#12 Out-Of-Towners

On the first Saturday in May (5/09/09) I was leaving the hair salon after getting my haircut and got a strong message to go to OV Beach and read. I fought the urge at first because I wanted to get home in plenty of time to watch the Kentucky Derby, a tradition in my home since I met my wife 8 years ago. In fact, this was the first time that Colleen and I weren’t going to watch it together because she was in Tampa, FL on business. Colleen was raised just outside of Louisville, KY where the Derby is a way of life, and we enjoy watching it together. The plan was that we would talk to each other on the phone while each of us watched the race from our separate TV’s.

After a moment, I realized God had something else in mind and made a sharp left onto Shore Drive and rode down to Ocean View Beach, set up my table and stool and began reading from the Holy Scriptures. The day was beautiful and there were a bunch of folks coming and going. Before long, a young woman took one of the Gospel of John booklets and sat down about 10 feet in front of me to listen. I am always so invigorated to read God’s Word, to know that Jesus is coming out of me and filling the air with promise and hope! After awhile, a woman came over and introduced herself – Yael – and told me that she was a Messianic Jew and for me to keep on glorifying God as I read. Her husband, Norm, waved at us and I found out that he was from an area of Chicago that I had lived in as a boy. He told me that Messianic Jews in Israel are growing very fast. An article on CBN.com dated 12/26/08 states that “a resurgence in the number of Jews who believe in Jesus is getting a lot of attention. Many leaders say it's the strongest growth since the time of Jesus and that the Messianic movement could be on the brink of a great revival.” The same article says that there are about 120 congregations and between 10,000-15,000 Jewish believers in Jesus – Yeshua, as they call him. Praise be to God!

After we talked for a few minutes, they returned to their bench on the boardwalk and I to the Scriptures. Finally, the woman who was sitting down was joined by her children and husband and another couple. Turns out they are all in the Army stationed about 2 hours from Norfolk and had come to the beach for the day. After listening to me for awhile, they wanted to tell me how encouraged they were and how they were being blessed. I told them that they were doing the same for me! They thanked me for having the courage to read the Scriptures on the boardwalk and gave me some great hugs. Then we prayed for each other and they left.

As Yael and Norm were leaving, Norm wanted to pray for the ministry and me and he did. I really am grateful for all the prayers that are said for me. Meanwhile, I am constantly praying that God’s Word would penetrate the hearts of those who hear it.

When I drove home that evening, I listened to the Derby on the radio while my beautiful wife was on the phone sharing the moment. I was reminded of just how incredible it is to be in the will of God and to be doing the work He has assigned for me. It is the greatest joy of my life! To give back to Jesus, the redeemer of my soul, is such an honor! I yearn for the day when I stand in His presence and he wraps His loving arms around me and says, with that clear, strong voice I have come to know, “Well done, Mark, good and faithful servant.” I believe that will take me right on through eternity . . . wow!

I hope to have some concrete news in the next week or so about the development of the Street-Reading ministry. I'm talking to some important people who are going to help me get things rolling. Until I post again, my prayers are for all those who are reading this. Thank you for yours and may you be blessed every moment of every day. Praise to our Savior, Yeshua!