On our way back from The Bahamas this year we spent some time in St. Augustine with our good friends John and Michele.
I have always enjoyed strolling around the St. Augustine Historic District. (Think shopping, chocolate, people watching, ice cream, repeat.) However, this year it’s difficult for me because both of my knees are crying out for total knee replacements. Anyway, this setback meant more sitting on benches and less walking around. One morning a woman appeared from around the corner and stopped near where Michele and I were chatting. She looked like she needed a friend so I asked her to join us. As it turns out, this woman was simply walking around, thinking through some issues, and attempting to make some hard decisions about her next steps in life. She told us that she is alone now and that making big decisions alone is difficult for her. Michele and I shared that we are Christians; therefore we are never alone-Jesus is always with us.
We spent time listening, telling her about Jesus and how we can stand on His promises. We pointed her to a local, Bible believing church and women’s Bible Study where she can find fellowship. Michele and I prayed for her and she left us looking a little brighter.
After she walked on, John sent me the picture he took and said something about “street ministry”. I had never thought of myself as a street minister, although it does seem like I find myself chatting people up, sharing some Biblical encouragement, and praying for people way more than might be ‘normal’. And, man, look at my face in that picture-I was praying hard for this sweet lady! Hmmm, maybe I am more of a street minister than I thought…
