Moments with Meryl
by Meryl Langley

Before visiting my elderly aunt in hospital, I was concerned that she hear clearly the gospel of Jesus Christ again before it was too late. Anyway, this particular day, our whole family and my dad had gone to see my aunt. Whilst there, sitting amongst other visitors, also with relatives and friends, I overheard a conversation about religion. One lady made mention of "born again" Christians and so now, I was actively listening! "I’d really like to know what they are," she was saying. I raised my voice and said "Would you really like to know, because I am born again?" She said she would and I explained that it meant being born of God’s Spirit: that an internal change takes place and Jesus Christ now resides in me. I also told of how I became a Christian and what it means to me personally, today. Then a nurse came in to administer medication to the patients. As the silence fell, I thought, "What on earth am I doing in such a public place, taking control of this discussion?" Quickly I said to myself, "There is no independent me doing this, but Jesus Christ through me is being for these people."

Once the nurse had gone on her way, one of the elderly patients said she had lived a good life and so thought she would go to heaven. I told her that the important thing is not what we think, but what God says: the only way to Him is through Jesus Christ. She agreed with me she was a sinner, but when I asked if she believed Jesus came to earth and died on the Cross, she said she would need to think about that. Jim and I then talked about faith, what the Bible says about Jesus Christ and gave a very simple outline of how to be saved. After this, one of the visitor’s relatives who was obviously antagonistic, said "Not many will go to heaven according to you, then," and then she stormed out. I knew the dark could not bear to be around the light.

It was later that day, I realised God had not only given me the perfect opportunity to explain to a lady about being born again, but that once more, the way of salvation had been heard by my aunt. Praise God!!