A picture says a thousand words...

Every Friday at work I teach an "English Conversation Class" at 11:30. Although there are more than 15 people on the roster, only 2-4 show up each semester. This semester I have had 4 female students (2 from HK and 2 from mainland). Each week I usually choose a topic and we discuss it or I help them with upcoming English presentations/homework. It's extremely casual and they really enjoy the practice. The last class was today, but the students wanted to meet for another couple of weeks. I agreed.

I agreed not because I LOVE to teach English (we all know I don't), but because I've really felt God stirring something in me. As I have got to know them, I feel God continually urging me to share with them the message of Jesus Christ and his love, grace, kindness, power and mercy. But what am I afraid of?

To be quite honest, I can't remember a time I've actually lead someone to Christ. Shocking right? Oh, I've "planted seeds" and prayed that someone else would do the difficult part. I've pointed them in the direction of a church and I've gone on mission trips and taught Sunday School. I've been a youth intern and done VBS, but I've never actually battled with anyone through the questions and doubts and the insecurities for the end purpose of seeing another soul won for His glory. I've never done it. I guess I've always had the mentality that it's about love and relationships and that eventually the Holy Spirit will do the work in their heart. However, what I was neglecting was the part where I connect the two and say, "Hey, let me tell you about this guy named Jesus and what he's done." We can fellowship with them and love on them, however, there's got to come a time in our relationships with non-believers that we step out in faith and take that next step. Hopefully sooner rather than never!

In today's class...I took that next step. I began with a "warmer". Using an app on my phone with a series of photos, I asked the girls to choose 3 photos that best represented their life and to practice their English by telling me why they chose those 3 specifically. The entire time I'm praying that God would somehow open a door for a deeper conversation to come.

One of the Mainland girls (we'll call her S) chose a photo of a guy dancing in the rain. She expressed to me her desire to experience freedom and joy such as then man in the image. AMAZING RIGHT? I'm pretty sure through a relationship with Christ we experience freedom.

"Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace." Romans 6:14

The next photo she chose an older couple holding hands and walking together. She explained her passion for happiness and joy in her life. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? The Lord offers that too,

"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." John 16:24

Another girl (L) chose a picture of an eye and exclaimed that she wanted to broaden her horizons by feeling more and seeing more. All to which would lead her to a more enriched life.

"The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing." Psalm 145:15-16

We then continued on with our scheduled lesson, but I know God has started something big in my heart and I pray in the heart of S and L, too. Please join me in praying for these for girls (S, L, H and J), for our class next week, for their salvation and that our conversations would be a meaningful testament to His Truth!