September 6, 2017

“What Are My Chances of Dying Today?”

By Crossworld

Balkans Story Sports Ministry Evangelism

BALKANS — What are my chances of dying today? Have I lost my mind? Why did I sign up to chaperone these students going rock climbing?

Questions swirled through Crossworld worker Kayla’s mind and her legs felt like jello. She reasoned through ways to get out of scaling the imposing rock face.

As the teenagers climbed, two by two, the rest of the group sat and watched the climbers ascend. Sixteen-year-old Anna, usually chatty and happy, looked sad. Kayla sat down next to the girl she’d known for so long and began to catch up with her. She loved talking with her because Anna reads voraciously and ponders everything.

Anna said, “I’ve been thinking a lot about a question you asked me before.”

Kayla searched her mind. What could it have been?

“It was actually from the last time you drove us girls home after an event. You asked us what historical figure we would be if we could choose. I know it was just a fun question, but I’ve thought long and hard about it. I’ve narrowed it down to three people, based on their contributions to mankind.

“It also made me reflect on how I feel like I’m just taking up space and have no significant value. I can see in you and your team a happiness and contentedness that is very elusive to me. Where do you find your significance?”

Kayla couldn’t have written a better introduction to share about Jesus.

“My significance comes from knowing my Creator,” Kayla began. She spent the next few minutes explaining the gospel to Anna. Though Anna wasn’t quite ready to find the same significance in Jesus, she was glad to hear Kayla’s answer.

Then, Kayla stood, and with shaking knees and a pounding heart, climbed the rock face. When she got to the top, she rejoiced with gratefulness for both God-given victories of the day.

Your part in this story...

Kayla asks you to pray for these requests.

Pray that God will continue to prompt Anna’s heart toward Him, and that God will reveal Himself to her.
Pray that new believers here will grow in the knowledge of our Lord, and that they will live in the fullness of Christ.
Pray as God is mobilizing His witnesses to take the precious message of the gospel to new areas of our country. We pray that He will give us great wisdom and courage.

The people in this story are real, but their names have been changed to protect their privacy.