My wife was invited to give a short speech on Saturday at a Nepalese Teej gathering. She gets these invitations now and then because she’s the chaplain at our local public school. They’d asked her to talk about building community, so we sat at my computer and shaped a two-minute talk — simple, practical, something she’d actually done recently.

I knew the event was mainly for women, but I wanted to be ready if a moment opened for me to share the Gospel with the men. I asked ChatGPT for suggestions and settled on the story of Philip and the Ethiopian official in Acts 8 because it shows how God meets people from every nation who are searching for truth.

When we arrived, our host greeted us warmly and affirmed that Chris would speak. Then the programme shifted. A couple of government officials turned up and were handed the microphone. Chris was not asked to speak. The music went up and I couldn’t even hear the my wife who was sitting right next to me. No Gospel conversation happened the entire evening.

Was it worth it? I think so. I went because I believed the Lord nudged me — not because I could predict the outcome. I was prepared — and even though I didn't get to share the story, the preparation sharpened my ability to communicate the Gospel. And we were present — we listened, smiled, strengthened a relationship, and honoured the community that welcomed us.

No dramatic story to report this time — just faithfulness. Next time I sit with a friend from another culture I’ve got a story on the tip of my tongue and a fresh reminder of why I’m there.

Have a great week talking with your friends.

P.S. Who do you think would be encouraged by this email?  Forward it to them and let them know they can walk alongside experienced cross-cultural evangelists by visiting: https://hereslife.com/encouragement