Monica comes to us from China. A place with the populations of 1,344,130,000 people. A place with at most 4% Christianity in that population. A place where thousands, if not millions, have never heard the name of Jesus.
In Hangzhou, China where Monica grow up she was told that in America, people were typically Christians... and that was the extent of her understanding. She has lived 18 years without a religion though she sometimes would "pray" in Buddhist temples. You see; we all have a desire to know something more.
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I also want you to meet Brittany. Brittany is a 19 year old student at NCSU who loves the Lord with all her heart. She decided to become a International Student Orientation leader. In the first few weeks she met tons of students who she quickly feel in love with, and who fell in love with her. Her few week commitment turned into lasting friendships. One of these friends was Monica. As Brittany boldly lived out a life that shined the love of Christ, people like Monica started seeing something they wanted. Quickly, Monica went everywhere Brittany went... including Church and such. Quickly, Monica wasn't just Brittany's friend, but everyone's friend that was somehow connected to Brittany, Providence Baptist Church or Campus Crusade for Christ. As Monica began to ask questions, she hit the number one spot on numerous prayer list. Ordinary people like me started praying consistently. That's when stuff started happening.
This day I not only remember but will never forget. I sat in front of Brittany and Monica at Church one day that happened to be communion Sunday. I remember hearing Brittany explain that only those who had true salvation should take of the bread and the cup. I remember watching the plate pass Monica, heart broken that she didn't know Jesus as her Savior. I remember minutes later hear her belt out "How Great is our God?" in song. I remember the tears that felt down my face.
Monica continually asked questions. Attended church. Attended Campus Crusade for Christ. And continued to be surrounded by people who not only loved her, but loved Jesus.
Over Thanksgiving break Monica went to spend Thanksgiving with Brittany's family. There when she realized that she didn't have to have everything figured out before she could ask Jesus into her life... she gave her life to the Lord.
The day before she left for China for Christmas break, I walked back into the church building and saw my small group girls and other sisters in Christ circled around Monica in prayer... tears pouring down all of their faces (and mine too).
The other day after Church Monica posted this on Facebook saying, "Providence is my first home in America! I love y'all!" (she even used the word "y'all!!) Our Church family is so blessed to have her.
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So in a matter of months not only did Monica's life change, but Monica found Eternal life.
I want to be more like Brittany and others who live life's that make people want to know Christ. I want to love the Gospel so much telling people is a priority. I want people to be added to the Kingdom
because of my persistence in their lives.
I want to be like Monica whose heart is open to the truths of the Lord. I want to love my Church family as though they are literally my family (and they are).
I believe in the power of prayer. I believe that God changes people. I believe God uses people to change people.
You don't have to go across the world to tell someone who has never heard. You just have to surrender your life to God... the un-reached are surrounding us... and God is waiting on us to let Him speak through us!
Be bold for the Gospel!
Love, Jordan
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