Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Living Water in a Massage Parlor



It was a Thursday evening and the night of our Beautiful One outreach.  The worship and prayer beforehand gave us expectancy for what “open doors” we would encounter that evening.  We entered the one massage parlor where we have gone so many times before.  “Lucy”* manages this place.  She invited us to sit down and we gave each lady a gift bag.

It was not busy so we started conversing with the three ladies that were there.  We were having some lively discussions about children, family, and culture.   One of the ladies was on her way out.  She had her coat on and she was walking back and forth.  However, she seemed drawn to the laughter and stories amongst us so she stayed.  I talked about my own children and a story about my eldest son and the struggles we went through as parents of a teenager.  Sharing our stories seemed to open the door for “Nancy”* to talk about herself.  She shared how she had a temper but has been going to meditation classes that focus on emptying oneself of emotions. 

It seemed like the right moment to share about Jesus being the LIVING WATER that fills us and whoever is thirsty and would drink of Him would never thirst again.  I shared how HE can live inside of her and He is the one who carries our burdens.  We empty our cares unto Him and He fills us with His peace.  What she was learning had some truth to it but it is the Word of God we meditate upon.  We die to self and JESUS fills us.  After sharing the Gospel some more, she admitted she didn’t understand everything I said.  Yet was very engaged as she did not move from where she was standing.  The other women were also speaking to her and sharing about the love of God.  We gave her a Chinese Gospel of John for her to learn more about Jesus. 

Many seeds have been sown in the past by Carol and others who have visited this massage parlor.  BUT THAT NIGHT, the seeds that had been planted and watered over and over again actually started sprouting. Her heart was more open than ever before and she listened intently.  She let me pray over her before she finally left the massage parlor.  Our prayers afterward were for revelation of the Father to flood her heart and open her eyes to the true Prince of Peace.   We invited her and another woman to our service on Sunday night where we have a meal, worship, and hear the Word of God.  This way, they could learn English faster.  But their only day off is Tuesday.  Our hearts were so full at the end of the night for the grace of God that was present with us.

*Names changed to protect identity.




Where the Rubber Meets the Road



Recently I was part of a team from Green Pond, and Highlands Bible Chapel, serving the Lord on a "Don't Walk By", SLM weekend. I have served three other times over the years, and I can say that this is definitely a blessing. We don't often think about this type of outreach in our safe little suburbia life, so getting down and getting out there where the "rubber meets the road", is so humbling and a blessing beyond words.

“Don’t Walk By” is a super outreach, and I highly recommend it to everyone young and old.

I personally had an awesome interaction with one particular "guest", who had just fell into hard times, and needed to be put back on the track again. I pray for this man, who I really felt just needed to be reconnected with the right resources, and to make him feel part of society again.

I am so energized to continue in some form of outreach mission, helping those who need it most. God bless all who continue to serve in this very important mission. -Glenn Donnelly