God In An Empty Parking Lot

He had a bushy beard and I liked him despite the fact that he wore a Chicago White Sox cap. He had sincere eyes. We had stopped in an empty parking lot after getting the RV repaired to get our bearings on where we were and where we were going.

Dennis was pondering some issues in his life and talking to God when he noticed the sign on our RV. "What's that all about?' he thought. Not being a shy guy, he stopped to ask. We invited him in to sit and talk. He was a baseball coach on his way to Florida for spring training. Each year he stops at Jimmy Swaggart Ministry for a few weeks to seek God, get focused and attend classes. He told us they had a little campground there and invited us to spend a day with him and go to a few classes as his guest. We were anxious to get back to walking but when God sends someone to your door, tells you there's a place to hook up to electricity and water plus you can get some free education....you modify your plans!

Dennis took the time to show us around the JSM campus. Many years a ago Pastor Jimmy had some issues of sexual misconduct and unfortunately his ministry is still showing the effects of his error. There are wonderful facilities here that are nearly empty and one un-utilized building that stands as a reminder of one man's fall from grace. It is sad to see. The good though is that the ministry is going forward as best it can. There are students attending classes and visitors are allowed to audit for free. We made it to two of them and one of them was taught by Loren Larson. When his class ended Lucy and I found ourselves wanting more.

Now going around the campus was a bit embarrassing. Dennis would stop people, call across the parking lot, go into offices and say "I want you to meet these people. They're walking across America for Christ." He must have introduced us to two dozen people!

Dennis was a stranger who became a friend in less than 24 hours. That's what happens when people meet under the umbrella of God. Our point of connection wasn't sports, weather or celebrities. We began by talking about Christ. We shared our beliefs. We were in harmony on some and agreed to disagree on others like true friends.

Life is so beautiful when we take time to talk with each other...and when we do, we often encounter God in our midst...even in an empty parking lot.