Taxi driver

Our taxi driver offers to give us a brief tour of the town where we’re staying. On an island in Chile.

Four of us pile in and go along the narrow village streets. First, climbing gravel roads to park at the top of a hill. 

An overlook. 

Breathtaking view of the ocean. 

In cold October winds.

A question

Our group’s laughter and conversations continue as we ride to the next stop.

Each place, beauty all around. As usual, Todd and I hold hands while we walk about.  

Then, at the end of the tour, Abe* the taxi driver turns to our friend who’s been communicating with him in Spanish along the way. 

Would he interpret? He’d like to ask my husband and me a question. Abe points to our wedding rings. 

Confused and sad

“How long have you been married?”

Nearly 35 years at the time.

He nods. Face sober. Eyes downcast.

Then shares with our little group that after 30 years of marriage, his wife just left him.

Walked out the door.

He is confused and sad.

The gospel

Standing in the fading light. By the gate to an old fort. We listen to his grief.

And our friend shares his own story of heartbreak and hope. And the reason for that hope. 

The gospel of Jesus Christ.

“I knew there was something different about all of you. Different from my other customers.”

Pray

My husband offers to pray for Abe and his wife. The taxi driver is moved and bows as we pray.

Before we leave, he and our friend have exchanged contact numbers and plan to begin reading and discussing the Word of God together. 

Our friend will also put him in touch with a local pastor who can follow up.

Always be ready

What seems like a taxi driver’s random invitation for a tour of the town turns out to be a divine appointment.

And reminder to me. 

Pray as you go. Stay alert to those around you. 

Always be ready to give the reason for the hope that is within you. Jesus Christ.

What about you?

Have you recently experienced an unexpected opportunity to share the Good News with someone God brought along your path? How do you “stay alert” to those around you?

Related

Living hope – Gospel conversations – Living water – The mystery of the gospel – Promises – 1 Peter 3:14-16 – 

*name changed