The second time we saw him, he asked for money straight away. The third time, Joe and I were running, and although he beckoned for us to come over and talk, we just smiled and waved, as I yelled “We’re running!” Honestly, I had become weary of him asking for money.
Yesterday, Joe and I were out buying ice, when up walks Tito. He smiled and waved and said “Hi, friend!” I sat down beside him and asked how he was. He began talking enthusiastically. “I have been going to church for a month now! I bought 5 packs of tracts to hand out to people so that they can know about Jesus. My church had an evangelism day, and 40 people gave their lives to Christ! My mom also is going to church. Now we just need to pray that my dad and some other family members will convert.”
My heart was soaring! That was REAL joy I was seeing in him. He had spent HIS money on little booklets that describe how Jesus wants a relationship with us! He invited us to come to his church with him this Sunday- a three hour church service!
At the end of the conversation, he asked if we had any money so that he could buy his mom some food. I felt the slight dropping of my heart. I thought, “Wait, IS he just saying this to ‘win my favor?’” When I told him we literally only had the money for the ice we were buying, he quickly said “Oh! No problem. That’s okay. See you Sunday!”
Oh God, PLEASE let me not give up on people. You never do. Help me to be more like You.