During the main ministry week in Asia, a few of the team members, George, Kristin, and JoAnn, set out to connect with people in a local market. Mindful of local laws limiting public ministry, they focused on personal, meaningful interactions to open the door to the Gospel.
As they wandered through the market, they noticed an older woman working as a parking attendant. She was clearly curious about who these strangers were, giving them the opening they needed to share with her. The team engaged her in conversation about her long hours on her feet. She shared that standing all day often left her in pain. Recognizing an opportunity, the team explained that there was someone who could help her. Intrigued, the woman was open to hearing more. “Tell me about Him,” she said. They shared the simple story of Jesus, emphasizing His ability to offer comfort, hope, and healing. Soon, she was receptive to prayer and accepted the message of salvation.
After praying for her, the team addressed her pain. The woman had been suffering from a “frozen shoulder,” unable to lift a water bottle above her ear. They gathered around her and prayed for healing, then they had her test her shoulder. She began moving her arm more freely. Although she couldn’t fully lift the bottle above her head just yet, she was grateful for the improvement. Throughout the rest of their time in the market, the team observed her moving her arm, continuing to improve. As they prepared to leave, she shared that her condition kept getting better.
While this miracle unfolded, a young man stood nearby, listening carefully. George recognized this as an opportunity to share the full Gospel with him. The young man showed genuine interest and ultimately decided to accept Jesus as well. He also asked for prayer over his family, who owned the market. Both the woman and the young man expressed excitement about attending the upcoming local festival!
This encounter shows the power of simple, personal connections in sharing the Gospel. Through faith and intentional conversation, both a parking attendant and a young man experienced God’s love and healing. In that tiny market in Asia, pain was relieved from an injured shoulder, and faith was ignited in two curious souls.