“Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.” (Psalm 36:6, NLT)
We were looking for a farmers’ market near our home instead of having to drive out to the country. We had with us our golden retriever, Star of David.
We learned of a market that is at an outside mall. As we approached the market, several people wanted to pet Star. One young adult girl asked if she could pet our dog. She stayed for a while and talked about being a double business major in North Carolina. She said she was going to Spain for a semester. I have a Spanish heritage. We talked about where she was going to live.
It dawned on me that she was going to a place where she has never been, nor could she speak the language. She would need God. I didn’t know how to get started to tell her about Jesus. I was hesitant. I noticed her mother was looking at us. I was sure that she would not tell her daughter about salvation. I was not sure what to do. And in a moment, the mother walked away. I still didn’t know what to say.
Finally, I mustered the courage and said, “You will need God to help you. Don’t think that your education or the opportunity to go to a country will be enough. If I were you, I would want to know who God is before I go.”
She said, “I am going to visit the cathedrals while I am there.”
I told her, “It is good to learn of the history, but that is not going to help you know God. You are leaving soon. I would not delay in knowing Him before your departure. Would you like to know Him now?” I was looking into her eyes, testing the opportunity.
She said, “Yes, I would.”
“Let’s ask Him together now.” We were both looking into each other’s eyes as we prayed. I then looked around and her mother had returned. I knew that she would not like this. So, I gave her a big hug before her mother approached. I whispered in her ear, “Now He will go with you. Take a Bible and start reading the book of John.” We were still in an embrace.
She said, “I will. Thank you.” She joined her mother and walked away with a smile, saying good-bye to Star.
“Abba, Father, You are the God of man and animal. Thank You for Star. Because of our dog, many have approached, and You have given me the opportunity to have conversations with people to believe in You, and salvation has entered their hearts. Messiah, the heavens are rejoicing for this one soul on her way to Spain. Watch over her. Send another one of Your children to continue the work in her heart about You. Holy Spirit, You are the One who draws a soul to God, because His will is that no one should perish. I want to thank You for giving me the courage to start a conversation about the Messiah, the Soul Savior.”