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Touch Point - Subway Adventures
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Pocket Full of Quarters Trek 2009 – Give ‘em Heaven
Touch Point –Subway Adventures
By Cheryle M. Touchton
The Pocket Full of Quarters Lady
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, Matt 28:18-19 NIV
I’ve had such adventures on subways. I’m not any better at subway navigation than highway navigation. I’ve been lost many times, sometimes late at night. Once my nephew Bill and I accidently ended up in Harlem, New York when we were trying to travel to Central Park (express trains – who knew?). I’ve had doors slam on me and ridden next to people who smelled bad, were sick, or had Satanic tattoos and spiked hair. I’ve been entertained and threatened on subways, once by the same person. I’ve given out tracts, witnessed to people, sung hymns, and now I’ve given the Gospel to an entire subway car.
It was late at night and Bob and I wearily climbed on a New York subway. We had a long ride ahead of us and had been out witnessing to people for 14 hours. I expected to sit and sleep with my head on his shoulder. God had other plans.
Muslim students from Denmark filled the car. They were in New York studying world religions so they could better interact with other religions. Just that morning, Inside Out Ministries had given me a packet of pamphlets entitled “World Religions.” I hadn’t even opened them yet but had been assured that the facts were correct and they were even-handed. Since they were a Christian publication, I knew they contained information at the end on how to become a Christian.
“We heard a Christian - Muslim debate tonight,” one of the young female students said excitedly. All I could see was the center of her lovely face surrounded by a circle of white. “We believe Jesus was a prophet. Christians believe He was God and the Savior of the World.”
“That’s right,” I told the group. “I have something I think you’ll enjoy.” I spoke in my “outside voice” so all the students could hear over the clackity clack clack of the tracks.
“I just got it today so I haven’t read it yet but the title is World Religions. I think I have enough for everyone. Would you like one?”
They eagerly nodded so I opened the package and started handing them out. I talked as I walked around, trying to keep my balance, and not dump my overly full purse and camera all over the subway.
“I know you believe in Jesus and that he was a prophet,” I said. “I’m a Christian. We also believe Jesus was a prophet but He was much more. Jesus is my Savior, teacher, and God. I have a personal relationship with Him because I invited Him to be a part of my life. When I prayed for Him to enter my life, He gave me the Holy Spirit, who is with me always.”
“Yes,” one of the women said. “There were 3 – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
“Correct,” I said. “You were listening. Jesus was God who came to earth as a baby. The Father is the Daddy who created us and rocks us when we cry. The Son is the Savior and Teacher. The Holy Spirit is the part of God that lives in us once we pray to invite Jesus into our lives. The world crucified Jesus but He rose from the dead. Christians believe He died for our sins. When we ask Him into our lives, He forgives us and doesn’t remember our past. It is the way to get into heaven. We call it grace. It is free.”
They listened carefully as they each looked through the pamphlet. There was one older woman glaring at me but she didn’t say anything or try to stop me. Eventually, she stood up and said something to three men who were with them. They walked over, looking stern.
“Hi,” I said, smiling at them. I started talking before they could say anything to me. “You must be with the students. They said they are here studying world religions and someone just gave me these pamphlets. I know they will enjoy them. I have enough for you too. Here, take one.” Surprisingly, they took them.
Before they could say another word, the train came to a stop and it was their turn to get off. As they walked off, I looked around realizing people on the train were stunned and staring at me. They’d heard every word.
Poor Bob had the most bemused look on his face. He’d been sitting silently during the entire discourse, wondering if he was going to have to rescue me. He’d seen the evil eyed female chaperone and watched her go get the men. He’d carefully observed the reaction of the rest of the train and knew they were hearing everything. Was he thinking back to that day over 40 years ago when he so tenderly asked me to marry him? Was he wondering what he’d gotten himself into?
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Cheryle M. Touchton is the Director of Pocket Full of Change Ministries. For more information or to schedule a speaker for an event, go to www.pocketfullofchange.org or call Gail Golden at 904 316-5462.
This ministry exists because people like you are called to help fund the work of the kingdom. To help keep the Pocket Full of Quarters Lady on the road as a traveling missionary, send your tax deductible contribution to Pocket Full of Change Ministries, POB 51205, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32240 or go to the donate button on the home page of this website.
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