God’s is present in the midst of storms

“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39 NKJV)

As a brand new Christian I didn't know anything about theology or the Bible. All I knew was my personal story of redemption. Jesus had come into my life and changed me as no one else could. And, I knew He was the answer for anyone and everyone. I enthusiastically shared my story to everyone I came in contact with.

The woman with a baby in a backpack, hitchhiking in a blizzard

One of my favorite places to speak is the local lighthouse mission. I was scheduled to speak there one evening, but was tempted to cancel because we were experiencing severe blizzard conditions. The snow was blowing sideways, the cold wind was piercing to the bone and the roads were extremely hazardous. But, I knew the mission would be jam-packed and I shouldn't pass up the great opportunity. So, I got into my pickup and headed on the way. I could barely see the road ahead of me because of the almost whiteout conditions. Suddenly I spotted a woman hitchhiker alongside the road! She had a backpack with a baby in it. I quickly pulled over and said, “Get in lady!” I couldn't believe a woman would be out in this storm! Especially with a baby! I said, “What are you doing out in this weather?” And she answered, “I'm tough!”  I looked at her, and decided that she was. Then, as we drove along, I began to share my story of Jesus with her. But, she abruptly said, “Don’t preach to me! I don't want to hear that stuff!” But, I said, “It’s my truck, and I can talk about anything I want to while I'm in it. And, right now, I will talk about Jesus and how He wonderfully changed my life.” She folded her arms, sat back, and stared straight ahead. I then told her how Jesus had changed my life. When we got to the turn off to the Mission I asked her where she was going, so that I could take her there. She said, “Seattle.” I said, “Seattle! That's a hundred miles from here! And, I have to be somewhere, and I can't take you that far. But, I also cannot let you out in this storm!” She said, “What are you going to do!” And she looked like she was ready to fight. I said, “Relax lady. I'm not going to do anything wrong. I just want to help you, that's all. I cannot take you to Seattle, but I don't want to leave you and your baby out in this weather. Would you allow me to buy you a bus ticket to Seattle?” Her mouth dropped and she said, “Why would you do a thing like that?” And I said, “Listen lady, haven't you been listening to my story? Jesus has changed my life and I live to please him and do what He tells me to do. And right now, He told me to buy you a bus ticket. Would that be okay with you?” And she said, “It’s your money.” So, I drove her to the Greyhound station, and the bus to Seattle was about to leave. I ran over and asked the driver to wait for another couple of passengers. I quickly paid for the ticket and then walked with the woman to the bus. As she got onto the bus she turned and said, “That’s the most Christian thing anyone has ever done for me!”  She then disappeared onto the bus and it left for Seattle.

The letter

I received the following letter several years later

Dear Brother  French,

Approximately 9 years ago, you witnessed to me concerning Jesus. I was hitchhiking and it was a snowy November or December. I had a baby in a backpack. You gave me a ride in your pickup truck all the way to Bellingham and told me the story of your conversion. When I said I was going to hitchhike to Seattle, you wouldn't allow it and you bought me a bus ticket. I was touched by your generosity and joy, but I'm sure I never showed it. In the February following, I accepted Jesus as my Savior and have been walking with Him ever since. God is so faithful to His Word! Hallelujah! In chatting with a friend at church, I told her this story (she's from Bellingham) and she knew who you were by your testimony. She said this address is old but perhaps my letter would reach you. I wanted you to know that the gospel seed you planted did take root and grow and bring fourth. God bless you and thank you so much for sharing with me that day. In Christ, Linda.