In Colombia we were able to go and do street evangelism. Our first time out in the park I met a man name Jaime. Jaime is a man in his late 60s who has suffered from three heart attacks. As a result he has several health conditions.
In talking with Jaime, I learned he has a hard time walking because his legs feel heavy and a hard time talking because his tongue is heavy and it requires a lot of effort for him to speak so that others can understand him. Usually in a conversation I can pick up a few words, but with Jaime I wasn’t able to understand anything. Our translator, Yeyson, even said it was hard for him to understand Jaime. We told him about the Foundation, invited him to church on Sunday, and prayed for him.
The next week at the park we saw Jaime sitting on the park bench. when he saw us, he smiled really big and waved us over. We asked him about church and he said he came, but was late. He said it took him almost 2 hours to walk to church because his legs kept giving out on him and he had to stop several times. He told us all about what he had learned at church and how he was going to apply it to his life. Jaime said he doesn’t have a relationship with Jesus, but wants to learn more. Again, we prayed for him and invited him back to church.
The next Sunday we saw him at church. He had made a point to see us before he left this time. He was so excited to talk about the service, but did not give his life to the Lord. I continue to pray for Jaime but he would come to have a relationship with Jesus. The meeting Jaime he taught me a valuable lesson: if something is important enough to us we will pursue it no matter what the obstacles are. Jaime it doesn’t yet know the Lord, but he was willing to walk two hours to hear about Him. As I continue my walk in the Lord, do I pursue Jesus that desperately? Truthfully, sometimes I walk with the Lord seems mundane, but thinking about Jaime reminds me to pursue Jesus no matter what life looks like.
Pictures above is Yeyson, our translator, and Jaime.
Jaime is sure an inspiration. You must have made a big impact on him for him to come to church two different days.
Thanks for sharing, what an incredible story! It really does make you think would we pursue the Lord so desperately. I loved seeing how deeply you cared for Jaime. Thanks God for bringing him to church 🙂
This story touched my heart. What an impact you all are having there and this is a reminder to us that no matter where we are there are people like Jaime who need Jesus. We will be praying for Jaime’s salvation. Also, you’re right Shelby, if something is important enough to us we will pursue it no matter the obstacle. When was the last time I had to walk two hours anywhere? I’m inspired today. Thank you for sharing this story.
I love how each of you were touched by and touched the lives of specific people there in Medellin! Once again, we are just as blessed as the blessing we offer to others. Powerful story!