It is said that nothing good happens after midnight. In light of the following TRUE story, I would beg to differ... Late on a hot summer night, in a neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina infamous for its dubious night activity, a shadowy figure approached our friend and ministry partner, Gustavo. Gustavo, a life-long night owl more acquainted with the perils of street-life than most was outside on his own property minding his own business. When the stranger approached him and asked for the street version of "sanctuary," Gustavo, a man atuned to the leading of the Holy Spirit, was neither startled nor surprised and so allowed the stranger into the front yard, just inside the iron gate. The stranger, obviously fearful, explained he was being followed by a drunk man. To Gustavo, it was immediately clear even by the light of the flickering street lamps that the stranger was a male prostitute given that the man was dressed provocatively... in female clothing. This type of activity is all-too-common in this area. Well, dear reader, what would you do? I'll tell you what Gustavo did. With zero hesitancy, Gustavo shared his own testimony of faith as he compassionately introduced the man to Jesus Christ. A three hour conversation followed in which the man revealed his name, JM (changed for privacy reasons), and details of his personal life, including the fact that he was a pastor's kid. JM marveled at how Gustavo talked about the grace, love and forgiveness of a God who would leave 99 sheep to pursue the 1 lost sheep. JM explained that throughout his upbringing, even as a pastor's kid, he had never heard God talked about like this but had only ever heard about a god of fear and condemnation. Could this God of love and mercy be real? Could it be true that none are outside His reach? Could this God truly be pursuing, in this very moment, the 1 lost sheep who got away? After three hours, JM went on his way, but not before communicating his desire to change his life. JM offered to introduce Gustavo to three friends who also live the same lifestyle as JM, so they too could hear of Jesus. Gustavo agreed and, just 2 days later, took along one of his newest disciples to share Jesus with these men.
This story took place last Monday. Gustavo and his disciple met with the men 2 days ago, on Wednesday. I haven't yet heard what happened. TO BE CONTINUED... _________________________ As an amazing aside, Gustavo shared with me 1 year ago his desire to reach these lost male prostitutes with the Gospel. Gustavo has been praying for opportunities to share the gospel with men like this since that time. Would you count it coincidence that just such a person would show up on Gustavo's doorstep?
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“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. Archives
March 2021
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