IRELAND — During a daytrip to a remote Irish village, Crossworld worker Dan met Irishman Colin. They struck up a conversation in the market and Colin invited him back to his home for tea.

After the men had some black tea and biscuits, Colin pulled out a worn black Bible with the cover missing.

“I do read the Bible, but I can’t make heads or tails of this book. I doubt you can, either, because I’ve been visited by Jehovah’s Witnesses and I tried to study with a priest, but no one had any answers for me.” Colin flipped the Bible open to the book of Esther and pointed with his calloused finger. “Like this,” he said. “What it is this all about?”

Dan explained, “This is actually a book about God and His care for His people, the Israelites, even though the book never mentions God by name.”

Colin was amazed at Dan’s knowledge. “Really? I never would have figured that out! You’ll have to come back and tell me more about it.”

On Dan’s next visit as they again sat in the kitchen drinking tea, Colin told him that he had met another believer. “This man said he knew he was saved and going to heaven.” Still astonished, Colin added, “I’ve never met a man like that before — one who knew he was saved! 

How does he know?”

Dan slid Colin’s worn Bible across the knotted kitchen table and opened it to Ephesians 2:8-9. “Look at these verses,” he said. “I know I’m saved and going to heaven, too!”

Colin shook his head, amazed. “You’re definitely going to have to come back again. I want to learn all I can from you!” 

Dan smiled. “How’s next week?”

Italicized name was changed to protect identity.