The River Church Community

This last Saturday I knew that I needed to study for a final exam.  It is my last class of my masters and so I knew that I just needed to get it over with.  My friend asked me if I was going to study and where. I was leaning towards Peet’s but for some odd reason I decided to go to Crema.  After some time studying, I had to use the bathroom and on my way back I realized that I recognized the Vietnamese man sitting just behind me from the gym.  I felt some need to ask him whether he went there.  He said he did.  Then he asked me what I was studying because he was also studying.  I explained to him that I was finishing my last masters’ class in theology and was a local pastor. 

Then it began.  He reached into his bag and lifted out a New Testament, saying “last night I began reading this for the first time and I cannot understand it.  Can you explain it to me?”  I nearly fell out of my chair.  And then before I could muster an answer, he asked me another staggering question: “what does it mean that Jesus died on the cross for my sins.”  I offered my best reply, not eloquently or perfectly but I offered what came to mind.

When I was finished, he seemed confused.  I was like “great!  I failed!”  But it was not about my answer.  He had just last night opened a bible, had questions, run into a theology student and pastor the very next day.  He explained to me that he knew he needed someone to ask questions with and now I was sitting before him offering to meet with him and talk.  He asked, “what does this mean?”  I said, “it seems like God is offering you an invitation to follow him.  And I would really like to meet with you regularly to help you answer some of your questions.”  Since that we day, Sean and I have stayed in contact. 

Tony Traback Pastor of Mission Mobilization