Chance Encounter?

As we travel around Northern Ireland, students have encountered many different people. They have interacted with kids and families during our kids club ministry, our street evangelism in a small seaside town called Port Rush, our food share program, serving at a women’s shelter, worshiping in church, and while just out during a little free time. There are people everywhere to meet. Many wonderful conversations and interactions have been had. Are these just chance encounters? I would say no. One of the things we pray for before the summer even starts is for divine apointments. Meetings that God has planned in advance for the people on our team to have.

Two very specific examples come to mind already this summer. The first one took place during the weekly community food share that was hosted at the church. There was lots of work to get all the food ready for those in need, but on Wednesday morning, we were able to open our doors to the community. Many different people and families came through the doors. Families from all different backgrounds and places in the world. This particular day, one of the people who came in was a mother with her small daughter. While that is nothing out of the ordinary, what was unique was that she was from Ukraine. Normally, it would have been more difficult to connect with her, but God had a divine appointment planned. This year on our team, we have someone who grew up in Ukraine, and the two were able to connect, speaking in their native tongue. It was a great time of encouragement as our team member interacted, and got to know about her family and situation. She was able to share the hope that Jesus gives. Was this a chance encounter? I would say no.

The second encounter happened on Sunday morning. Many people from different countries attend this church. Most are from either Ireland, Europe, or a country in Africa. This last Sunday, there was a young lady from China who was attending church, and wouldn’t you know it, we have a student on our team who has spent much of her life there. They were able to converse in Mandarin and were able to learn where she was from, her interests, and even about some challenges she was having. Our student was able to pray with her and also start the conversation about what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Was this a chance encounter or did God orchestrate this beforehand? I believe that God has created many divine appointments for our team, and we are excited to see how God uses them to share the love of Jesus Christ and the hope that is offered through the Gospel. Will you continue to pray for these divine appointments that God has arranged in advance for our team? Pray also for boldness to share the gospel with those they meet.

‍