By Lane Loman, FAS Speaker
In Columbus, IN, most restaurants close early on Christmas Eve. Gretchen and I found that out when we drove downtown for lunch. However, the Japanese restaurant was open. We laughed as we spoke of the closing scene of “The Christmas Story” when Ralphie and his family ended up at the local Chinese restaurant after the neighbor’s dogs had ravaged their Christmas turkey.
Our server’s name was “David.” I thought that interesting since it was obvious he was of oriental descent. After he told us his name, I inquired about his background and how long he had been in America. He had just arrived! He had graduated college in China with a degree in engineering and hoped to pursue a career having to do with diesel and automotive maintenance. He had come to the right place since Columbus, IN, is the home of the Cummins Diesel Corporation.
As we finished our meal, David returned to check on us. I had one more question for David. He seemed excited that a customer was so interested in his personal life. I said, “David, your name is a biblical name. What is your religious background?” Without hesitating he replied, “I am Christian!” When he had arrived in America, he first had gone to Racine, WI, where a group of Christian young people befriended him. As a result, he, obviously, had come to know Jesus. Now, he is living in our town working at the Japanese restaurant until he can find employment in his chosen field. But, he has not yet found a church.
What a joy to relate what we do in ministry. We gave him our contact number and information about our church. As we parted company, he said, “I will see you Sunday!”
Ministry opportunities are all around us, even on Christmas Eve in a Japanese restaurant!