As I was driving through Birmingham, I reflected on my father and his early life here in the deep south. My father, Jake was born into a violent, alcoholic and racist family. My grandparents, whom I never met, were involved in the KKK. I was in a strange mood as I pulled into the Shell station for fuel.
There was a black gentleman, about my age with the hood up on his older model Chevy SUV. He came over and asked if he could call his family on my cell phone. As I asked him what happened and if I could help, he introduced himself as Pastor Pritchard (something or other). I told him I was a pastor too and he immediately said, "Yes, and you were in the military during Viet Nam". Since I was wearing a long sleeve shirt and he could not see the scar where my removed tatoo was, I asked, "How do you know that?" He simply said "The Lord told me" as he told me about his two tours as a marine in Viet Nam.
He was travelling around preaching in small rural churches and his SUV had been stolen and recovered with all of his belongings taken ...inlcuding his brief case, wallet and cell phone. He was going to call his wife and have her drive about 3 hours to rescue him. He was out of gas and out of money but ... he was not out of hope. When I asked him if I could fill up his car, he started preaching Jesus and jumping around, and hooting and hollering. "I've been praying for the blessing of Abraham and God sent it! Hallelujah!".
I told him my old story, of racism and violenece and alcoholism and how now, because of Jesus, all my family were believers (including my Dad) and that I even had a son in the mnistry in the deep south ...he really got happy and began to yell out praises to Jesus. He hugged me and jumped up and down and then stopped and held my face close to his, looked into my eyes and said, "I love you brother." I've never seen someone so happy and so fired up for God. We both left that place, with tears of joy.
That was my first full day on my Sabbatical. How about that?
John:
ReplyDeleteWhat a beginng you had on your first day. I love you brother. Sounds of a Sunday sermon sires. The journey, the times, the love of mankind. I pray for safety, keep your heart opened for the Lord, and a eye out for the snipers.
GOD bless
Dave
John:
ReplyDeleteIf that isn't God working, I don't know what is! He certainly is greeting you along your journey. Our family prays for you that God gives you insight, guidance and peace on your journey along with good health. With God as your focus, it makes it even harder for the sniper to sneak in as you have so much more strength with Him guiding you.
Julie Harvey
John,
ReplyDeleteHow AWESOME! Praise God!
That is incredible Pastor! God is always working!
ReplyDeleteBo and I know that is the kind of God we worship. What great joy that was for you and that man. After reading your blogs I want to share a story... I will give you the abreviated version. The night before I left for Haiti,I went to my pray closet which often times is outside under the stars, in which case it was. I asked God to show me he is with me on this trip. I needed to know because of fear and doubt. I asked him, every time we go on vacation it rains. I asked for rain..In the morning when I woke up it was raining and we were in the midst of a droubt. I left for Haiti with such peace. Isn't great when He touches us physically through our yearnings for Him. Praying for more of these as you are there. Sincerly, Bo & Lisa
ReplyDelete