Church was going along pretty much as usual.

A few songs and then the worship leader read Psalm 145:1-7.

Then she announced that it was time for morning tea.  I like morning tea (the coffee break) in the middle of the service because it gives me a guaranteed time to talk with people and it also has a fixed ending time.

Today the worship team wanted us continue the thought of the Psalm by telling each other of the good deeds of God during morning tea.

I got a coffee and began talking with Christian*.  After hearing a bit about how he has been going, I shared how God had answered two  prayers about restoring relationships during our recent trip to the United States.

Then I asked Christian how he has seen God at work.

Christian replied, "I am taking a hiatus".

That is not a word I normally use, but from his tone I guessed that means he is taking a break from following God. 

What do you say then?

You could go a number of ways, but I chose to let him know that I am a safe person to talk with.

My spiritual journey is a bit different: 

• When I was in 6th grade I was baptized. 
• A few minutes later I was confirmed. 
• During my first year of univesity I was a Hindu
• In my second year of uni I became a follower of Jesus (Christian)

I chose to share this journey and the reason I came back to follow Jesus.

When I got home i started thinking of other ways I coud have responded.  Maybe it would have been more effective to use the Sometime strategy: “Sometime, I’d like to hear about your spiritual journey…would you be up for that?”

I know Christian* is headed on holiday soon, but maybe he would be willing to meet and share why he wants to be on a haitus.

Let's pray:

"Lord Jesus, you constantly surprise me with the doors you open up for me to talk about you.  So often I feel inadequate and not sure what to say.  It is important to me that Christian*, and people like him, come to a saving knowledge of You.  I am so grateful for the people you put in my life to bring me back to faith.  Now i pray that you will bring people into the lives of people like Christian* who can answer their questions and show them how faith and trust in you makes a practical difference in everyday life.  Amen"