I dont think I have ever felt the Spirit of the Lord so present as I have tonight. As I write, it is 1AM, and I have just finished up an hour and a half conversation with a man named Kamel. Kamel is hurting. Spiritually. Physically. Emotionally. As I approched him at the front door of Amelies, he was stumbling. I had just got done speaking with a distraught homosexual guy that was really unreceptive to a conversation of any kind. He had just had a huge fight with his friend, and had his head down crying outside at a table alone. We briefly talked and as the conversation went nowhere I asked him if I could pray for him, and he responded with "no, I'm good." I was a little down, as I was really praying that this would be an opportunity to share the gospel. Thats when I saw Kamel, looking to me as a typical drunk man trying to hold himself up. Not really looking to get into deep conversation with him, but to lend a helping hand and make sure he didnt fall, I asked if he needed help. As we chatted, I suddenly realized that I was in for a supernatural encounter...
Kamel is a Muslim man from Lebanon. He loves American football and enjoys playing basketball. He has lived in Charlotte for most of his "American life" but has also lived in Toledo, New York, Indiana, and Detroit. His favorite food is Subway, and although he loves salt, does not put it on his food anymore. Kamel also suffered a crippling stroke about two weeks ago, which is why he was stumbling trying to walk to his car, which by the way, is also his home right now. A 50 something year old man completely broke down in my arms and brought me to tears. His parents are dead, and he has no family whatsoever. He was at the end of his rope, and had contemplated suicide. He has very little money, and works where and how he can to afford gas to keep his car running on hot days/cold nights. He could barely move his left arm, but was so happy to show me his progress, and the fact that he defied the doctors and was able to even walk. He broke down in tears every few minutes and thanked me for stopping to talk to him, as I had been the only person to talk to him all day. Throughout the conversation, I was able to sharte the fact that I was a believer of Christ, and was able to share the gospel message to him. He was so open and receptive to what I was saying, and just kept thanking me for caring enough to show concern for him. He said that he was afraid to die, and I got the share the hope of Christ, and the way He conquered death. I cannot tell you how amazing this time was just pouring myself into a person with no hope whatsoever. Before he left, he gave me the opportunity to lay hands on him and pray over the stroke-crippled arms and hands of his, and sobbed as I asked Christ to heal him through His power, and that He would restore hope in him through physical and emotional provisions. (this was such an awesome sight at the front door of Amelies) This was the power of the gospel.
I pray that as you read this, God is laying on your hearet to help me reach this man. I dont know what is going to happen, but I am meeting him back here tomorrow night, and told him that through Christ, I was obligated to help him. I need help you guys. I want to provide him with a Subway card so he can buy some meals, and a gas card so he can have a little to run his car. I have no clue about the medical bills, as I'm guessing his bills are probably going to be written off, but I asked him what needs I could meet for him, and the first thing he said was a gym membership. A little taken back, I finally got what he was asking (through his broken English) and he was self-rehabbing, and the medical rehab place had kicked him out after the second day. All he wanted was a membership of any kind to a gym off Central Avenue so he could rehab his arms and legs. He later broke down and admitted that any place to stay was a need of his as well, although he was grateful to have a car to live in. My heart was broken, as I saw the result of years and years of hopelesness finally taken a toll on his spirit and soul. This was why I was sent here tonight. This is why the gospel exists.
I ask for specific personal prayers for Kamel, as the seed of the gospel has been planted in his heart. I pray that Christ uses me, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to show him His love, and the hope of salvation through Him.
This is the power of the gospel...
-Trey
No comments:
Post a Comment