“For a season, I was deeply engaged with God. Then came a long period when I wasn’t. But now—partly through the encouragement of friends—I’ve started seeking Him again.”

Breakthrough After Disappointment

What an incredible breakthrough I experienced when I approached a young woman at a local mall near my hometown. It stood in sharp contrast to the first person I spoke to that day, who immediately made it clear that the world was on fire and that he absolutely did not want to talk to anyone—especially not about God.

But with this young woman, it was completely different. God is clearly working in her life. I shared the gospel with her and explained that when you become a follower of Jesus, the old has gone and the new has come. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, the burden of sin no longer clings to you when you confess Him as Lord.

Barbershop Encounter

After that conversation, I ran into an employee from a barbershop—a believer who was having a very difficult day at work. Our encounter, including a moment of prayer together, turned out to be a tremendous encouragement for him.

Later, in a parking lot, I asked a man how he was doing. He opened up and shared that he had been struggling with depression for quite some time. I listened to him and then read Matthew 11:28 to him from the NLT:

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” I prayed for him and shared the gospel.

Word of Knowledge

As I walked away, I received what I can only describe as a word of knowledge: a specific location and a description of a man. And sure enough—I found him exactly there.

I told him about the promise God gave when He placed the rainbow in the sky, and then I bridged that message to Jesus. He said, “I’m getting goosebumps all over.”

We prayed together right there on the street. He eagerly accepted the gospel booklet and said several times that he truly wanted to think deeply about it at home.

Encouragement

After that, I met a Spirit-filled sister from another church. She told me she has actually been wanting to start a house church in this very neighborhood.

I was stunned. God is clearly at work in my hometown. What a joy it is to step into the works God prepared beforehand for us to walk in. It truly takes the pressure out of evangelism.