It seems God can use just about any circumstances to bring people to him. Agnes* has a love for Italian coffee and in the small German city where she lives, she knows of an Italian gelato cafe that serves great coffee. One day, she stopped by to get a cup of her favourite brew and was dismayed to find that the cafe had just closed for the day. As she stood among the al fresco tables wondering what to do next, she noticed a couple sitting nearby at a table. She wasn’t sure why, but felt prompted to speak to them.
Exchanging pleasantries with them, Agnes learned that they were Elena and Salvatore, a couple who had just moved from Italy. When Agnes told them that she really loved the coffee from the cafe, Elena replied, “Well, of course; it’s Italian!” They had a good laugh and chatted a little more. Elena said that, being new in the city, they didn’t have any friends and that it was hard to get to know people.
Agnes immediately responded, “Well then, please come to our house for a visit!” Elena liked the idea and both women exchanged phone numbers.
After Agnes arrived home, she felt unsure about the encounter. Had she done the right thing? Was this God prompting her? Or, was she simply doing things on her own initiative? She stopped right there and prayed, asking God to lead in this burgeoning relationship.
A few days later, Agnes went to her fitness club. Imagine her surprise when she ran into Elena! Instantly, she sensed in her heart that, yes, this was a God thing. She spoke with Elena, inviting the couple to her church. Elena accepted. When the Italian couple showed up on Sunday, Agnes introduced them to people from the church, including Agnes’s small group leader. Through the course of their conversation, the small group leader asked if Elena would like to join in a lady’s Bible study.
Elena did show up at the next session. The group was going through a study of The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus in German. Though she had the religious upbringing of a Christian, Elena found the study quite an eye-opener and she was learning a lot. She said she loved it and has become a regular in the study. The small group leader was amazed at how she took so much care to study the book thoroughly.
As we reflect on the chain of events, we can’t help but smile at how a love for not any type of coffee, but Italian coffee, brought a lady, not only into the fellowship of believers but into a deeper understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It truly was a God thing.
In your own life, are you keeping an eye out for opportunities to befriend others, as well as opportunities to share the gospel? Think of Anna, how she was alert to the people and situations that God put her in. Be like Anna!
(* All names changed as per GoodSeed policy.)
Want to learn more about sharing the gospel in today’s world of increasing biblical illiteracy? Then register for an upcoming TERM Seminar for a time to rethink evangelism and discipleship. Learn more.
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