Every Adventist—no, make that every Christian—should attend AFM’s missionary training. While attending, Nikki and I learned many amazing concepts that opened our minds to new possibilities and strategies in winning souls.
One of the things we learned about was prayer walks, which are exactly what they sound like. You go for a walk and pray for the people you see, the neighborhood you are in and whatever else the Holy Spirit puts on your heart.
The other concept we learned about is simple, yet we all forget it at times: obedience. Not just obedience to God’s commands, but obedience to what He asks of us during devotions or a conviction we receive. Let me tell you a story to illustrate.
Our family went on a prayer walk from our apartment to the language school Nikki and I attend, then the girls’ schools and back home. After we dropped Nikki off at her language class, the girls went home on their electric scooters. (Croatia is known for being one of the safest countries in Europe.) I followed them home.
As I rounded a corner, a young man spat in my direction. He quickly apologized as I continued walking. He had been leaning heavily against the wall and was clearly either drunk, high or both. I started praying for him, specifically that he would have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.
I suddenly had the thought, “Why don’t you give him that experience now?” I brushed the idea aside and continued walking home, praying for him. But that same thought accosted me strongly. I felt hot and embarrassed, like I was about to go up in front of a huge audience.
I then turned around and walked up to him and asked if he spoke English. He nodded, so I asked if I could pray to God for him. He agreed, but in a thick accent, he interrupted me shortly after starting, asking, “Why you do this?”
I explained that I felt God impressed me to pray for him. “Is there anything specific I can pray about for you?” I asked.
He pulled out his phone and his wallet. “I have money and phone. I don’t need anything. I just partied too hard with my friends last night.”
I nodded and continued praying for him. After I finished, he pulled out his wallet and started to hand me money, asking, “Do you want money?”
“No, I don’t. But thank you.” I turned around and continued home.
Many times, I have felt impressed to do something or talk to someone. I have obeyed in some instances, but have not in others. Yet although I may never see that individual again, I must obediently sow and harvest when asked.
When we feel embarrassed or question whether an impression is from God, let us remember this story.
