Last night as my family and I finished dropping off our friend, Christina S., at the Buffalo airport I had a most unique opportunity to share the gospel… with a Canadian Customs Agent.

 

As we returned over the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge, I was asked what I had to declare. I mentioned that I had about $50 in books that I had ordered online. The guard asked me what kind of books they were and I told him “theological books.” Since there was a long line behind us, I thought that would be the end of the conversation. But, it wasn’t. He asked me if I was a priest and I told him, no, I was a pastor. And I’m not sure if it was boredom, curiosity or if he was trying to tell if I was lying about the books but then he asked me a series of questions. The first was “What’s the difference between a priest and a pastor other than you can get married [looking over at my wife] and that’s obviously a better lifestyle for you?” He then followed up with questions about the worship of Mary and then finally “What’s the major difference between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism?” I tried my best to answer his questions thoughtfully and to bring a gospel element into it, but, it was all too short and we were soon on our way again.

 

Whatever the purpose or ultimate outcome of the encounter, it reminded me of the need for readiness that Peter calls us to in 1 Peter 3:15: “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…” This readiness is facilitated by a prayerful approach to daily living. This in turn helps us to show the concern and love of Christ to all the border guards, cashiers, police and others that we might interact with in our daily environment. Who knows when you might get a chance to briefly share the Gospel? Are you ready?