Sudden Nudge by the Alley–April 2025

My friend Tanion and I took a trip to downtown Seattle for some intentional outreach in late April. After stopping at Adoration House for some time to worship and pray, we came to downtown Seattle and had a picnic lunch along the Puget Sound where Logan and I had ministered to “C” the week before. God had put the spot on my heart, yet there wasn’t really any leading to minister to anyone as we ate our lunch and observed people coming and going. A few casual “hellos” didn’t lead to anything and soon after we finished eating, we felt the Lord leading us on. There are never identical days when we are “fishers of men….” But the Spirit truly knows what He is doing!

We had a few opportunities to talk and minister as we walked back from the sound towards the subway station. But where I want to focus on today was an encounter that happened as we were walking towards the park. A young man pulled up in a scooter right as we were passing an alley just a block from the park. I felt the prompting to talk to him, but continued on a few steps. The prompting continued as he got off his scooter and walked into the alley. So, we turned around and I called to the man in the alley.

Normally, I like to make small talk and go a bit slower when doing evangelism. But there is a place for being bold and direct. This was one of those times. Very early on in our conversation, I told “Ct” that we were looking for people to pray for and asked what he would like God to do for him. He was interested and told us his upper back had been having issues (though not currently) and he was having issues with jobs. He allowed us to lay hands on his shoulders and pray for healing. We did so and he was grateful. We clearly had his attention and he was eager to keep talking to us.

I asked him where he was with God, and he shared how he tries hard to do his best and that he was navigating through exactly what he believes. This is a very common response we get in Seattle, but it never fails to stir my heart to help lead a person to the truth of Jesus. I shared that all of us will eventually conclude our lives on this earth, and then I asked him if he were to stand before God, why should God let him into heaven? He again referenced his performance and how he was trying hard to do what was right. I told him that all religions require their followers to adhere to some type of moral behavior in order to earn favor with their god, but Christianity is different than all other religions. In Christianity, God required perfection and we all failed. So we feel condemnation of never being able to fully measure up. But God came to us through the person of Jesus Christ and was perfect for us–so when we trust in Him we can receive His righteousness, be forgiven and be freed from that condemnation.

He told us he had to get to his car as his parking was up, but was very thankful for the Pocket Testament booklet we gave him. He asked why we talked to him and I shared how God had highlighted him to me and how I believe God was pursuing him. I shared how we probably would never see him again but he would remember this encounter. He asked for a way to stay in touch with me and I gave him my card with my number. He was truly blessed as he left and I could tell he was pondering what we said. May the Lord send people to water “Cr” so he can be born again!