I want to tell you about a new friend I made by the name of “Grizzly Bear”. I don’t know much about him, but the impact of our introduction has changed a part of me forever.

Not long ago I was asked to attend a Women of Faith Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sin City. I had never been there before, but it is no mystery how it has earned it’s nick name! Yep, leave it to God to have one of the largest gatherings of Godly women in one of the ungodliest cities. I love it. I will say that the women I met from that area were amazing women who very outwardly love Jesus.

I was there with a ministry coordinator, and three other pastor’s wives from our area. Some had been there before and some had not. Our reactions were very similar; excited to see it, glad for the experience, but ready to come home.

While we were there we had the opportunity to spend a few hours walking up and down the strip. It was quite an eye opener. Before I went on this trip, I knew that we would be walking around and potentially meeting other people that needed Jesus. So I asked God to give me the opportunity to share Him with others and to SEE the chance and then have the courage to actually do it.

You see, I am not what you would consider a “cold contact evangelist”. I get very nervous and feel tongue tied and awkward when trying to share my faith with someone I don’t know. Even with someone I do know sometimes. So I really tried to spiritually prepare for any interaction He may have for me.

While we were walking over one of the pedestrian bridges on the strip, I saw him. He was sitting against the plexiglass wall of the bridge with his ‘beverage’ on one side, the rest of his belongings on the other and his cup for ‘donations’ in front of him. As we passed by I looked down and gave him my obligatory smile. I was shocked to make contact with a set of the bluest eyes I have ever seen. They were as bright as the afternoon sky which seemed so out of place, settled deep in the hairiest face I could imagine. His beard which literally covered his entire face was salt and pepper gray and very full but, trimmed. His grooming was far from neat, but it was obvious that he had taken some time to comb his mass of hair. Actually I was impressed.

I made a quick analysis of his situation and a quick judgement of him as I continued to walk by and it was if God thumped me on the back of the head and said, “Hey! You just missed your chance girlie! Get back there and talk to him!” I was so shocked by the spiritual slap on the head I instantly turned around and went back to him. Without really thinking about it I pulled just a few dollars out of my camera case (yes, I am a shameless tourist) and knelt down and put it in his cup. He looked at me and gave me the same smile that he had given a million times and said, “Thank you young lady!” It was obvious this was not his first day on the bridge.

It was so crazy, but as soon as he said that to me, my anxiety faded and I felt so comfortable talking to this complete stranger. I instantly saw in him the need we all have of a loving Savior and I felt the love Jesus wanted him to know. I had no choice but to tell him that Jesus loves him and has a plan for his life. He admitted that he knew this already and that he prays to him “every *!#@% day!”

He added, “They call me Grizzly Bear!” He was not loud or rude and he spoke with a smile. I continued to tell him that Jesus died for him so that he could have a freedom and joy in this life, and he is here for a purpose. At this he got quiet as tears began to roll down his beard and falling on his very weathered jacket. “I know, I just don’t know why He keeps me here”, was his response. I confessed that I didn’t have the answer to that, but I was positive there is a reason and that His plan is real. I also let him know that God considers him to be precious. The tears continued, but he sat up straight and stuck out his hand and said, “My name is Bill”. I shook that man’s hand with strength and mercy and said, “It is very nice to meet you Mr. Bill” and I meant it. We promptly ended our conversation with a warm smile and as I was leaving he asked, “Are you a @#!&%* angel?” With a giggle and a shake of my head I said, “No no, just someone that needed to tell you Jesus loves you.” He gave a huge smile that revealed teeth that were as weathered as his jacket and I walked away.

I don’t know if my feet touched the concrete until I reached my friends who were waiting with questioning looks. All I could say to them was, “Be careful what you pray for.” With that the tears began to roll down my own now very dusty face.

As the smell of his ‘beverage’ began to fade from my clothes, it began to sink in that I had the absolute privilege of sharing the love of holy God with someone who maybe had once known it but had forgotten that he was worth dying for. That simple interaction has changed the way I look at those who are downtrodden or in a desperate place. Jesus loves them just as much as He loves me. He died for them on the same cross with the same compassion and love that He died for me, regardless of the decisions they have made or that have been made for them. It’s not my place to judge them, but to share the greatest gift I have, the love and grace of Jesus Christ who is more than able to provide for all their needs.

I continue to pray for those opportunities even though I still have a tendency to be nervous about it. I know this is what God wants for me and all of those who call themselves His. What will I – you – do with the next opportunity?

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15

“And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:15