February 4, 2012
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Can I get a witness?
So today, like a lot of the days lately, was really busy. It started early with meetings regarding one ministry. Then I was asked to drive some people to another meeting, but also escort some people to the mall to equip them with internet. I was just trying to be a little helpful. Who would have thought that I would see one of the coolest things ever!
As I was at the mall, I was sitting in a pavilion eating breakfast, at three in the afternoon. I was waiting for my lovely wife and daughter, who accompanied me on this errand. As I was waiting there, I did what everyone does, people watched. So as I sat there, I looked to my right… there was an older teenager, a flashy kid. Dressed in designer clothes, listening to his music. Had his hat on sideways with the flat brim… you know the type. He is just trying to be as cool as he possibly can.
Straight in front of me was a woman with her son. They too were enjoying a snack. It was nice how they sat there completely involved in each other. You could really see how much love they had for one another. Even though it was brief, it was sweet to see how much they enjoyed just sitting and relaxing together.
To my left, there were two guys… one was a foreign man, a white guy (not racial profiling here!). He was vigorously playing with his iPhone. I was a little jealous. Next to him was a small Ugandan man. He was sitting their quietly. I could not tell what he was doing. Frankly, he did not really demand attention. Just an ordinary guy…
As time passed, the foreign iPhone lover, whom I still envied, got up and left with his friends. Not paying much attention, I still continued my scan of the people around me. Inconspicuously, that same man pulls out a little book. It was really small. I recognized it as a little New Testament bible. It reminded me of the ones they used to give out at the GRCC campus way back in my college days. He casually read it. Judging by his placement in the pages, I would say he was reading Revelations.
I have no idea how much time passed. But after a little while, by cool teenage buddy showed signs of leaving. He got up, but instead of turning and exiting the pavilion, he walked toward the guy to my left. Nothing really struck me until I watched their exchange. Now keep in mind, they were far enough not to be heard. Even if I could have heard, it was probably in a language that I did not understand. However, the body language was quite clear… the boy stood next to him. As he spoke, he pointed to the book (believed to be the Bible). Then the man, still seated on the bench, looks down at the book, and nods his head. I can only guess, but looked quite clear. The boy asked the man, “hey dude, is that the bible you are reading?” The man replied while nodding, “you bet, just getting a little encouragement before I keep on with my day.” (I am sure that is how it went down!) But that is not the part that I love. That part was to come.
As the boy finished his exchange, he smiled really brightly. He clearly indicated he was finished with the conversation, it was that that struck me. He looked at the man, and with his bright smile, he lifted up his hand to give the guy a high five. How freaking cool is that? How totally different is that to what we are ALL used to? Could you imagine for it to be “cool” to be Christian? Needless to say, I was absolutely astounded. God put me in a place that made no sense to be in that day, for any other reason. But he wanted me to witness that. I am not sure exactly why, but I know that I was encouraged by that. I am not sure why, but it was awesome!
Anyway, that was a little deviation from the normal update blog. Just a cool experience of how it is cool to be a Christian. Awesome!
Chad Neeley
Construction Coordinator – WWCS Uganda/USA
