One day as I was heading home on the bus, tired after a long morning of intensive study in language class, I noticed three Muslim women who were more covered than the majority of Muslim women in our city. I asked God for courage to start a conversation, and then began speaking in broken Chinese to these precious women. I smiled at them and said hello, and their eyes lit up as they said hello back. I began asking them every question I knew how to ask, which they answered graciously despite the fact that I couldn’t understand a single word of their responses.
Our conversation didn’t last long, though; they got off at the next stop. As they left, I realized that I hadn’t asked for any of their numbers, and I was a little frustrated with myself. But, as we so often forget, God’s plan was at work. The next day, as I was on my way to class, I saw one of the women standing at the entrance to my school. This time, I had a friend with me who is fluent in Chinese, so she helped translate. We exchanged contact information, and, shortly thereafter, my friend and I were able to visit this woman’s home, and we had the opportunity to share our stories of how Jesus brought us to Himself.
We’re still in contact with this woman and her friends, still telling stories and sharing with them…Despite the fact that I thought I wouldn’t see these women again after they left the bus. All that to say, you never know how God may use those short, unexpected meetings for His good.
Pray with us for these women, that we’ll be able to spend more time with them and that He’ll show them His love through us and others He may bring into their lives. Praise Him also for His care for us, even when we forget we’re in His hands.