A True Story of HIM Matchmaking | Submitted by Julia
HIM conference 2013 is a conference I will never
forget — it changed my life. The Lord works in mysterious ways — and in my
case, it is no different. Attending several conferences prior, I was expecting
the usual motivational speeches and Christian fellowship that would refresh and
empower my spirit. What I wasn't expecting was God flipping my world upside
down.
During the conference I met up
with colleagues from my work, long time friends, as well as church
members. On the first Thursday evening I connected with my church's youth
group, young men and women whom I have worked closely with for many years, led
by our new youth pastor. Having to wait for some of the late attendees, the
youth pastor, John, and I had a chance to chat. During the course of the
conference we had several other opportunities to be together in group
discussions or fellowship periods. I thoroughly enjoyed the conference — the
speakers are truly blessed — and yet I also believe that the in between — the
sweet dialogue, discourse, reconnecting with others about life and spiritual
matters spring boarding from the seminars or speakers — is also amazing as
well.
The last day — Saturday — one of the youth girls
was debating whether to stay for the last session. John and I convinced her to
stay, and we picked up lunch before the closing ceremonies. Having purchased
our sandwiches we took the escalator to find a suitable eating area. The girl
asked me where my favorite place was to go on a mission's trip. I replied that
I had found the most joy going to Thailand and ministering to young orphans. I
began to elaborate on how God worked through the team that went, how He used
our hands and feet, and how we returned having been ministered to as well. This
discourse (mostly me talking) lasted for quite a while and I had not yet eaten
a single bite of my sandwich.
Ending my talk with an encouragement to find a
mission either far or near — wherever God calls — I asked John to say what he
thought on missions. He proceeded to take the mantel and continue telling her
on how one can be a missionary in own’s own community. He used his own
experiences to encourage her to be a light and minister where God has placed
her right now — especially at her school.
I was shocked that our talks seemed so seamlessly
to connect, but we hadn't planned it. I hadn't been looking for someone to
build a relationship with — but God lit the light bulb in my mind.
Someone once told me we should run hard and fast after God, and the person
running beside us (also running towards God) is the person we should consider
to begin a relationship with. During his talk I was saying to God, "Lord,
he's running next to me! Ahh, this is strange and wonderful. But I now know
that John is someone very special (maybe even special for me)."
My world was flipped — and yet it took another
month for him to ask me out on our first date. Strangely enough, I didn't
disclose to him this story of my revelation until several months into our
dating, when we were both on the same mission's trip to Thailand (the one I had
talked about to the girl).
It has been a year since last HIM conference and
though I will be attending the opening session John will not be. However, there
is a ring on my finger and a story of how HIM brought us together (well, mostly
God).
Thank you,
Julia
