Gone Fishin' TwoSample

On the plane to New Orleans - the Omnist

Gina reminds me I did not want to talk with anyone, I just wanted to read my good book on this trip. God had other ideas.

Aaron, serving as a Marine (Brothers for Life!) is an outgoing engineer if you can imagine such a thing :-) We hit it off right away and ended up talking for about 2 and 1/2 hours on the one way trip to New Orleans from LAX. We both had crooks in our necks when we were done :-). I told him I'd never talked to one person for so long on a plane and he agreed that it never happened to him either.

We talked about his job, his love for his wife, their heartbreaks having two miscarriages and being nearly 40 thinking they may not have children, his parents’ amicable divorce, nicknames we have for our spouses, and sports.

Part of my story always includes how I became a Christian. So I asked him where he was on his spiritual journey. He told me that was a great question. He said he was brought up in a good Christian home but his father had become a Buddhist. His wife has a Catholic background. He hasn't been to church in 25 years.

He told me the two of them consider themselves "omnists".

He explained it means anybody can have any religion they want. All religions are okay.

I said, “Aaron, do you mind if I challenge that just a little bit?” He said “Of course not. Go ahead.”

I pointed out that all the other religious leaders are dead but Christ rose from the dead. I talked about all the people who gave their lives instead of denying that they were followers of Christ. I asked him if he thought many people would die for following their leader? He agreed that's a lot to ask.

I asked  if he had ever heard of the Four Spiritual Laws and he said he hadn't. I had brought along one copy of Billy Graham's booklet called Steps to Peace with God. I asked if we could go over it and he said that would be great.

We took turns reading everything and when I opened my Bible app to show him some of the scriptures about the resurrection, it was amazing to see his receptivity. It is great having memorized them, but better showing them.

He asked if he could keep this booklet. He told me that he wanted to go over it with his wife.

I said that is terrific but remember but this is a personal decision between each of you and God. I encouraged him to make up his mind on his own and not wait.

He gave me a hug when we got up to get out of the plane!

I have texted him and asked if he has made a decision or shared with his wife yet. He said not yet, but he will. We're still talking.

"I praise you Lord for giving me the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ. It was so easy, depending on You! So joyous! Thank you for your leading in this conversation. Convince Aaron to give his life to you."

Please say a prayer for Aaron.

Be Encouraged. Be Inspired.

Have GOALS.

Go. Open Your Mouth. Ask Questions. Love. Share your story.

A great way to be prepared to share your faith   Thanks so much for making time to read this plan. Start looking for opportunities to ask questions and show a lot of love. 

Drake Mariani