A middle-aged woman walked right up to me, blocking my path. She studied my face a long time before speaking. I waited patiently, and wondered, while other WalMart shoppers maneuvered the crowded aisles around us.

“Do you know if I can get a smaller bottle of laundry soap?” she finally asked in a light, British accent. “I only need a small amount.”

“I’ll help you look,” I replied and followed her down a long, colorful aisle of endless large boxes and bottles of detergents. I explained that WalMart wasn’t a good store for small quantities and that she could try another store.

As she turned away, I pawed through my purse for a tract to give her. (I often carry British “Four Laws” with the London address on the back; we run into a lot of Brits in our part of town.) When I discovered I only had the American version, I looked up and saw her far down at the end of the aisle, turning into the stream of shoppers.  I didn’t know how to try to introduce the tract to her now, after “the moment was gone,” but I felt compelled to follow after her anyway.

I caught up to her after she turned down another aisle. I mumbled awkwardly about following her, and then I was surprised to see we were standing in front of another display of detergent! I was so relieved to have another reason to be with her!  We chose a smaller bottle that would work for her vacation. I then handed her “Would You Like To Know God Personally,” which is based on the British version of the “Four Spiritual Laws.”

When I’m traveling or interacting with a tourist (we live in a high-tourism area), I often feel compelled to speak to them about Christ, since I know I’ll obviously not cross their path again.

Do you keep tracts in your pocket or purse?  Are you willing to talk to people about Christ on your errands?

© Sus Schmitt 2012