"What? Really?" I questioned inwardly. The woman's response took me by surprise! My reaction, in turn, made her eyes widen.
Gayle and I had traveled from Bluffton, Indiana, to see the Sight and Sound production of "Ruth" at the Ohio Star Theater in Sugar Creek, Ohio. After finishing our meal at an Amish style restaurant near the theater, I excused myself to the restroom. As is typical at large restaurants and theaters, a lengthy line spilled from the women's restroom. Suddenly, a loud, robust sneeze escaped me, leading to an apologetic exchange with the woman next to me, "I'm so sorry. Despite my efforts over the years, I've never managed a dainty, ladylike sneeze." We shared a laugh, and noting her friendly demeanor, I inquired, "Where are you from?"
"Canton, Ohio. And you?" she asked.
"Though we're currently in Bluffton, Indiana, you probably can guess I'm from Texas by my accent.”
She smiled, "Yes, my sister, Brenda, just moved from Texas to Canton."
The mention of Texas piqued my curiosity, prompting me to ask, "Where in Texas did she live?"
"Los Fresnos, Texas," she answered.
I was astounded, replying instantly, "What? Really? That's where I live, too."
Just then, two stalls became available, ending our conversation. After exiting the restroom without seeing the woman again, I recounted the incident to Gayle. To our surprise, the woman reappeared, inviting us to meet her sister Brenda, who was on the restaurant's porch. It was incredible to think that God had led Brenda and us, both from the small town of Los Fresnos, Texas (8200 population), to cross paths in Ohio, 1600 miles away. We were certain, beyond any doubt, that God had directed our paths as stated in Psalm 37:23, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way." Gayle and I knew that our encounter with Brenda and Pam was a God connection. For only God could do all that! Therefore, we presented His gospel tool, GOD STORIES booklets, to Brenda and Pam which they accepted with enthusiasm.
After leaving their presence and knowing this encounter was no coincidence, Gayle and I fervently prayed for the Lord to draw these women closer to Jesus Christ through the stories in the booklet of what an extraordinary God did in, for, and through the lives of the ordinary people featured in GOD STORIES. What a God Connection!
Gayle and Myrna Brogdon
Los Fresnos, Texas
Bluffton, Indiana
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