of the ways I have loved LGBT peeps well. I asked him if he was Filipino. He was surprised that an "old white guy" would know. I told him I know lots of Filipinos. He said, well now I don't feel special. I thought, well you are the first one I have met that is wearing a thong. A sidebar conversation, I precariously navigated. He did have on pants too, don't judge. Turns out, he is adopted. He's 24, looking to settle down with a guy. He asked me what I thought about homos*xuality and the bible. I shared honestly. I shared the redemptive love of Jesus. He thanked me. Fun fact, his name had originally been Matthew. I let him know that Matthew, means gift of God. Pray for "BZ" if you would.
I love this life. There are days I feel like a crazy, unorganized, unworthy mess, but God uses me. I saw myself in both those boys lives. My heart broke and rejoiced simultaneously for them. I remember wandering with no one who understood me. I remember being at odds with God and Christians. I also remember when God destroyed the lies of the enemy and set me free from the grip of sin. That is one reason I gave up everything to do the work I do. These broken little boys matter. God is a father to the Fatherless. He binds up the brokenhearted and those who feel abandoned and alone.
Praise God for the work that He's done in my life. Praise Jesus that He is still performing rescue missions.
