“So the woman left her water jar and went…into town and said…, ‘Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?’” (John 4:28-29). The other day, I was on a flight from Venice to Hamburg. The gentleman sitting next to me (pictured) was studying a travel guide on African safaris. I asked whether he was planning a trip there. In an American accent, he replied that he was. I mentioned that I was flying to Kenya this summer. He asked, “On business?” I said, “Yes,” nodding. He got back to his reading. As we were approaching Hamburg, I inquired whether he was heading back to the States. “Toronto,” he said. “I’m Canadian… And you?” “American, but I live here in Germany. I’m a missionary.” “A missionary? In Germany?” I had to smile because I’ve heard that question countless times. “Only six percent of Germans have an active faith in Jesus. Germany these days definitely needs missionaries.” “I had no idea,” he responded. “I work with Iranian refugees, many of whom are turning to Christianity.” “Why is that?” he wondered. “There are many historic reasons. But here’s the upshot: most Iranians are fed up with Islam because of its cruelty and legalism. But quite a few are discovering that Christianity is all about love and forgiveness.” With a slightly pained expression, he shifted in his seat. “We’ll see how this war turns out,” I said, “But we’re praying that these evil dictators will soon disappear, so that Christianity can flourish.” “Hmm,” he replied, perhaps relieved that we had touched down and this chat was over. As the Woman at the Well told the villagers about Jesus, so we Christians are called to witness about our Lord, as we are able. Ultimately, though, in this case, it’s a conversation between this man and the Holy Spirit. In the meantime, I continue to pray for freedom for the Iranian people and also for my fellow traveler, that the Holy Spirit would keep the conversation about Jesus going and open his heart.
The Tiews in Germany 