Last night we went out as a team to do some evangelism in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast. It was rough. The person I was partnered with and I, long story short, didn't do much talking to people. I wanted to, but the way it went, it didn't work. Seemed they only wanted to shop or sit. So I tried a few times to talk to people and it didn't really work. They had to go. So mostly we sat around. I was near tears by the end and though I had prayed alone it really wasn't a team thing. Nothing we did was. I felt trapped in that I had to do only what the other person with me wanted.
Today, we went out again, a different group, to tell people about the ship. We had walked a while with nothing happening and we turned around to walk back along the beach. There were vendors setting up for beachside markets all along the walkway. I stopped at a tent and admired a box they had out.
The man and I started talking about the ship and PNG and their health status and governments. I showed him on the flyer where we planned to put different things on the ship, clinics, tenders, triage, and how we were going to extend decks and build clinics. We had a good chat and I was able to tell him the story of Jack the dentist. He was amazed at that and what we are doing.
We also talked about how thankful he was for the American brothers Australia has. I can not aptly describe the excitement and joy our conversation held; the hope exchanged as we spoke.
He gave me a gift, a silver necklace with a clear crystal stone. He said that I should wear it and God will always be able to see where I am. And then he said, "but you already know he sees you."
As I left we introduced ourselves. His name is John and he definitely wants to donate and find out more about it.
It was such a blessing to me to be able to have this conversation. It was a great reminder that even when things go badly, as they did last night, God is still here ready to pick up the pieces and work with me anyway.
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