“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message” (Acts 10:44, NIV).

His father, a doctor friend from another country, asked if we would sponsor him for training as part of his clinical rotation in a foreign medical school. We were happy to do so, praying this would provide an opportunity to bring the young man to Christ. He was here for only two weeks, and we focused on developing a relationship based on medicine and friendship. Only five days were left and I had not clearly explained the gospel, though we had lived it in our home. I had been raising faith flags as God would lead. He spoke very favorably about the difference he saw in followers of Christ, but he added that he was not religious. This morning, frustrated at my own ineffective witness, I asked God to provide a pathway for me to present the full gospel. If I could not, please choose someone else. I was working in a distant clinic today, so my wife drove him to the hospital where he was training. As I was driving to work, my wife called and said, “I just had to tell you; I was able to present to him the entire gospel on the way to the hospital. He was the one who asked about it!”

I usually wait on the Holy Spirit for words to witness, realizing sometimes this may be an excuse for my silence. The truth is: only the Holy Spirit changes people; only God’s power leads to transformation. God doesn’t need us, but He often invites us to share the blessing of His redemption plan.

The student above has now returned home without a profession of faith in Christ, but I look back on the experience and see a pattern that might help in my future efforts to share the gospel:

1. We committed to the young man as servants.
2. We focused on developing relationship.
3. We lived as authentic Christians before him.
4. We were intentional in seeking to share the gospel.
5. We prayed for God to provide pathways to witness.
6. We raised faith flags.
7. As God led her, my wife was bold in sharing the gospel message.

A reasonable plan, and of no value without the presence of God’s Spirit. We are but empty vessels, with no function in evangelism other than to pour out what God’s Spirit has poured into us.

1. God led the student to us.
2. God provided our ability to house and teach.
3. God gave my wife the gift of amazing hospitality.
4. God worked through other Christians to encourage him while he was here.
5. God answered when I prayed for the gospel to be spoken.
6. God gave my wife the courage and words to speak.
7. God met the student and held out His hand.

I pray that God also grabbed his heart and won’t let go. I’m saddened he has not yet accepted Christ as Lord. But now he has a choice, not because of anything we did, but because the Holy Spirit showed up and offered Himself.

Dear Father,

We are but empty vessels. Fill us with your presence and pour us out on those who need to love you.

Amen