Many of these are simply examples of how, even when I considered the acts very small or unlikely to succeed, God used the situations to make people think or simply give them peace. I try to see every time that I communicate with someone as an opportunity – whether that is face to face, on the phone, by email etc.

 

  

         eBay is one of my main sources of purchase for personal or business items. I once bought something and received a message back from the seller that she was not very well and there may be a slight delay in sending the goods. I replied saying that there was no hurray and that I was praying for her. Immediately the response was, “That was so nice. Nobody ever said that to me before”. Often we pre-judge a situation by thinking that people won’t be interested or be antagonistic to use when we discuss our faith. But even a  simple “Can I pray for you” is something people do not expect and welcomed by almost everybody. This I believe, is part of showing  our love for people

 

  

          I went to a car dealership to have the car repaired. It was a large modern garage with a waiting area for clients. This was equipped  with a coffee machine, luxury seating and a TV. I always try to exhaust the supply of tracts in my pocket whenever I am out and so tucked one down the side of a chair. However, given time on my hands, I sought another way of spending it productively. So at least I  should watch the news! Then I thought, I wonder if there are Christian channels available on the TV. I found TBN and left Joel Osteen preaching to whoever entered the lounge.

 

         The verses on the foot of every email result in far more positive reactions that negative. Only one person has ever suggested that these are not a good thing. Many have commented and so I know that these are seen e.g. the lady that said that the message of peace from the verse was exactly what she needed for that day.

 

         Sadly our church recently lost one of its best loved friends. During her last days many visited her in hospital and I go to know her husband quite well. One day I had a call requesting computer assistance. I agreed to go and meet the client a few days later. Image my surprise when the door was opened by him. The church told me they had been praying for a way in which to continue the relationship with this family following this lady’s passing away. The following Sunday, although not related to my meeting, her daughter recommitted her life to Christ and hinted that she had come to church because her mother so often talked about the support – texts, emails and visits – that we gave her.

 

         Another of our church friends has had cancer for several years. We continue to pray and lay hands on her. On a recent examination, her tumours were found to have become smaller. Her doctor said, “This doesn’t happen”. Witnessing through healing works!

 

         When giving to the homeless on the streets, I not only give money but hand them a tract as well, asking them to read it. It is so easy to  think that they will throw the tract away and simply keep the money. However, walking down the street after giving to one boy, I had the thought that the tract did not provide any contact details of anyone to talk to. So I turned around and went to drop him a card. When I got there, he was reading the tract.

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It makes sense to always be prepared for witnessing opportunities to be given and God gives them liberally. It is whether I use them that counts. So my wife and I have tracts in various languages for when we go to different countries. On a trip to a town called Nevers in France, walking down the main shopping street I noticed an old man with a long beard who appeared to be about 70 or 80. He was obviously homeless. I thought about him while walking around town and wanted to give him all the various coins that I had in my pocket plus those that we had built up over years of travelling to France. My intention was to hand him a Gospel tract at the same time. I didn’t act, possibly not having considered that as an opportunity! Returning down the same street by then I had made up my mind to act and I saw the gentleman sit down on a bench in a different part of the street. Again I didn’t act and said to myself that I would approach him after coming out of the next shop with my wife. He was gone! I was sorry and angry with myself. “Lord”, I prayed, “I know that this may be this man’s last opportunity to hear the Gospel. Please let me see him again”. We had to return to the car and were going to leave and so I was skeptical! Ten minutes later, about half a mile away, and just around the corner from parking space the I saw a familiar face. “Praise God! I can fulfil my mission.” So I handed over lots of change and a tract saying “Jesus Christ” in what I thought was the French pronunciation. There was probably about €1 or 2 in my hand. The story only gets better. Turning around the corner to walk the last few yards back to where we had parked both my wife and I caught sight of a €10 just lying on the pavement. Aha! “God returns 10 fold the amount that you give”, intending to keep the note. “No, no.” I said within seconds. That is going to the old man. Running back to give it to him I found him reading the tract. An uplifting experience that taught me many lessons.
 

The Chinese tracts that I got for my wife’s grandfather also came in handy when I noticed a group of Chinese tourists parking what was obviously a rental car. One was placed under a wiper. Won’t they be surprised when they return – “We went all the way to Scotland”, I can imagine them saying, “only to find a Chinese Gospel tract on the car”. Hopefully more impact, given the unusual occurrence.
 

                                                           How the Christmas Ceilidh almost became Holiday on Ice.

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The BFC team had all come down to the Life Care Centre earlier than normal to set up for our annual Thanksgiving Day celebration. Every year we invite our friends and neighbours to a lovely turkey buffet with all the trimmings. Last year we had around 40 and the year before about 70. Things were going well and we were ahead of schedule for the guests arriving at 4.00. “Hey Graeme. Do you know anything about plumbing?” I heard Pastor Dave’s voice say. Puzzled, I looked around to see where the voice had come from. Aha there you are! He beckoned me toward a cupboard in the reception area that I had never seen before and didn’t even know existed. I casually walked over there expecting a minor problem but was suddenly confronted with a violently gushing hot water tap, a half full sink and a rapidly rising water level. The faucet had stuck in the full-on position and turning it made no difference. “Maybe the main shut off is behind the washing machine?” Pastor Dave said as he started to pull it forward only stopping short when he realised that ripping the pipes off the back would be a likely consequence. He was also battling away with a wrench on the pipe but the metal valve was so burred and smooth that it simply scooted around achieving nothing. With a flow so violent that the overflow on the sink could not cope and water now threatening to cascade over onto the floor I could envisage a soggy carpet and a foyer resembling a marsh. We had failed to inform anyone that figure skating was not optional. I started silently praying and encouraged Dave and Crystal from Life Care, who was looking on, to do the same. She had an expression that she later described as being “the most shocked I have ever been”. Within seconds the useless wrench gripped, tightened the valve and the water slowed to a trickle. Praise God! Prayer certainly works but also, when we work together God does amazing things with His family, not only avoiding disaster but strengthening our faith in the process. Those prayers for a successful Thanksgiving were also honoured big time when 140 arrived, many who had never accepted Jesus.

 

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