SPAIN — Few people were waiting in line as Tonya walked into the local bank to pay her monthly rent. She had done this eight times so far, and the teller had begun to recognize her. An older man, he was always gracious and patient while Tonya did her best to explain her banking needs in Spanish.

This time, however, the teller was a younger woman. Just be confident, Tonya told herself, hoping this new teller would be as patient as the usual one. She walked to the counter and started to recite her 24-digit account number.

“Is this rent for September, October or November?” the teller asked.

Tonya paused. Did she hear correctly? Did this teller just speak to her in English?

Tonya responded in Spanish, and Bonita, the teller, began to ask her more questions — where she was from and how long she would be in Spain. Bonita bashfully threw out a few more English phrases, then got to the point: “Would you please help me with my English on the weekends?”

In Spain’s struggling economy, learning English can provide a step up or a ticket out. This simple interaction was far more than a casual language exchange. To Bonita, meeting a native English speaker meant a rare chance to practice and improve her language skills, which could lead to a better job, a higher position or even an opportunity abroad. And to Tonya? It was an opportunity to build a friendship and bring God’s love to life, which just might make another disciple of Jesus.

God is always at work around us — even in simple interactions at the bank, the grocery store and the gym. Are you watching for opportunities to turn a simple interaction into a gospel-advancing relationship?

Italicized names are changed to protect identity.