Meeting Jane: J-men seize chance to share during holiday trip
IMB workers Jessica Osborne, Peyton Sanchez, Susan Kerney and Melanie Van Laningham (back to camera) intently listen to Jane, their last-minute dinner guest at a restaurant in Budapest, Hungary.
“I’m so lonely.”
International Mission Board (IMB) workers Peyton Sanchez* (Moscow, Russia), Melanie Van Laningham (Ohrid, Macedonia) and Susan Kerney* (Novosibirsk, Russia) walked into a T.G.I. Friday’s(R) restaurant in downtown Budapest, Hungary, with other IMB missionaries who were searching for a taste of home. A few of them drifted toward a map of the United States on a far wall, hoping to point out their hometowns.
That is when Jane spoke up. “Are you guys from America?”
She was sitting by herself just below the large map, dining on steak and wine, and had been listening to the English conversation. She said she was from Florida, confessed her feelings of isolation in the European city and expressed excitement at meeting other Americans.
The workers, who had gathered in Budapest to celebrate Christmas, noted the opportunity and invited Jane to join them for dinner. She quickly grabbed her plate and followed them to their table.
Soon into conversation, Jane gave tips on choice clubs in town and offered to buy everyone wine. Surprised at their gracious refusal, she questioned who they were and what they do.
Peyton was among those sitting near Jane who witnessed her response to the group.
“She was really impressed. She said, ‘I feel like such a greedy person compared to you all, because you all are doing some pretty cool things,’” he said.
Peyton, Melanie and Susan learned Jane is a real estate attorney who has been able to travel and experience many cultures and lifestyles.
While each person at their end of the table fielded Jane’s questions about where they were from in America and where they currently live, Peyton felt the Holy Spirit’s urging to ask Jane what she values most in life.
“She admitted she was living for herself,” Melanie said.
When Peyton asked Jane what she wants to leave with people when she dies, her response included material and not eternal matters.
Then, as hoped, Jane turned the question around and gave Peyton the opportunity to share how Christ changed his life and was the only person who could ever provide true fulfillment and happiness.
When Jane questioned the importance of money, Peyton tried to explain worldly wealth is no longer a priority for him. She was surprised when others at the table agreed.
These workers know they probably will not see Jane again on earth, but were thankful for the ability to point her to Christ.
“I thought a lot about her for whole rest of night and the next day, wondering what words said impacted her heart the most,” Susan said. “I’m really grateful Peyton was obedient & shared with her.”
“As missionaries we pray for opportunities (to share the Gospel) all the time. A lot of times, I don’t see them because I’m not being sensitive to the Spirit,” Peyton said. “Yeah, we’re on vacation and having a good time, but what a perfect opportunity that was.”
Join these workers as they pray for Jane. Ask God to continue to open her eyes to the truth and bring into her life believers who can point her to Christ.
*Name changed for security purposes.
Posted by Natalie Kaspar on Jan 6, 2009
Similar: Hungary, Macedonia, Russia
