If you missed yesterday’s post about my church and my new friend, you must read the first of the story HERE.
As the service ended, I sat praying, praying, praying for my new friend who claimed to be pagan. I was praying something in the message touched his heart. That God could speak through and give some answers to what my new friend seemed to be seeking.
We ended the service with announcements and they acknowledged our Veterans because it was Veteran’s Day weekend. And then I heard from the stage “I’d like to personally acknowledge our visitor, my new friend, today. Sir, could you please stand up? We want to thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for the wars you fought, your bravery as a POW, and your dedication to our country.”
The church erupted in cheers and a standing ovation for my friend. It was so moving! As the service ended I made my way back to visit with him, but I had to wait in a long line of people waiting to personally thank him. He graciously said thank you and shook everyone’s hands. I continued to pray as I watched this incredible moment unfold.
As everyone cleared, I walked up to him and said “Thank you, sir! I’m so thankful you came to visit today.” He answered, “I needed to be here. I have such a past . . . “
“But sir, we all have pasts. That’s why we need God and Jesus’ redemption,” I answered back.
He was adamant, “No, you don’t understand. I’ve killed people. I’ve killed children. I’ve fought battles and done things I’m not proud of.”
With tears filling my eyes I looked him square in the eyes and said, “And because of your bravery and dedication to this country we are free to worship here in this place today. We are a free people! Thank you.”
I am so thankful for our veterans and the fact that because of their service we live in a free country. There are not words enough to express the thankfulness. I can not imagine what many men and women go through out there fighting for our freedom, but from the bottom of my heart my soul screams “Thank you!”
