Mercer Auto Wreckers... THE HANGOUT in Mercer County!! Ok... Ok... So I'm kidding but it is this dirt parking lot that I'll always praise God for. It's here that God answered the prayers of so many. It's what happend here that sent the angels in heaven into celebration.The Story...
Three months after my arrival in Pennsylvania, Jessie and I received the news from a family within the church that they would be hosting an exchange student from Thailand. Jessie immediately greeted this annoucement with excitment as she looked forward to showing off her extensive knowledge of the Thai language as she interacted with him... Cow-pat-mu (Pork Fried Rice)... Swa-ti-ka (hello)... Pra-jow-oi-pun-ka (God Bless You)... Prai-yeh-su Ra-coon-ka (Jesus Loves You)... that she learned during here short stint with YWAM in Thailand... Haha.
On the other hand, it was clear to me that God was leading this young man to America for a much great purpose than just being an exchange student: He was leading him here to reveal Himself to him.
Fast forward three months... filled with prayer by many members of the church and after many trips to the Y Center to play basketball... (yes- I actually was attempting to play basketball.. sad sight... but God does use you in your weakness)... to December 2, 2007.
After hearing the news that Chao would be moving to a new host family, prayer warriors from around the nation rallied around Chao, crying out to the Father for Chao's salvation.
December 2, 2007
After church Chao and I decided to head down to the bowling alley. Following a quick couple games, I agreed to go with him to the Outlets in Grove City. Unfortunately, or so I thought, we got lost on the way (it turns out I can't talk about Jesus and remember where I'm going at the same time). After realizing where we were, I turned the car around.
During our conversation on this drive, it was clear to me that Chao was there.
Let's recap that conversation:
"Do you believe God created that heavens and the earth?"
"Yes"
"Do you believe God created you?"
"Yes"
"Do you believe God loves you?"
"Yes"
"Do you believe that you are a sinner, separated from God?"
"Yes?
"Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God?"
"Yes"
"Do you believe that He died for your sins?"
"Yes"
"Do you believe He rose from the dead?"
"Yes"
"Chao, do you know that you believe in everything that Scripture says you need to believe in to be saved? In Romans it says that "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
"Really..."
"Yes! Let me ask you a question. What are you waiting for? Jesus wants to come into your heart, to make you a new creation."
"I don't know."
It was here that I realized that we were lost, turning around.
While turning around.. I prayed asking God to make this happen.
After a few seconds of being back on the road... looking up... on the side of the road here is what I saw...
(Thanks God)
After pulling up to the sign and parking, I asked Chao to read the sign.
"Jesus said, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
Taking out my Bible, we read together John 3. After about 5 minutes... the angels began rejoicing as Chao made the decision to open the door of his heart and let Christ in, accepting the sacrifice and forgiveness of sins that Jesus came to give. Praise God!
So yes, here in this dirt parking lot is a place I'll never forget... nor will Chao.
December 2, 2007 @ 4:00pm... a new creature in Christ was born.
Even though he will be headed to a new host family in Phoenix this coming Sunday... we'll be together again... for eternity.
Chao's 1st Bible
1st Snow Man!
(yes, it's only 2ft tall)
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