encouraged

Working in a factory is not always the best environment. From my experience, which has only been in one factory, there just always seems to be a lot of foul language, crude talk, and people talking bad about their coworkers. Maybe thats just "real life" most anywhere. I dont know. Anyway, so as a Christian in this place it can be tiresome to hear this kind of talk day after day. Its hard to be involved in peoples conversations when theyre often talking bad about somebody. And I dont want to seclude myself either. I really try to be nice to and talk to everyone, even the ones that seem like outcasts. I try to help people out with cleaning up or whatever when I can (but there are some times when I just dont feel like it that day. :/) But Im trying to shine the light of Christ into what can be a dark place. And actually this year I have found out that there are at least 2 other Christian ladies working there too. They have been really encouraging. I worked with one of them, Sandy, a couple days and it was nice to talk about spiritual things and how to talk to non-Christians coworkers.

There is one lady specifically whom I had worked with before and whom Sandy works with almost every day. My first day back I was telling this lady about my internship with the Student Venture ministry and she replied with, "Well, just dont preach to me. Im Lutheran, you know how we are." I assured her that I wouldnt preach to her, but I wanted to know more. So I didnt shy away from asking her questions through out the day that led to spiritual things. For example the topic of death came up some how and we had an interesting conversation about that. I didnt take it real far because she didnt seem real friendly or interested in the answer.

So then today I was talking to Sandy again and she was telling me how she thinks I had gotten to this lady when I was talking to her about death because she has made some comments to Sandy about me. The lady noticed that I sometimes read my Bible during break and even commented that I shouldnt be allowed to do that. wow. But after hearing this, all I could do is smile! I wasnt discouraged or upset at all. I was glad that she is bothered by what I said to her and that Im reading my Bible because I think God is working in her heart.

Then I was also encouraged today because the other Christian lady made a point to tell me that she feels that I bring a peace to the factory. She said its like God is present. And that she notices that I take time for prayer and devotion, focusing on what I should. I really appreciated that comment because I dont even know the lady that well and she felt the need to tell me what she saw in me. It brightened my day and helped me realize that I really can be a light just by my actions when I dont feel like Im talking to people about spiritual things as much as I should. God continues to bless me and encourage me through people at the factory-the last place I would have expected it! What a mysterious and wonderful God we serve. :)

Friends, could you please pray for the people at the factory I work in. For God to open their hearts to his truth and grace. For opportunities for me to have spiritual conversations with my coworkers and show them His truth and love. And for me to have boldness when God has placed the opportunities in front of me.