Jan (not her real name) is entertaining if anything. I met this lively woman in her 70's through her Christian physician. The doctor explained to me that the patient was not expected to live long, was all alone, and wanted to speak to a minister. Would I visit? I responded in the affirmative and a fine relationship has developed over the past few months.

Jan's husband had been gone for several years and both her children had also passed away. Her brothers and sisters had also all gone. Jan was alone. Listening to her sad story, I did not detect a trace of self-pity from her. She was anything but sorry for herself in life. She did admit to not understanding why she had to endure such an unusual level of suffering, but her cheery smile kept breaking into the conversation.

As cheerful as Jan is, she is even more outspoken. I lent her Church Colson's book, Loving God to read and she quickly let me know it was not for her. "Too depressing!" she commented when I asked her why she did not like it. Another book was too complicated and another too long. The interesting thing was that all these books have been well received by other patients I visit and thus I thought they would be good for her too.

On another occasion I was telling her about the truth that we are all sinners and in need of the Saviour. Immediately she pounced on my comments and said, "What sins did you commit today?" Flustered, I sought to reassure her that indeed I had committed sins and needed to confess them. She summarily dismissed my self judgment as too harsh a comment and gave me to understand that she did not see me as a sinner at all. "Gordon," she said, "you're not a sinner!"

With several abortive efforts to my credit, the way I finally reached this lady with the Gospel was through the Jesus video. It is important to continue to witness to those around us as opportunity affords itself. You never know when the light will break through and the person will become attentive to the words you speak. Never give up! Persevere with your efforts to make the Good News known and eventually the Lord will prosper your patient witness.

Jan has not yet confessed faith in Christ, but continuing efforts by ourselves and her Christian physician will undoubtedly have a good result in her life. Pray with us for such people with whom we have regular contact. Only the Lord can open deaf ears to hear the truth and cause the blind eyes to see. Our business is to sow the seed and water it. In His timing, God will give the increase.

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Gordon Rumford Ministries
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