The more we got to visit with Nikki, she would open up more and more with us. Nikki is the sweetest company anyone could have—inviting us into her apartment, showing us family pictures and telling stories from her life. She also told us about what she believed. That was when we got to see how strong faith in Buddhism was. Since then, we have been so prayerful about the next step God wanted us to take in this relationship with Nikki. ??
Recently, Nikki and I ran into each other. She asked me to come to a restaurant with her. She bought me tea, and we talked about our days and the news. The subject of family came up in our conversation again, and I told her I had brought pictures of my friends and family to share with my new friends here in Thailand. I told her if she would like to see them, she was more than welcome to come to our apartment, and I would love to share stories with her like she did us. She took me up on the offer.
??I told stories about my life with Nikki, showing her picture. I had brought pictures of my baptism with me here with the intention of sharing with any of our Thai friends who got close enough. I told Nikki what that was. I asked her if she knew what baptism was, and she said, “No.”
“It’s what followers of Jesus do,” I told her. I got a blank stare and proceeded to ask her, “Have you ever heard about Jesus?"
“No, I don’t understand,” she responded. “I don’t know what you are talking about.”
I took a deep breath and said, “OK, I’m going to try to explain this to you. Is that OK?”
She replied affirmatively. What an opportunity to flat out share to share gospel of Jesus Christ for the first time with someone who many have been praying for—to someone who had no idea of the gospel, period! Before I shared, I clearly saw the opportunity God had perfectly planned for me today, and I prayed that he would talk through me. I cannot say verbatim how I shared the gospel with Nikki, but I know that it was Spirit-led. I learned something about my walk with God while witnessing to Nikki. Afterward, I remembered how excited I was to tell this amazing story like I was hearing it for the first time and to see Nikki’s eyes widen. All I could think was: “Wow! This is real happening, and I know but I don’t know what I’m saying. Thank you, Lord for this!”
I pray that our team gets to continue this relationship with Nikki in the time we have left here and just love on her. I pray that the Thai people who live here continue to reach out to her and walk with her. I pray that God stirs in her heart. I pray that she would seek the truth, understand it and want it. I pray that I would not be anxious that I may never get to see her be saved, but rejoice in how God used me to bring her to himself.
Alicia Black, a student at Texas Woman’s University, is serving with Go Now Missions in Thailand.
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