A New York City Escapade - Part 2

All of a suden, I saw a tall, older man around 6’3, 300 plus pounds, motioning me to come to his corner, offering me his seat. I summoned the girls to follow suit, hoping this friendly man could be our angel or protector. Before I could even take off my gloves and hat, he asked me: “Are you a Seventh-day Adventist?”, “Yes, Sir, I am”, was my quick reply. “Do you attend the Norfolk SDA Church?” he asked again. “I used to, Sir. We just transferred our membership to the Far West End Church in Richmond a few months ago,” I volunteered.

“I knew it’s you. I recognized you and the girls." he said, "You see, I live here in New York, but once a month I go to work in Norfolk as a welder for a week. I always go the Norfolk church on Sabbath. I cannot forget you because you have the warmest smile every Sabbath, whether you are leading the song service or telling the children’s story. I always feel welcomed because of you. I did not see you lately and have been wondering where you went. It’s funny that I have to meet you here in Chinatown of all places”, he laughed.

While the wind was howling outside and while passengers were still fighting and arguing for their seats, this elderly man came to our rescue and gave us seats. We talked about the church, New York City and its gangsters, riots and danger. I felt safe with his presence.

When the Chinese lady finally told us to gather our belongings and follow her five blocks around the dirty and mud-streaked streets of Chinatown to get to the bus, he helped us with our luggage. God sent this man at the very right time in Chinatown.
I learned one precious lesson that day: the way we behave in any situation tells a story to the world of what type of person we are. We do not really know how our actions in every day situations can influence someone. May I always be a smiling vessel of love to those I come in contact with every day. And may they see Jesus in me.

Mother Theresa once said, “It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters. Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love."

Tune in next week for Part III (The Chinese Driver)

By Raylene Baumgart