“There’s something different about you.”
This is a sentence that I love to hear. As a Christian, it has been one that I have heard a lot and every time I hear it, I am just so humbled. Have you ever heard this said about you before? I think as followers of Christ, this is an important marker in our lives. Jesus says time and again that this world is not our own; we are citizens of a great kingdom. When we walk and live in this kingdom, people see that we are different. It should be obvious!
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16
A few weeks ago, I was able to take a weekend trip to Greece with my team. We were in Thessaloniki where Paul had preached to the Thessalonians! This is where he was run out of town, along with Silas, by the local Jewish leaders in Acts chapter 17.This is where a thriving church grew as Paul continued writing letters to them. Today, Thessaloniki is a beautiful city with a rich history. It has beautiful views of the Aegean Sea and many people go there for the lively city life.
Before going, my team was discussing feelings of, “Is it ok to do touristy things on a mission trip? Is it ok to go on a vacation?” There is definitely a tension there. We want to honor our hosts and supporters while also taking advantage of the fact that we are allowed to enjoy being on the other side of the globe. We came upon the conclusion that ministry is life. We know who we are and we will be willing to listen to the Lord and love whoever He puts in front of us. We live our lives for Him, even our off days.
Well, I’d be lying if I said God was not working in those three days. Briefly, I want to share with you a few interactions we had.
One night, after walking to the top of the city, we watched the sunset. My teammate Brittany was sitting on a high platform next to a girl who was alone- admiring the view. Britt felt it in her spirit that she needed to talk to this girl. “How can I start a conversation with her? Does she even speak English?” Suddenly, a little boy nearby dropped a water bottle off of the 40-foot platform.
“What was that?” asked Brittany.
“I’m not sure,” replied the girl.
“Oh! You speak English?” Brittany realized. “Where are you from?”
“Denmark.”
Britt was able to talk to this girl for over an hour. They talked a lot about religion. This girl, who I’ll call “Selah,” had never met a religious person. The conversation went through topics like home life, boys, abortion, partying, worship, and eventually prayer. Selah asked so many intentional questions and was not steered away by any answer that was different from her understanding or experience. At the end of the conversation, Britt asked to pray for Selah. She agreed, not knowing what to expect.
“I’m just going to talk to Jesus! Father, thank you for our new friend. Thank you for how you made her. Thank you that you love her and always have. Please keep her safe in her job. Send her friends and show her your love. Amen.”
“Wow,” Selah remarked. “That was quite nice. Thanks.”
“Of course! I do not know what your dinner plans are,” Britt added, “but you are welcome to join us.”
“You know what? I think I will,” replied Selah.
We all went out to dinner and enjoyed the night. We ended up spending a few hours with our new friend as she showed us around the pier and took us for dessert as well. We were able to just spend our evening loving on her. We also briefly saw her a few times the next day. She later messaged Britt and let us know that, although she isn’t interested in a faith-based life right now, she really enjoyed her time with us and learned a lot that she had never heard before. Continue to pray for her: that seeds planted would lead her to the tree of life! She is so cool.
Our last day in Greece was literally us just listening to SO many people as they sat with us. We talked to the “fry guy” as he served us French fries. He talked for an hour and even gave us gifts! We sat in the park with Angel. He was an elderly man who felt so loved that some young people would sit with him as he retold stories of his times in war, his children, and his love of creativity. We listened to an elderly man talk in Greek, even though we told him we don’t understand. He just smiled and kept on talking. We also met the smoothie man! He nearly exploded with joy when we said we were American.
Lastly, we met Ellie. She ran into us out of nowhere and suddenly inquired, “What are you looking for?!? Are you lost?!? How can I help?!” It was very surprising and out of left field, but such a divine appointment. I have literally no idea where this woman came from. She took us to a local coffee shop and we got to hear a bit of her story. She is fluent in 10 languages, she plays piano and violin and cello and guitar, she is proficient in many forms of martial arts, and she helps out with a local political party.
“I just want to help people,” she would say. “All I want to do is help.” She shared her history of being in an abusive marriage. She shared her past of being half-Greek and half-Turkish. They have a history of rivalry and all she wants is peace among those peoples. She shared with us her poetry that she wrote in seasons of depression. We were able to share our stories too! I shared how in the darkness, Jesus came and brought me peace. He made my heart grow deeper. Now I love people because of the love I now know intimately.
We were able to encourage her with conversation of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. She is Orthodox and talked about the differences in our relationship with God.
“I was so tired today. I was on my way home when I saw you and I just HAD to talk to you. And now I feel so much peace with you. I do not know why.”
“That’s the Holy Spirit!” I exclaimed. “He lives with us and He wants to give you peace.”
“Yes! I think the Holy Spirit brought us together,” she said, smiling a smile of relief. “I will pray for you!”
After our conversation, she helped us find dinner and get to our bus to go back to Albania. Continue to pray for her to find truth in the Word of Christ and to find strength in His power. He loves and cares for her so much!
I pray these testimonies encourage you to stop for a moment. Slow down and look around. Someone needs to see your light. Someone needs to see the flavor that you bring to life. Jesus says that the harvest is ready, but we need laborers! Let’s labor for our king knowing that He is the greatest reward. Amen.
May people see that you’re different by the way you love.
I’m in Kyrgyzstan now. I have a lot to say, so I will wait until later. Please consider donating to me as I am only $1000 away from my goal. God bless.
It’s incredible to hear these stories. Thank you for sharing, Philip! And a great reminder that ministry is life and life is ministry.
Wow. What incredible testimonies. The Lord is doing beautiful things! Thanks for sharing Philip.
Life is ministry; ministry is life. There’s no such thing as “off days” when we’re followers of Christ, right? Thanks for the tangible pictures of what that looks like for you and your squad. Keeping y’all in prayer, Philip.