It was a late flight home back to Atlanta from a weeklong training somewhere in the Midwest. I was relaxing in my airline seat (pre-pandemic) watching people board the plane. 

I glanced across the aisle. The couple sitting across from me were reading a newsletter of some kind. As I focused on the issue the gentleman was reading, I thought it looked familiar. Very familiar. 

I realized it was “The Gospel News.” 

I looked at the couple and determined that I did not recognize them (not that I know everyone in the church, but a good percentage), so I decided to find out who they were.

I leaned over the aisle and asked the gentleman what he was reading. He quickly responded that it was a church newsletter and explained its content. Of course, I asked the name of the church. Again he quickly answered with no hesitation. 

I decided I had been mean enough and revealed my identity and apologized for my game. 

The travelers were Brother Larry and Sister Kathy Perkins from Detroit Branch 1. We had a nice chat for the rest of the flight. (And I hope they forgave me a long time ago.)

I share this story because it illustrates the scriptures “be instant in season” and “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” 

My brother and sister passed the test with flying colors. They shared their hope in the gospel to a stranger while flying to a strange city, on a mission of mercy for a dear friend.  

They could have found a lot of excuses not to discuss their beliefs. Instead, they freely shared what they had freely received. 

There are opportunities everywhere to share the Gospel. We just need to be open and ready.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.