Posted on by ba

Troy and Tonya’s Visit

We had such a great time with Troy and Tonya when they were here! We played games, kayaked in a bay with dolphins, went swimming in huge waves at the beach, and prayed together! It was such a blessing to have them here, they actually came during a week when we didn’t have a lot of homework so that was perfect timing! On the last night we went to a place called ‘Lava Java’ and played Phase Ten while the sun went down over the ocean. We talked about how to hear God speaking to us and then we finished off praying that we would all grow in our intimacy to hear God speak. We even prayed that Troy and Tonya would have a divine encounter on their way home to hear God speak. Here is part of an email that Troy sent us when he got home! Thanks for letting us share this Troy, it is a little longer than our usual entries but if you have the time to read it YOU WILL BE ENCOURAGED!:
 
Angela mentioned in prayer about possibly having God place someone in our travels (even on the plane next to us) that we could encourage or be encouraged by and/or even plant seeds with those listening. Oddly enough, that is exactly what happened. It was very cool, and it was specially great to listen to God’s voice and respond. As that is something I’ve been praying for. And you know what, you’re right Ben and Ang, it’s not that hard to do.
 
In the plane on the way home we sat down next to a young girl. I couldn’t wait to move seats because I was in a middle seat and there were lots open. All I wanted to do was move seats and sleep! I noticed the young girl right next to me pull out a Max Lucado book, "Facing Your Giants". I didn’t say anything as I figured she just wanted to read her book and be left alone.

So time went by and I felt God prompting me to say something to her. Anything at all just to open up a dialogue. It took me awhile but eventually I asked her how she liked the book. This girl hadn’t even graduated high school yet but she spoke like one on fire and totally devoted to God, a fresh new awakening was taking place right in front of us. we noticed others around curiously listening to the conversation for most of the flight to Edmonton.

We learned that this girl had recently moved to Vancouver to attend a Christian school for the last part of her grade 12 year. She was in the midst of making huge changes in her life. Raised as a Christian but lived rebellious for the majority of her upbringing. Now she
was commiting her life to God totally. She was totally inspired and encouraged to know that there were other Christians sitting right next to her on the plane. We spoke freely of God’s working in her life, she had such passion  that it convicted me to be more open with my love for God.

I sensed God prompting me specifically to ask her a question…but I was afraid. Afterall I had never done this before…and what if it was too personal. What if I had to act on it right away? Scary…

The question was specific and wouldn’t stop nagging me, then I remembered Angela had prayed for an experience like this for Tonya and I in our travels back home. So I knew I couldn’t live with being disobedient particularly after asking for God to speak to me in prayer.

The question was to specifically ask her what she needed prayer for. So after a long awkward silence I said, "I’m supposed to ask you what you specifically need prayer for."

She was taken aback a bit and paused…then smiled this huge 1000 watt grin and responded in detail.

 
What a feeling to obey God in such a simple task! It opened up a door and an opportunity to encourage another Christian in their walk. You see, in telling her story, this girl was going against great odds to change her lifestyle, she was leaving her friends and for a time her family to bravely step out and listen to God’s call on her life. She knew that going back home for the first time in months was going to be a challenge because she had been growing in leaps and bounds but her non-believing friends would not understand this and she would be tempted to fall back into old habits with them.
 
So when I asked what she wanted prayer for specifically…(thinking that I would mention it later to God in prayer), she called me on it right there! She asked after a moment, do you guys want to pray right now?

What could I say to that, "No thanks, maybe later." I don’t tihnk so, oh boy, now I was on the spot to live up to my Christianity if front of others on the plane and pray aloud. What will people think? More importantly what would God think if I didn’t!!!! I had come this far in hearing God’s voice, was I going to stop now….nope!

Tonya willingly jumped right in and prayed aloud as if she’d known this girl all her life, she spoke into her life with specific prayers that I have no doubt encouraged and strengthened her. Needless to say we are going to stay in contact with her via email and continue to pray for her needs. 
 
All I can say is that this was obviously meant to take place. But the key to encourage the rest of us is: as simple as this is, look what great things can happen if we listen and obey. We really do have to train ourselves to listen to God, to quiet our minds and just listen with open hearts ready to do his will. Always asking, "what do you want me to do in this circumstance God?" I was tired and focused on going to sleep as soon as possible, it’s interesting to see how we can distract ourselves and be consumed with selfishness and busy details so that we’ll never heard God’s voice. 

Seek Him and you shall find Him…