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