What Would Jesus Do? He Would Love First!
About a week ago O-sqaud set out for Armenia on an overnight sleeper train. It was easily one of my favorite days on the Race…And you may ask “How can traveling on a sleeper train with no AC, tight sleeping corridors, language barrier with every passenger, and traveling over night be one of my favorite days this year. Let me tell you 4 simple words… He(Jesus) Would Love First!
Our time in Georgia came to a close and it was time to move to the next Country. Armenia. The only way to get to Armenia, effetely for all of us is by train. So we board a train at 7:45 pm for leaving the station at 8:20 pm. It was so hot and cramped. After a few hours of being on the train we had to cross the border of Georgia into Armenia. We were able to step off the train while the border crossing officers did their jobs. But I started to have a conversation with 2 Russian gentleman about God. And they had some great questions about God and what “Western Christians” thought about War, LGBTQ+ Community, about forgiveness, grace, love, Godly fear, and how to be a good person. This was honestly the last thing I was expecting to happen on this train. But I got to talk to them for about 45 mins while waiting on the bordering crossing and then we got back on the train where the conversation continued for about another 2 hours. During that conversation I was able to show them What Would Jesus Do, which is He Would Love First. They told me that they had conversations with Christians before and all they felt during the conversation was hate, anxiety, and fear for their lives. It made my heart hurt so so bad. I told them several times, I don’t agree with any life style that doesn’t line up with God, but I WOULD NOT be rude, mean, hateful, or etc towards them. God said “You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31….and there are a plethora of other verses that say this exact same thing. I referenced these scriptures in the Bible and these 2 men just stared at me in amazement. I think it may have been the first time they heard someone tell them “I love you” but we won’t agree on everything. I really had to affirm that with them. It hurt that other Christians would have treated these men with such a cruel heart. That is NOT my God. Jesus loves First. We are all his children.
After those 2 hours I found myself sitting by my bunk on the train and the Armenian border officers were asking questions about our luggage. And out of nowhere I answered with what we are doing. He looked at me, smiled and let me tell you something I made a new friend that night in that officer. We had a conversation for about 10 minutes about our journey so far. He was amazed by us fitting our lives in those small bags. We were laughing, joking, and having such good conversation about life. He even asked me if I wanted to play the guitar for him. I would have but it was around 2-3am….People may not have appreciated it at that time of the morning. And in the end we shook hands with a huge smile and a God bless you. But we were the only group of people that did not get their bags searched by border patrol. Not that we had anything illegal, but It was favor from the Lord. That officer saw us and knew we are good men and women traveling for the Lord.
PS: I have been raised up as a Team Leader. What a blessing! My new team name is
Circle Makers. I will update with another blog talking about this team! But real fast,
the team is dedicated in drawing a circle on the ground and not moving out of it until
our prayers are answered. Man, what a dedicated team! The Lord is so Good.
