A Torn Bumper Sticker

I won't go into deep detail about my incredible opportunity to serve God this week but it all was arranged by our Lord from a simple bumper sticker.

A man full of so much hurt from losing a loved one was on the edge of suicide. We first met last week when I purchased this individual's furniture (for our store Nearly New).

He seemed OK at the time. Wednesday he called and asked for me to come and buy some paintings he had. We usually don't buy personal paintings but I felt the push to go and take a look on my way home from our store.

Shortly after arriving I realized his call had nothing to do about paintings, this man was at rock bottom. Very unstable , drinking, and talking about suicide. All his money was gone, car was gone, his cat is dying and the love of his life has left. He is around forty five, she is a lot older then him.

Through conversation I established he was born again but his faith was fading fast. He was ready to give up on life because of his downward spiral, I asked how he knew I was a Christ follower.

He stated, “I read your bumper sticker when you left the first time we met.”

I have much more to share then I wish to write but Dan is still with us on earth at this moment. He asked me not to call the police because of his suicidal attitude.

I responded it wasn't the police Dan I would worry about, its Jesus whom you will be standing in front of possibly this evening trying to explain to Him how He gave you more then you Dan could handle. We shared events from the Bible and after a few minutes Dan replied loudly , "but I have nothing !" Very loud and unstable I might add.

The first thing that came to mind I responded softly but firmly, " Dan you said you were a child of God (Born Again), then how is it you say you have nothing ? A self absorbed multi millionaire has nothing , everything he has will come to past , Dan, you have eternity with Christ that will always last."

He just stopped and cried again. We prayed , We wept. We hugged. We talked and still are even today. I have never in my life seen a grown man cry so hard as Dan did. Please keep him in your prayers and me. I pointed him into the direction of the Word of God and I pray he runs to Jesus for healing. There is a spiritual war going on out there. Satan is encouraging him to drink and check out. Hopefully Dan will join me in Church this Sunday. Remember everyone, God can use just a plain old torn up bumper sticker sometimes. Praise God Amen.
" in His hands"
(update)

Dan is still with us here on earth. Since I shared with you all in some detail ,Dan seems to be on his way towards a relationship with the Lord. Last week he told me his electric bill was going to be shut off Monday 3/3/08. He called to tell me that out of nowhere his electric bill was paid last Friday by someone out of state. HMMMM, coincidental some might say, but not for us that know God personally.

Dan did go to church with me Sunday and went forth to the front and made the greatest fall a man can make: To his knee's. He wept in repentance and cleared the way for communication between him and God. He called today and wanted to share scripture he was reading. What a blessing to hear Dan is seeking wisdom from God. I couldn't help but to shed a few tears in hearing about Dan's new found desire to know Jesus more.

Is there anything more valuable then being used by God in reaching a lost soul? Not for this reformed country boy. Praise God and glory be to God. Please keep Dan in your prayer, he needs to find an income real soon.

Dan will be just fine now I truly believe. Oh how I still stand in awe, all from a torn up bumper sticker, which read “Are you a good person/need God.com.”
I love you all

Eric Burt
Englewood, Fl