Do You Like Chocolates?

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By Eugene Seah, 23, Singapore

“I have told all Your people about Your justice. I have not been afraid to speak out, as You, O Lord, well know. I have not kept the good news of Your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about Your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of Your unfailing love and faithfulness.” —Psalm 40:9-10 (nlt)

As I settled into the train seat and made myself comfortable for the 20-minute ride, a teenage boy abruptly stood up in the cabin and addressed the passengers. I thought to myself, “Oh no, not another random ranting!” For some reason, it is quite common in Melbourne for people to do just that. It may be because of loneliness or even drunkenness that these people are starting conversations with strangers. However, they are mostly frowned upon and rarely greeted with compassion. As for me, I was indifferent—but not today.

The boy began, “Hi everyone! I am 17 and I want to share the gospel with you today.” I almost choked with surprise! The boy proceeded to ask, “Do you like chocolates?” He then went on to apples and chicken. Some passengers teased him, but he persevered with a few of these “food-related” questions. He then ended with, “To know which fruit or food you like, you would have to taste it first, right? It’s the same with God. You have to come and taste for yourself to know that God is good!” (paraphrased)

Those two minutes was definitely inspiring, but I thought to myself, Oh well, is there even a point to stand up at all?

A fellow passenger responded to the teenager’s sharing and asked which church he attends, expressing interest to visit it. I was deeply encouraged by the whole exchange.

The young chap’s courage reminded me of Jeremiah 20:9 which reads, “ But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in His name, His word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!” This is indeed what the teenager embodied. He couldn’t hold it in, and shared wherever, whenever he could—even in a public place like a train!

Sharing the gospel doesn’t require fanciful words, or a well-memorized script. All it takes is a love for God and the desire to make His name known. We do not depend on our own intellect, impulsiveness or guts; but instead, it is shared with the help of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8)! We need to be willing and allow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to work in and through us.

Let us be reminded of Romans 1:16 which states “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.”

SEEK. LEARN. PROCLAIM.