God’s Parking Lot Ministry

I was encouraged as I gave the invitation to see several people respond. In closing the service, the Pastor mentioned how he came to the Lord years earlier, right where he was: “in a parking lot between a Chrysler and a Pontiac.” After speaking to several people in the congregation, I could see that Miriam had the literature table well in hand, speaking to several interested people, so I went out to bring the car around. Once outside I saw one bearded ’20-something’ young man standing in the parking lot. I had noticed during the sermon that he seemed to be listening to every word I shared but had not responded to the invitation to trust the Lord. So, I went over to say “Hi” and introduce myself.

“My name’s Mark*” he replied. “Well, what do you think of Messiah, Mark? He really loves you,” I said. “Well,” he began, “I’m really thinking about what you said inside. I’ve been coming for a couple of weeks because my girlfriend goes to church here.” As people were walking by us, I asked, “Mark can you think of one reason not to place your faith and trust in Messiah Jesus today?” “No, Sam, I can’t. Not anymore,” he said, with searching eyes.

“I can’t either, Mark. How about if we pray together right here, right now, and you place your trust in Messiah for the forgiveness of sins, and the new life He has for you?”

“Yes,” he smiled, “I’d like to do that.” As I led him in a simple sinner’s prayer each word he prayed seemed saturated with sincerity and genuine faith. Afterward we rejoiced together in his new life in Messiah! “Mark, may I share with the pastor what happened to you just now? I know he’ll want to be praying for you and help you to spiritually grow in Messiah.”

“Sure, that would be great!” Mark enthusiastically replied. As he was leaving, I went back inside to inform the pastor of Mark’s decision. I saw him in a prayer circle with several others, and as I approached, I shared, “Pastor, I’ve got Good News and bad news for you.” “What’s the Good News”, he laughed. “Mark just prayed with me in the parking lot to trust in Messiah as Lord and Savior!”, I said.

“That’s great Sam! In fact, someone saw you talking with him, and we’ve been praying that the Lord would use you to lead him to Messiah. But what’s the bad news?”

“Well, unlike you, I couldn’t find a Chrysler and a Pontiac, but I think we were somewhere near a Ford!” We all laughed and rejoiced over the Lord’s ongoing “parking lot ministry”!

*Name has been changed to protect individual’s privacy