Anna

So last night I found out that this girl that I used to work with at Sentry just died. I don't know. I guess she was driving with a friend and their car got hit. We used to always talk about music. Like, she used to listen to a lot of pretty good music, but she listened to a lot of stupid music too. So I would make fun of her for the dumb bands she listened to, and I'd tell her about good bands she should check out. The only time we ever hung out together outside of work was when I invited her to see mewithoutyou. So she went with me and Ian and we drove to Dekalb. And like, on the way there we had this huge conversation about God. And I was just telling her my veiws on God, Jesus Christ, creation. And she talked about how she had been comndemed in the past by people in the church and how that turned her off to the whole God thing. And I remember that in the next day or so, I sent an email to my Grandmother, telling her about how I talked to Anna about God. This is part of the email she sent me back:

I'm glad you invited Anna. Jonathan...our God doesn't put people in our lives for no reason. So you must realize that Anna is an assignment. Pray for her to hear the Gospel from you in such a way that will reach her heart. She is assigned to you. What are you going to do about it? There is a new movement of boldness that presents the Gospel's Truth....and people are being saved left and right. Perhaps time is running out...and Christians are feeling the necessity to be quicker about it. There isn't always time to develop relationships for the sake of evangelizing. Or perhaps the person will not be long in your path...and you will not have input again. I cannot critize anyone for taking advantage of telling someone the Truth even harshly....for some....that is exactly what is needed. Being harsh isn't my way of presenting...but it was John the Baptist. The Truth is she is condemned because she has heard about the wonderful thing God has done and she has rejected it. However, God in His great mercy has sent her to you to hear the message again...in a more gentle, loving way....perhaps this time she will not reject it...the choice is hers. PRAY.

Again....it is now your responsibility to be sure she hears and sees the Gospel in action in your life as His Representative. Be bold. Be loving. Do not withhold the Truth. Come right out with it. God obviously has a plan here. There is something for both of you. We are about relationship evangelism in cells. Yes. But there are times when confrontation with the Gospel is legitimate. Listen to the Holy Spirit ...He knows what He's doing. Remember Jesus isn't just nice...He's brilliant....and He totally loves this girl....and is making sure she hears about what is real and what is eternal. The spirital battle for her life has begun. You must be the one to intercede for her. You are a Jedi....right? A warrior. Then do battle for her life. Satan wants her on His side.......Jesus died for her......the Spirit in you knows how to pray for her. JUST DO IT.

And I hardly ever prayed for Anna. Even before I moved. I feel so awful. I know it's not my fault or anything, but I can't help crying. I can't help thinking that she is in hell right now, and I didn't do enough to save her. I had the oppourtunity and I wasted it. I heard the call and I ignored it. I never talked to her about God again after that. And I feel so horrible. Jesus have mercy on me.

- posted by Jonathan@ 12:40 PM