Today, I want to share a personal experience I had several years ago as an active Latter-day Saint. Because I don’t want to leave out important details of this story, I am going to refer to a journal entry.
It happened while I was on a business trip in Tempe, Arizona. I checked into my hotel room the evening I arrived and went to meet some colleagues for dinner. As I began to drive down Baseline Road, I noticed a homeless man walking along the sidewalk. What caught my attention was his appearance. He was a stalky older gentleman with a long thick gray beard. I chuckled to myself, thinking - he could easily pass for Santa Clause and earn himself some money during the Christmas season.
The next morning before my meetings, I stopped at a nearby McDonald’s to grab a quick breakfast to take with me to the meeting. At first, I was just going to get my order at the drive-through but then felt inclined instead to park my car and go inside. It was early when I walked into the establishment and there were no other customers – other than that homeless man I spotted the night before, sitting at a table - reading his Bible.
Instead of leaving with my takeout, I decided to eat in the dining area. As I sat on the other side of the room, I strategized about how I would start up a conversation with the man - which I hoped would eventually lead to me offering him a Book of Mormon. You see, being a zealous missionary-minded Latter-day Saint, I always traveled with a copy of the Book of Mormon praying for an opportunity to give it to someone, which I have done on numerous occasions.
As I was cleaning up and preparing to leave, I walked over to his table and said, “Excuse me, I see you are reading the Bible – anything in particular?” And, without looking up at me, he quietly said - almost in a whisper, “I’m reading about the Messiah.” I was intrigued. Wanting to engage with him, I asked if he wouldn’t mind sharing with me what exactly about the Messiah he was reading? I sat down next to him and listened intently – looking for my opportunity to interject a message about the Book of Mormon.
Quietly, he began going to one of the many prophecies found in the Old Testament book of Isaiah concerning the coming Messiah and then he quickly turned to a passage in the New Testament where that prophecy was fulfilled. Once again, he went back to the Old Testament explaining how the Messiah, as the suffering servant - would endure much for mankind. Followed up in the New Testament, how that prophecy was fulfilled. I noticed, there wasn’t a single pen or pencil mark on any of the pages in his Bible. Instead, there was plenty of evidence that the pages of the book were worn from much use.
With complete knowledge and command of the Scripture - he flicked back and forth with his fingers through the pages of his Bible with the finesse of a classical pianist. I was captivated! Not once did he look up to make eye contact with me. This continued for about 10 minutes - and I could sense his deep love for the Savior. I was nearly moved to tears by the sincerity and humility that this gentleman had for the word of God. I felt as if we were in a vacuum of time and space and nothing else mattered as he unfolded the beautiful message of the Bible.
My initial somewhat, prideful intention to bring up the Book of Mormon had now faded away. Something told me not to spoil that sacred intimate moment by bringing it up. I admit, I also felt a bit intimidated. I had been somewhat confident in my knowledge of scripture, but it was obvious the word of God was in this man’s bones. Honestly, I sensed I was in the presence of a holy man. Needing to be on my way, I thanked him for his time and asked if I could give him some money. Having never once asked for anything, he humbly replied – “if God wills it.”
I was profoundly touched by my encounter with this gentleman. And that entire day during my meetings, I kept reflecting on what I had experienced. I could not wait to get back to my hotel room, where I knew there was a Gideon Bible in the dresser drawer. I was anxious to remember and read those passages the dear old man shared with me. I made up my mind that evening, to begin a serious study of the Bible - to learn all I could about the mission and message of our Lord Jesus Christ. I desired to have a love for and understanding of Scripture like he did.
As soon as I returned to my home in Utah, I began reading the Gospel of John. That was the start of a wonderful discovery of truth. Since I considered myself a serious student of scripture, I thought I knew Jesus – but I quickly realized – I didn’t really KNOW Him. From that point on, my eyes, heart, and mind, were being, opened to the beauty of His word.
That divine encounter in a McDonald’s restaurant set me on a course that would forever change my life. It has led me to have a deeper understanding and personal relationship with my Savior. It opened the door for me to experience being born-again. I have recognized the Holy Spirit working in me to bring about a new creation. I, owe so much to that wonderful street preacher who was boldly willing to share the word of God with me on that summer morning in Tempe Arizona.
May there be divine appointments in all our lives, is my prayer.
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And, until next time - God Bless!