Joshua

I was heading back to my office after stopping by the First Baptist Church off Deerfield Dr. in Truckee. Not too excited to get on the freeway in my little 4 banger toyota, I decided to forgo the whole experience of being like the "Little Engine that Could" chanting "I think I can I think I can" and just take West River Street into Downtown Truckee. In turning left I noticed that there was this guy with long blonde hair taking the cross walk, as if he were going to walk towards Tahoe City heading South on Hwy 89. I thought nothing of it and made my left turn like any other day. As soon as I did, it was though God were speaking to my heart saying, "Turn around and help that guy out". I flipped a U turn and headed down 89 south to see the guy still walking and stickin out his thumb. This in Tahoe terms means, "Bro I need a ride"... it might be a universal thing as well, but I don't know. Anyways, I stopped... picked him up and then asked him where he was going. He told me Tahoe City and I answered saying, "I can take you to Squaw hop in". So we were off heading towards Squaw when I began to ask him a series of questions... Here's how it went:

Q: What do you think is the spiritual climate of the Truckee/Tahoe area?
A: I think that people are pretty open to hearing about beliefs and they will listen if you respect them.

Q: Do you consider yourself spiritual or do you hold to any specific world view?
A: I was raised in a sect of Christianity called "The Way". My parents were both Christians and my dad tried to teach me to love God and love others. He is one of my best friends and I respect him greatly.

Q: Have you ever read the Bible?
A: I have read parts, but not the whole thing.

Q: Do you believe it is God's Word to man?
A: I have a hard time thinking that a man, who is fallible, could be used to accurately translate the Words of God.
- I replied, well if God is Perfect in all His ways and all knowing, is it possible that He could speak directly to man in a way that man would not screw it up?
A: Huh? I haven't thought of that.

Q: Would you be open to learning more about it?
A: Definitely

Q: Do you believe in Absolute Truth?
A: Maybe, it is hard because there are so many religions claiming that they are the only way and that their way is the right way.

Q: Do you believe that Jesus was a real person?
A: Yes

Q: Who do you believe He was?
A: The Son of God.

Q: What does that mean to you?
A: I think that it means He was an example for us on how to live and respect others.

Q: Would you ever consider sitting and talking again?
A: No prob... it would be my pleasure.

It was then that we rolled up to Squaw. I gave him my email and the blog. Hopefully Joshua will check it out.

TO JOSHUA:
My hope here is that you will investigate the Bible. Test it and see if it is true... investigate the claims of Jesus, as well as others.

TO THE CHRISTIAN:
Don't get too comfortable going through the everyday motions of life. Be distracted away from everyday life to reach out to someone who needs to know Jesus.