A Japanese Birthday

Today I had the privilege of meeting with a young man who has been attending our church. Recently he checked the yes box at the end of one of our services, indicating a prayer to receive Christ. Asking me to follow up someone like that is like asking a fish if he wants to swim in water! One of my passions is helping people affirm their decision for Christ and helping them take the first steps as a Christian. When I opened my heart on June 15th 1983 no one was there to help me. I was so excited about my decision for Christ I learned much on my own. Looking back I would have loved if someone spent time with me to encourage me in my new found faith. I would have loved to meet and ask questions of someone, anyone!

What a wonderful experience I had today hearing the story of how he came to the United States six years ago (New York City) and he didn't know any English. Talking with him today I was amazed at how fluent he had become. This young man had no spiritual background at all before coming to the United States. He entered Salisbury university this year and one of the students from a class invited him to Allen Memorial. She had been telling him about her relationship with Christ and inviting him and he was interested. The first time he came he said he heard rock style music and was so impressed and excited because he actually could relate to it. He loved the messages that were easy to understand. The people were loving and friendly. But most of all he had a desire to learn about Christianity.

As I talked with him today I discerned that he didn't understand the free unconditional gift of salvation. He saw it as something he was heading toward and eventually he would arrive. I took him through steps to peace with God and after a explanation I invited him to pray to receive Christ which he did eagerly and willingly.

He is now going to go through the booklet called "Live" the first step in our equipping track process! I am longing for the day when all of our leaders and cell members are trained and equipped to win and mentor people just like this.

I have been leading people to Christ since my salvation in 1983 and I never get tired of having the privilege to help someone else. I want to see him grow into a discplemaker himself and perhaps he will lead the rest of his family and multitudes to Christ! Pray for Hidi and ask God to speak to this new child and help him to be all God created him to be! Happy Birthday Hidi!