Pramod was the luggage guy, hotel front counter assistant. Someone you'd meet at any hotel, anywhere. We've chosen to stay at the same hotel each time our team has been in Hyderabad...not just because the service is good, but because we are convinced that sharing Jesus' love means investing in relationships with people so they can see the difference Jesus makes is who you are, not the product you are selling. Pramod remembered us from the previous trip. Through friendships with various team members throughout the week and a lot of conversations in the lobby, elevator and rooms, Pramod was introduced to Jesus and when invited, came Cityfest. In fact, he had such a great time he found a way to come two out of three nights. By the end of the week he had given his life to Jesus Christ. He was given a leather-bond bible by someone on the team. He came to the Next Steps Meet a week after the festival and emailed me saying, "I attended the October 16th program and I am so happy I started a new life with Jesus. Thank you for suggesting all this to me for the first time!"
What continues to amaze me is how the Lord loves every single person
we meet! Pramod was already searching. We were sent to simply point the way!
We really didn't do a lot other than take the time to get to know him, his story, and share
with him our story. Then at the festival, he heard God's story and God's desire to save and
restore Him as a Child of God through Jesus. The Holy Spirit did all the work.
This wasn't the story with all those we met. In fact, most of the hotel staff we didn't notice much of an impact with. It gets a little discouraging when you don't see any progress. But we cling to Galatians 6:9, "Do not give up in doing good, for in due time you'll reap a harvest if you don't give up."
So what are you waiting for? Don't wait for the fruit, simply keep lovin, keep "making your rounds with the ordinary opportunities you get and trust God for the results...in His time. He's promised they will come! Maybe you'll be the sower while someone else reaps. I feel that's the case with most of the other hotel employees. But Pramod was our chance to get in on the harvest! Your time will come too! Count on it!
