Miracle In Philly
South Street, Philadelphia. “The Strip.” It was the “cool” place to be on a Friday night. Hot rods revving their motors and shops selling all sorts of things. It drew throngs of people, which is why we were there.
“We” were my buddies Tom, Ryan, and me – airmen stationed at McGuire AFB, N.J., in the mid-90s. We were single Christian guys who would do Bible studies, hit the gym, and hang out together. But on many Friday nights, we’d drive 45 minutes across the Delaware River to South Street to share the gospel.
Tom was fearless. He’d post himself on a corner and belt out Bible verses. Nothing fazed him. Ryan and I would talk to people one-on-one. I might buy a homeless guy a burger and share the gospel with him as he ate. Or I’d hand out gospel tracts. I still recall, with mild nausea, the only time I’ve ever been spit upon – right in my face! The Holy Spirit allowed me to calmly wipe the nastiness off my face and continue sharing the gospel.
One Friday evening in late fall it snowed heavily and South Street was virtually abandoned. We decided to return to the base. As we headed toward our car, I noticed a teenage kid with a skateboard about to cross the street. I told Tom and Ryan to keep going and I would catch up. I wanted to give the kid a gospel tract.
I yelled and got his attention. Since a snowstorm is no time for subtlety, I walked up to him and asked, “Has anyone ever told you about Jesus Christ?” He replied, “Nah, I don’t think so.” I quickly shared the gospel with him, then felt led to ask if he’d like to give his life to Christ. His face changed, he thought about it, then, very seriously, replied “Yeah…I really would.”
I almost fell over! I’m not sure I even knew what to do or say. This was not what I expected. I gathered myself and prayed with him as he asked God for forgiveness and to give him a new life. Afterward, I think I gave him a Bible. He threw his skateboard down and yelled back, “Thanks a lot, buddy!” as he skated off.
I stood shocked, wondering what had just happened, then started jogging to catch up with my buddies. They asked me if I was able to give the kid a gospel tract and they were as amazed as me when I replied, “I think I may have just led him to Christ.”
The Bible talks about some planting and some watering, but it’s God who gives the increase. I don’t claim to fully grasp what happened that night, but I pray it was at least some planting or watering. And, perhaps, it was a time of harvest. Regardless, I praise God that we get to be part of His plan to spread the gospel to the world, even South Street in Philly.
– Eric Hentnik
