Putting His Word in her hands

This afternoon I was in the mall bookstore buying a Bible diary for my friend. It includes the daily Mass readings, a simple reflection for each day, and a place to journal your thoughts and prayers.

Taking time to meditate on Scripture is a daily practice for every missionary.
Having the jungle as a backdrop is just an added bonus.

The young woman behind the checkout counter examining my selection commented, "Wow, it's so nice."

"Do you have a book like this?" I asked her. "Oh, no," she quickly responded.

"Will you buy one for yourself?" I probed.

She giggled a little nervously, probably wondering why this white American girl she had never seen before was taking such an interest in her personal life. "Maybe later....after my pay day."

I knew immediately this was just a polite way of saying "no." The book cost 250 pesos, about $5.50, but here in the Philippines that same amount can easily pay for several complete meals, or even 5 kilos of rice. Obviously this woman's hard-earned money would be spent on essentials like food and rent before considering an unnecessary purchase such as this book.

"Would you like to have one? I'll buy it for you," I offered nonchalantly. This was a bit of a gamble on my part, but she seemed so sincere in expressing her desire for it that I figured she just might accept.

"Oh, no! That's so generous of you. I can't...."

I grinned like a little child who has for the first time experienced the pure delight of giving a gift and being rewarded by the gratitude of the receiver. "I'm a Catholic missionary," I explained. "I like to buy these books for my friends so they can read the Bible every day. What's your name?"

Her name was Eunice, and she didn't quite know what to do with herself or with me, for that matter. I purchased both books and returned one to her, watching the expression on her face transform from bewildered to happily surprised.

"Are you all friends?" I asked her two coworkers who were shyly smiling and observing the whole exchange from behind the counter. "You have to share it with them, okay?" I instructed her.

She willingly agreed to do so, and I caught her grateful smile one last time as I walked out the door. What a simple, unadorned moment of evangelization! For five dollars, I had the supreme privilege of making the Word of God available to a soul seeking to know Christ. What more should I desire but to make Him known and loved?

My sweet Jesus, thank you for reminding me again of the mission You have given us to spread the Gospel to all the earth!