Flame of the Woods, India

Texting and talking on her phone, the young woman seemed oblivious to her surroundings. It reminded me all the more to be aware of those who come into the range of my voice. Sitting there silently praying for her, I observed that she might be of Indian descent.

Looking through the window, I saw a man sitting outside who might also share her ethnicity. The Spirit tugged at my heart and I was reminded of the dear friends I have in India.

In my mind I could see them in their homes celebrating life. I was moved to pray for fiends I had not been with in a long, long time. I thought, “This is why I am here and what I am to do.”

What are you reading?

Approaching the register, I was behind a young man getting a refill. I could not read the full title of his book but the word “theology.” was pretty clear. I simply asked what he was reading.

Sitting down together, the conversation continued. He shared that he was a student in seminary working on a degree in counseling. We talked for a while before we both had to leave. He asked if I had a card so he could have my name and number.

I wanted his info too so I asked him to spell his name . As he spelled “Saju,” he said, “It is Indian.” Needless to say, that extended the conversation.

He wanted to know if I came there often and I said, “Every Friday.” He gave me permission to write about our meeting and said he would look for me next week.

God continues to amaze me.

• Sitting in a coffee shop praying for my friends in India because two of the customers reminded me of them.
• Meeting a third person whom I discovered actually was form the homeland of my friends.
• Getting to have a conversation with him.
• An open door to continue the conversation. . .

Take the time right now and pray for your friends who are far, far away. Look for some new friends who are very close.

Grace and Peace,
Terry

Join the conversation: How is God directing the flow of your life. Any stories of His amazing connecting power?

As my eyes scanned the room I realized that he was sitting at the same table as the week before. When he rose to leave the Batista asked, “See you tomorrow?” to which he replied emphatically, “same time!”

I think I’ll go back tomorrow too. There might be an opportunity for a conversation.

Due to the nature of my work I have to be very intentional about finding times and places to meet people and build relationships. My office is in my home. My work appointments are in connection with Starboard Nets and mostly with believers. I have been thinking of ways to better connect with people and have come up with a few new ideas.

Extend Meeting Times

My appointments are in public places (usually some place where I can get a cup of coffee). I used to arrive right about the scheduled time and leave when finished. My new goal is to arrive at least 30 minutes early and stay 30 minutes after the meeting is over.

Frequent the Same Places

By regularly using the same meeting place, conversations I start can be continued in the future.

Put Down That Book

In the past, when I was early or my appointment was late I would read. That’s OK, but I can easily disappear into the latest book I am reading. Now, I put my book down and make an effort to really see and interact with the people around me.

On Site with Insight

I use this time to watch what is going on around me. I pray remembering what I learned when I first started prayer walking: Pray on site with insight. I ask the Father to show me someone to talk with. Sometimes it’s a fellow customer who seems to be in a talkative mood. Sometimes it’s with someone who works there.

When you are in public places practice the habit of “praying on site with insight.”

Grace and Peace,
Terry

Join the Conversation: What are some things you do to help you meet people, start conversations and build relationships?

Last night I spent the evening with a lot of people I don’t know (but my wife does). I went to the PTA fundraiser – a Chili Cook-off. I even took a pot of chili. There are at least 8 reasons why eating chili was pretty cool.

1. Linking - I was able to link with Beth in her efforts to build relationships with people, many of whom need a walk with Christ.
2. Linking - I was able to be in close proximity with a large number of people in Beth’s circle of influence. People will seldom come to us so we need to go to the places they frequent.
3. Loving - Linking with my wife in this mission strengthened our relationship with one another. It showed that I value her and her work and was a way to publicly express my love for her.
4. Loving - I was able to be loving toward the members of Beth’s teaching team by making and bringing their chili entry.
5. Listening - I was able to visit with several people, centering the conversation on them and listening to them.
6. Looking - Being aware that God is always working, I was able to see his activity in the lives of some of the people I met.
7. Linking - We’re going out to dinner with a couple next week.

Let me encourage you to find some time to join some fellow believers (maybe your own family members) and connect with some people you may not know very well. Spend some time listening to them and look to see where God is working. Who knows what doors of ministry might open.

Oh, I almost forgot #8 – I Like Chili!

Grace and Peace,
Terry

Join the Conversation: Have you recently intentionally gone any place to be in close proximity with people with whom you can build relationships? What were the results?