I just returned from a mission trip to India (or at least that’s where I think I went).
Here is what happened …
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The scammers have been getting more sophisticated about tricking me to pick up the phone. When they call, my phone now regularly shows numbers of cell phones in my area.
My kids sometimes use their friends’ phones when their own phones are dead. I don’t like to ignore my kids, so I pick up when these numbers show up on an incoming call.
Today, I hesitantly picked up the phone knowing it could be another warranty on my car expiring, or worse, the IRS being after me.
The clicks gave it away. I listened carefully to the voice on the other end and calmed my spirit.
I tried to be as gentle as I could.
“No, I am not responding to your offer, but want to ask you if you know Jesus.” I said.
“Pardon, ma’am?” a man with an Indian accent replied.
“I know you don’t like what you are doing. God sees you and doesn’t like that you are taking money from people either. Would you lie like this to your mother or your sister? You would not like it if someone did this to them. Get out of this business and seek God! I am praying for you to find the Light.” I was still calm.
“You are right. I don’t want to be here!” the man’s voice sounded like he was looking over his shoulder.
Then he said it,
“Please pray for me!”
“What is your name? And don’t tell me it’s John!” I laughed.
“No, it’s not John.” He chuckled, but hesitated to say anything else.
“Never mind. Don’t tell me your name. God knows you well. I am going to pray now … if that is ok with you!”
“Yes, please, pray for me. I want to get out of this business. Please pray.” His voice was quiet.
I told him that God would provide for him if he was going to seek him.
Then I prayed for him. He stayed on the line until I finished begging God to make His Light, the Light of Life, known to this man who was walking in darkness. Then “John” thanked me – over and over.
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If by any chance you are heading to India anytime soon, and if you talk to “John”, let him know I am still praying for him.
“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy,
always being prepared to make a defense to anyone
who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you;
yet do it with gentleness and respect”
1 Peter 3:15
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(Devo and Pictures by Heidi Viars, 2020)
Heidi Viars 
Let me know what you think