Aaradhana: Lotus Pond

The lotus flowers have just begun to bloom

Our students have been working so hard. Long days of class, practicing, chores and bible reading. They are such a blessing to be around. Always happy to see you every day. Showing off their new found skills and asking questions. Julie decided they needed a well deserved break after being stuck in doors for a week and so we ventured off to Lotus Pond.

What a beautiful place. The photographer in me was just wishing Kingston had anything nearly as exotic for a wedding shoot. But, capturing the faces of young men who were thoroughly enjoying their day was even more rewarding.

We walked around the pond taking in the sites, stopping here, there and everywhere for pictures. We finished in a gazebo and pulled out the guitars. We noticed we'd picked up a few "extras" on our walk and they sat the entire time just soaking up the simple worship in this beautiful outdoor arena. Since they weren't leaving, I slowed the music down and explained what we were doing but more importantly WHY we were doing it. How we love Jesus and we sing for Him because of Him and we're not afraid to do it publicly. I asked if they "felt" anything during their time listening to us and they said..."we feel happy."

Julie jumped in and broke down the salvation message simplistically and perfectly. They still didn't leave. Turns out two of the young guys were muslim tailors and so we prayed for good business and more customers. The other older gentlemen was really being ministered to, you could just see it in his eyes. I asked him why he was afraid and couldn't sleep. He had many troubles on his mind about his family and life etc. I told him he would experience the PEACE of this Jesus we were singing about and asked if he would like to accept Him into his heart. He said yes.

Just then, the park guard was approaching our spot with a stick. It was closing time and I'm sure he didn't take kindly to us making all this racket and spreading the gospel. I quickly grabbed one of the students and said "William, have you ever led anyone to Christ?" He was able to lead this man through the salvation prayer with the guard impatiently standing by. 3 minutes led to an eternity with Christ.