Jane

I want to share a story with you today.

It's a small story, really.

It's about a cousin of mine.

Let's call her Jane.


I love Jane. She's a great girl. Fun to be with, witty, good with people, and nice. Thing is, she's not a Christian.

I've been praying for Jane for years. Now and then, I'd try to steer the topic towards our faiths. Each time was a fail. She just didn't receive what I was trying to say.

Jane lives a worldly life. She drinks, swears, and loves getting drunk. Mind you, she's only fifteen, but I guess that's how people are without God.

Recently, a problem with her parents caused her to live with her mom. I was worried that I'd never see her again because we are related through our dads. A family reunion came and went, and I didn't see her there.

But today, she was at one of our family gatherings. I was relieved and happy to see her there. We started chatting, joking, and laughing. Then, the topic suddenly became church.

I started asking her questions about her church. How is it like? Does she like it? Is she active in church activities? Turns out that she found church boring.

The conversation took a turn when she asked me about my church. I asked God for wisdom so that I'd know what to say to her, but I answered lamely, "It's fun." I wanted to kick myself.

She also asked me what my church thought of the Reproductive Health Bill. I told her that we prayed for our nations leaders and respected the decisions of our leaders. I told her that we prayed that God would guide them so that they would lead our nation the right way.

She seemed interested, so I invited her to church. She shrugged and said, "Maybe." I became excited, hoping she really would come once!

"You know, I don't believe what people are saying about a loving God. How can God be loving if there are so many people suffering out there?" she asked.

My heart went out to her. I wanted to cry and just hug her and say, "No one can understand the love of Jesus. It's so great and beautiful, and if you just receive Him, you'll be able to experience it, too." To live a life not knowing the love of Jesus is so empty and lonely. I can't imagine life without Him.

She even said that she bought a book on witchcraft and wanted to give the spells a try. She said that they might work and who knows? I decided to just listen to her and not push the topic further. I knew she didn't like people who were pushy about religion.

When it was time to go, I hugged her tight and said, "See you soon."

I hope I see her again.

I really do.

No matter how long it takes, I'm going to keep praying for her until that day.

The day when she accepts Jesus as her Savior.

The day when she is rescued from the hands of the enemy.

The day when she will no longer believe that there is no loving God.

I can't wait for that day.