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Mike turned to me. “Did you get drunk a lot down there?” he asked. Most people do not introduce themselves to me this way. “No,” I laughed. “I have too much fun


sober. How about you?” “Man, I love their tequila. I got drunk


every night. It was cool.” “How did you feel in the morning?” “Oh, I threw up a lot,” he winced. “It


was awful.” Mike informed me that he and his


girlfriend are living together. Tat they don’t want to marry. I pointed across the aisle at the only girl I’ve ever loved and told him the joy of sticking together through tough times. Out of the blue Mike said, “So what


religion are you?” Before I could answer he continued. “I’m sort of a Buddhist, but sort of, like, a Christian, you know. I kind of like Hinduism too. Most of the big religions are sort of cool, they all have trinities, our professor says.” His girlfriend nodded and twirled a cross necklace. “Whatever works,” she said. “I’m not into religion,” I smiled. Mike squinted out the window. “We’re


studying religion in university. My prof says there’s good in everything, and we need to be tolerant, but most of all I guess I’m really getting in touch with myself late- ly. I guess I just believe in myself.” “Did you ever let yourself down?” I


asked with a grin. “Yah,” he smiled reluctantly, “but I’m


getting better.” I laughed, but he was seri- ous. “I just think that whatever path you


Convention Session for Women Only With Eyes Wide Open


Living Our Faith in a Culture-Driven Society Challenge — Discussion — Prayer “With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you, my [sisters], as an act of


intelligent worship, to give him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him. “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-


mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity” (Romans 12:1,2 Phillips).


Canada celebrates 150 years as a nation in 2017. Admission to all of Canada’s 40 national parks will be fee for the entire year! So go to tourismsaskatchewan.com and us-keepexploring.canada.travel and start planning your 2017 convention vacation!


lb Fellowship Focus, March/April 2017 13


choose, that’s cool. You just need to respect yourself. So … are you an atheist?” “No,” I laughed, noticing my daughter’s


turned head and her smile. “Tere’s too much evidence to the contrary.” I was strangely comfortable sitting there.


You see, one of the greatest stresses in my life has always come from something we believers call “witnessing.” I would sit on an airplane knowing that if it crashed and the guy beside me went to hell, it would be my fault. When I told others about my faith, I was as clumsy as a carpenter with ten thumbs. But a few years ago I made a surprising discovery: When I shed pretense, people listen. When I incorporate humor their faces light up. When I ask questions, show genuine interest, and simply tell others what I’ve seen or what God has done for me, everything changes. “So what are you?” Mike was prodding,


jarring me from my thoughts. “One of those … what do you call ‘em …?” “Agnostics? No, I just have a relation-


ship with Jesus. He’s changed everything.” “Oh,” he said, “Jesus is cool. He was a


good teacher. So was Mohammed.” “Well, I used to think that too. But


Jesus can’t just be a good teacher.” “What do you mean?” “Well, is your religion professor a good


teacher?” “He’s okay.” “But if he came to class one day and


said, ‘I have an announcement to make: I’m the Son of God. I’m the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to God except


through me,’ what would you think?” “I’d think he was nuts.” Mike paused,


then saw a light come on. “Jesus claimed to be the Son of God,


Mike. Either he was lying, or he was crazy, or he was right. You have to choose. Tey didn’t crucify him because he was a nice guy or a good teacher. Either he was a liar, a lunatic, or he’s Lord.” Across the aisle my wife’s head was


bowed. I found out later that Rachael was praying too. “I think I know the answer,” said Mike,


nodding his head. “He must be Lord.” Down through the centuries, countless


millions have come to the same conclu- sion. Tat Jesus Christ, God’s Son lived a sinless life, was crucified in our place and miraculously raised from the dead. Tat he defeated death so that we might live with him forever — and live abundant lives while we are here. Tat day. before exiting the plane, we


exchanged addresses so I could send Mike and his girlfriend a Bible. And I told them that if my wife starts praying for them, they won’t have a chance. Tey laughed. “We don’t mind at all if she does,” said Mike.


Phil Callaway is the bestselling author of 27 books, host of Laugh Again radio (laugh- again.us) and a popular speaker. Visit him at laughagain.org.


Copyright © 2017 Phil Callaway (laughagain. org). All rights reserved. Used by Permission.


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