Kristy

We just got back from northern Ohio, where the Neisler family gathered to pay their respects to Grandpa Neisler, who you can read about here. I had known "Shorty" for 8 years, I believe, and it was good to reflect on his vivacious personality and hard work ethic with the rest of the fam. Going into the day, however, I had a bit of a burden on my heart to share Christ with someone who would be there that day. I have known the cousins/aunts/uncles of the Neisler family chiefly through gatherings such as these, and that makes it a bit hard for everyone to really know each other.

Nonetheless, I prayed for an "evangelistic opportunity". I didn't really know who I was hoping to be Christ to, but I thought of different people I might see, and prayed for them. I also purchased an ESV Outreach New Testament, hoping to plant it in someone's hands.

It became exceedingly clear who the Lord would have me to share with. Josh's cousin Matt's girlfriend Kristy has been around the family for about as long as I have, and they have a child together, but for whatever reason, are not committed to one another in marriage. I have always liked Kristy's easy friendliness, the way she jokes around and laughs, and gets along with everyone, even though it is not really her family. I told my sister-in-law, Kari, that I wanted to talk to Kristy and to pray for me that I wouldn't wimp out, and she was super encouraging about it.

It is refreshing to know that all timing is in God's hands, and I was able to rest, and just be determined that a little opening would come where I could snag Kristy alone. It did, of course, because this whole thing was God's plan, so a chair opened up next to her after the dinner, and the kids providentially were playing elsewhere to give us a few moments to chat. I simply shared with her that I had been thinking about her and praying for her, and that even though we didn't see each other much I wanted to be friends. I gave her the Bible, pointed out some suggested reading portions, and wrote my e-mail address in it. She received all of this quite happily, hugged me and told me she loved me, and kept pledging that she was going to read it.

Will you pray with me for Kristy? Because of the precarious nature of our relationship, I don't know for sure if I'll see her again, but I am confident that the Lord has all matters in hand. And I am so thrilled that He gave me the equipment and opportunity to be someone in her life.