#1
I drive to school and see one of my students waiting at the bus stop.
“Where are you going?” I ask.
“To school.”
“Early?”
“It’s cause we have a project to work on.”
“Oh, get in then. I’ll give you a ride.”
David is an adamant Seventh Day Adventist. His dream is to study in the Adventist Seminary and become a pastor. We have had several conversations about our differing beliefs in the past and he has never shied away from my challenging questions.
“Miss,” David begins as my car winds up the mountain. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure!” I think he is going to talk about his project but he surprises me by diving right into theological issues.
“Why do you evangelicals worship God on Sunday?”
For the next thirty minutes the conversation continues. I park in the field by the school but we remain in the car. He pulls out his phone and I pull out my Bible, each defending their point of view. The bell for the end of recess rings and the elementary kids run back to their classes. Still we talk. The school falls quiet and I think about the class I’m supposed teach.
“Listen, I got to go,” I say. “But let me say one last thing.”
David gives me his attention.
“I believe that if I worship God on Sunday it isn’t a sin. And if you worship God on Saturday it isn’t a sin either. Because at the end of it all, what day we worship or our religion does not save us. It’s only Jesus.”
David smiles and shakes his head in disagreement. “Miss, I’d love to talk to you more about this.”
I nod. “Whenever you want!”
#2
I drive away from school, heading to my Thursday night Bible study. I pass three students walking home.
“Want a ride?” I ask.
They all clamor at once, arguing who will ride up front as they pile into my car.
“We had a question, Miss.” Josh says as the other two nod their heads enthusiastically.
“What’s up?” This time I’m hoping and praying for an opportunity.
“Well, why did God speak to the people in the Bible times but doesn’t talk to us now?”
We drive through the village and I explain the great gift that is the Bible. How Jesus tore the veil and gave us access to the Father.
“And what about the end of the world, Miss?” Chris asks. “What’s going to happen?”
We stop in front of Josh’s house but no one moves. I put the car in park and pull out the Bible I always keep handy. I read in Revelation where God judges the dead. “You see, God will judge us if our name is written in the Book of Life.”
“But how does someone get their name there?” Chris leans forward in his seat.
“By trusting in Jesus as your Savior. If you repent of your sins and trust Jesus as the only way to save you, then you can be sure without a doubt that you’re going to heaven.” I glance at Josh. He’s a new believer from a firmly Catholic family. “Josh, are you confident that when you die you’ll go to heaven?”
Josh looks me in the eye. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Why?” I turn off the car and no one notices.
“Well, my family says that if I don’t go to mass, I’ll end up in hell but I don’t believe them. I believe that only Jesus can save me.”
“And you, Chris?”
The young man shakes his head. “I’m not sure. I don’t think I’m good enough.”
“And you, Robert?”
The other boy in the passenger seat still hadn’t spoken. He just shrugs at my question.
“If you died tonight and God asked you why he should let you into heaven, what would you say?”
Josh speaks up. “I’d say that because Jesus died for me he gave me the gift to be able to go to heaven.”
Chris shrugs still unsure. “I guess I’d start telling him about all the good things I’d done.”
“But that doesn’t work!” Josh cuts in.
The conversation continues on but I see it’s getting late. “Look guys.” I look at each of them in the eye as I speak. “The Bible says that if you, trust in your works to get you into heaven, it won’t work. And I’m sorry to say it but you will be sent to hell. But God doesn’t want that. That’s why he sent Jesus.” I urge them to trust in Christ. To take seriously the search for God and the reading of his word. I encourage them to reach out to me if they have any questions. “But it’s getting late and I don’t want y’all getting in trouble.”
The boys nod quietly and I start my car again. I wave goodbye and drive away, pleading to God for them as I do.
