“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Gal. 6:2

My daughter Kayla and I sat on the porch swing of our neighbor’s home, mesmerized by the hummingbirds that zoomed daringly near us toward their goal of the red nectar feeder above where we sat.
    “Mom did you know that hummingbirds flap their wings 30 times per second?”        “30 times a SECOND?!” I questioned to make sure I had heard correctly.  She nodded.  “How do you know that?” I quickly inquired.
    “I learned it at ASI, in class,” she casually responded.  Silently, we continued watching the amazing birds together. Inwardly, my mind began to travel. “What have I learned at ASI?”
    Honestly, I have learned so much from presenters at ASI that it would take a long time to write it all down. Much of the information that I have learned has quietly quilted itself into who I have become. The inspiring stories of witnessing to others in various ways has caused me to think outside of the box. The presentations motivate me to act. But, there is one in particular that stands out in my mind . . .

    My thoughts raced as I walked back to my motel room after the evening ASI presentation.  The presenter had shared about witnessing to telemarketers. I dislike telephone calls from people who have retrieved my name off a list and seem to know when I am eating and call just as my fork enters my mouth. So, part of me wished that I had never heard the presentation and part of me was thrilled. Something I could do! Another part of me thought it was a great idea for some of my friends to do!
    The next day we traveled home. Like you might guess I didn’t have to wait long for the first call.
“So, you can see the savings you would be gaining by joining AT&T,” her southern drawl conveyed confidence over the phone line.
    “What would be the price again per month?” I questioned stalling for time. Normally I do not try to get extra time with telemarketers but this time was different. I realized that I had no idea how to witness to someone when you don’t WANT their product. 
She continued while I rehearsed the possible conversation in my mind. “No, I am not the least bit interested in the service but I want to pray for you”. Or “I hate calls like this, but I promised myself I would pray for whoever called. So how can I pray for you today—does this seem odd?” Besides, what could a confident sounding woman like this need, I told myself. I was running out of time. So I did what many of you might have done under such pressure, I signed over my loyalty from AT&T to MCI.
Being true to myself I dove in, like I promised myself I would. “Is there anything I can pray about for you today?” I bravely asked.
    “Pardon?” she asked astonished.
    “Is there anything I can pray about for you today?” I repeated.
    It was quiet for a moment, and then with emotion this woman said. “The Lord knew I needed you today. It has been so hard. She continued on, “My adult daughter has moved back in with me and we are not getting along. I have had to sell my car to pay the bills. This morning I had to hitch hike just to get to work. I have never felt so discouraged in my life. I do go to church and I know the Lord will get me through this.” Then she repeated, “The Lord sent you today, praise God.”  As she talked it was as if I could see the tears rolling down her face. “This job is hard, but it is all I can get and I am thankful for it.” There was a pause and then she continued, “The Lord sent you today. Praise God. Thank you, Thank you.”
    This woman who had sounded so confident was hurting. The Lord knew, but I would have missed it—she sounded so confident! What if I had ignored the ringing of the phone? What if I hadn’t heard of witnessing to telemarketers? (Trust me I would NEVER have thought of that one!) What a blessing it was to me. What joy it gave my heart to know that the Lord had worked through me.

    Hearing a story about how the Lord uses other people inspires me; it gives me the confidence to try it on my own. ASI has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone many times. I like that. When you come to an ASI convention, be ready to leave more confident, creative, inspired and more in love with Jesus every time. Oh, and bring the kids! They will love it too.