I plan on writing more details later, but here's the short version: last night I got jumped and robbed by three guys while on my way home from work on a bicycle. Suddenly three people were kicking me and throwing punches, and I was backed up against a fence. Yes, it was very frightening, but the Lord preserved my composure to a surprising degree.
I determined not to fight them, though I had (and believe I know how to use) a knife in my back pocket, on the principle that it was better to trust God with my life and preach the gospel than to fight and have no gospel credibility with these guys, and probably still get mangled. I am not sure it was the wisest decision, but it was the one I made.
Thank God, they bugged out when I told them to stop, and to allow me to tell them something important. In return, I offered my possessions willingly. The guy who kicked me looked ashamed and gave back what he had taken, saying, "I can't take this from you, man." I said, "Here, take this, but let me tell you something!" He refused to take the expensive stuff I offered him, nor would he let me tell him the gospel. Looking confused, convicted, and frustrated, they suddenly all ran off into the night! I yelled the gospel after them, "I was like you, I was a slave of sin! God is alive! Something didn't come from nothing! God will judge you and you'll go to hell unless you come under Jesus for forgiveness!"
I went home with a bruised shoulder, a lot of adrenaline, and many thanks and prayers on my lips to God, for delivering me, and that they might be saved. All they stole was an mp3 player filled with an audio bible and hell-fire gospel sermons by Rolfe Bernard, such as "The God of the Bible kills people." Pray that the Lord may use this to save some or all of them.
And tonight, in a series of weird events, I broke up two fights (to my near peril) and also lost my wallet. Inside was my driver's liscense, debit card, some cash, insurance cards, and some dear old photos. I called the gas station where I left it (here we go again) on my car roof. No one turned it in. Oh well, perhaps someone will get rocked with conviction and repent unto salvation.
A note of encouragement: We're all so far behind the standard of holiness that Christ deserves. Let's pick up the slack and motivate one another to love and good works, so that we don't have time to waste or sin. Let's pray more! Gather prayer meetings in your home, call your friends and do something eternally significant this week.
God bless you, brothers and sisters. Thank God in Christ for saving my soul and sparing my life several times this week.
