The Gospel in action: Interwoven experiences

Along the way
“Taking the same route every day, I usually come across a multitude of people. There are those who cross the street when they shouldn’t, those who honk at me for a jumpstart at the traffic light, those who try to cut in front of me… Luckily, at times I manage to remember that each one of them is a brother and so… even the most chaotic traffic becomes less complicated. It was particularly hot one day, and I noticed that a vagabond, whom I had seen many times, had fainted on the sidewalk. That was his street corner, and that piece of carton was his house.
“He generally did not appear to be sick, and I had never stopped for him before, but seeing that something was wrong, even if I was late in my deliveries, I couldn’t act as if nothing had happened. My van, however, stuck in a zone of intense traffic, immediately called the attention of the local police, who from afar made signs to make a move. I mimed that I wanted to take a look at that person in trouble. They continued to urge me to go away, pointing to the booklet of fines. I thought that they themselves should have taken care of the man, but seeing their indifference, I ran into a bar to get a fresh drink for that poor man. When I returned, I caressed his cheek gently so as not to waken him suddenly. Thank God he regained consciousness but was tired and scared. I put the glass to his lips and he answered with a smile, thanking me continually. In the end, also the policemen arrived and seeing that scene, put the fines booklet back into their pockets and greeted me with a smile.”  Alexander – Greece

Bouncers
“I alternate my studies with work as a ‘bouncer’ in a pub: not a fulfilling job at all and at times, even risky, especially when you have to deal with drunks. One month, the Word of Life invited us to be the first to love. How could I live that at my work? As a start I tried to be the first to smile and greet the clients, even if I got no response. After a week, to my great joy, I saw that people started to answer my greetings. So, it worked! And to add, if before with the more ‘difficult’ guys I would adopt harsh methods, now seeing Jesus in every person, I try to be polite, and take interest in him. In this way, in critical moments I manage to avoid brawls and calm people down. And it is in a sense, a preventive measure which furthermore earns the esteem of my clients and my boss. And if anyone asks me why I act this way, it is the occasion to speak about God who is Love. The atmosphere in the club now has changed, and resulted in attracting new clients.”  M. – Polynesia