Our Neighbor Chris

Written by Warren |Posted on November 4, 2008 | Comments

Our neighbor, Chris, is a jobless husband.

Farming at his own backyard to feed his family, he would sometimes provide us with some of his harvested vegetables especially during days when we had no money to buy food. He learned his farming skills from his dad who is a farmer by profession. He was also our handy man at times when we needed certain fixes in the house. Chris grew up in a rural area, a small, laid-back farming village at the foot of the mountains of Arayat, Pampanga, wherein people have dinner at 5PM, sleep at 8PM, and wake up earlier than the rooster to work in their land.

Chris was the first in the world to call me by the name of “brother” after realizing that we are “missionaries.” I personally don’t like the idea of being called a “missionary.” I’d prefer being called a Christian because all Christians have the same goal which is to make disciples of all nations.

photo credit: kudumomo

Chris came to our first bible study last Monday. Excited and clean ( because each time we see Chris he’s always dirty because of his farming). He took a bath, wore decent clothes and put on some gel on his hair. He came by our house not only bringing an excited smile but also a Bible and pen and paper.

During our Bible study, I would mention certain verses as reference. Chris, not waiting for me to call on someone who should read the verse, volunteered in reading them anyway. As he was reading I could sense that he is so thirsty and hungry for the Word of God. But still, that’s just my gut-feeling. And gut-feelings aren’t that reliable.

After the Bible study he immediately asked “when’s the next study? is it tomorrow?” I replied, “no, we do this only once a week, Mondays.” then told me that the study was nice, “It’s good to know the meaning of the Bible…” he then said, “the Bible consists of what-to-do and what-not-to-do stuffs. But today I learned what to do which is really important…” I then butted in, “which is to recognize Christ as King?” he replied, “yes that’s it.”

There’s still a big chance that I’d loose him even after seeing positive responses. I’m still observing whether the conversion should be gradual or sudden in a person’s life. Like positive responses first then asking questions then finally conversion to Christianity. But Hazel’s conversion was sudden and not gradual. Well, it wouldn’t matter anyway. So as long as Christ was preached. Converting people is entirely in God’s hands not mine.

Hazel and I would joke around at times “maybe he will be called by God to be a pastor someday?”

“hahaha!”

“well, it’s not impossible though…”

we looked at each other in silence…

“naahh…let’s leave it all to God!”