Back in July of 2015, I was having lunch with a friend in Vineland, and this lunch my heart was moved to go pray with some of the homeless people in downtown Vineland. Normally I would never do such a thing, and in fact I have never done something like this ever in my life; this time around, however, I was struck with a desire so strong in my heart that I could not say no. Even though I was a bit out of my comfort zone, I continued to listen to my heart and I followed where the Lord was leading me.
It was in downtown Vineland that I met a homeless man who was also an atheist. I approached this man and at first he was not very friendly, and he definitely did not want to talk about God. I didn’t know what to say nor do, so I prayed silently and said, “Lord use me the way you need to use me. I am all yours.” I felt that I should not say anything, but just listen to the man. So that’s what I did. I stayed next to this man for over an hour, listening to his life story. During his life story he constantly brought up God. After listening to this man talk, I asked him if I could pray with him but he refused. It was at that moment that my friend went to get him some soda, and while my friend was buying him soda, the homeless man pulled out pennies and dimes, and said that was all he had until Friday. It was only Monday
After hearing this man’s life story, and knowing that he had no money, I felt so much pity for him I began to pray silently asking God what I should do. It was at that moment I felt like I should give him money. So I took some money out of my wallet, and I gave it to him. While I gave him the money, I place my hand on his shoulder and I began to pray with him. Through this prayer the man said his heart was on fire. It was in this moment that he began to sob. I also began to cry with him, rejoicing because we both knew that he experienced Christ in such a profound way, which he had never felt before. Before I left him, we exchanged contact information, gave each other a huge hug, and then we parted ways.
Throughout this year that day has come into my mind every now and then. I have tried to call him on multiple occasions to see how he was doing, but he never picked up. So every time he came into my mind I prayed for him, and offered my communion for him.
A month ago, I received a voicemail from this man. He left me a message, saying that he was so grateful for that day and what I did for him. He also asked me to call him back when I got the chance to talk. Of course when I received this voicemail I didn’t hesitate to call him back. I was so happy to hear from him, and he told me that his life has gotten a little better since I saw him last July. The main reason he wanted to talk is to thank me for that life changing moment, but also how he could find God. We talked for about 30 minutes, and I gave him some things he could do in order to find God in his life, and before hanging up he thanked me, and asked me not to be a stranger.
I write all this to tell you, whoever is reading this, not to be afraid to step out in faith, and allow the Lord to control your life. It is when we are in uncomfortable situations that only God can work and we are nothing but instruments for God’s glory. God is amazing, and if you open your heart up to Him, you will hear Him speak about the plans He has for you. Whether it be discerning your vocation, or just going to talk to a random person, pray before, and during, so that you can do God’s will in that particular situation, rather than your own. By doing God’s will rather than your own, you not only feel Christ’s presence around you, but you can also help others to feel His presence as well.
Ryan Meehan
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