Sisters in Christ Saturday, January 05, 2008

My first thoughts were, “How is this going to work. How can I get to know someone that doesn’t even speak my language?” I had been called upon because a sister from Brazil was flying into town that evening. She needed transportation and someone to show her around to the different sites that were special to the ministry of our prophet, William Branham. I really didn’t know what to expect. All I knew was a single sister was coming for about a day and a half, and she spoke little English.

It was decided that another sister from our church would pick her up from the airport that evening. The next day, my mom and little sister were to take her around while I was at work. After work, I was to pick her up and take her to church that night (Wednesday), and then eventually back to her hotel.

That evening, I met the visiting sister, Elisangela. Some of the young people had gotten together to play volleyball, so she joined us. Although we didn’t know much about each other, and it was the first time we had ever seen each other in this life, there was something familiar about her. Whenever you come in contact with a fellow believer, you know it. There’s something that is sweet and welcoming. We were able to chat a little bit. She knew more English than I had expected. However, we did come across some barriers in our communication. We left that night both excited about the next day.

Some of my friends spoke Spanish and some Portuguese, so that helped when I needed to know something, such as what she wanted to do. The next afternoon I picked up Elisangela and my little sister. “Did you have a good day?” I asked. She nodded and smiled. When I asked her where she had gone that day she didn’t quite understand or couldn’t find words to respond, so I had to ask my sister. They had a good time that day visiting the places like the famous Schimpffs Confectionery that Brother Branham mentions, as well as Brother Branham’s grave site.

We went to church that night, one of the highlights of her visit. That night we listened to a shorter Message, but no matter the length of service, His Presence was still there. She took a few pictures, then we visited with brothers and sisters outside church before heading to meet some of the young people for a little bit. When we arrived at her hotel, something strange took place. There was this feeling of sadness that she was leaving. How could we have bonded between language barriers? Or the simple fact that we had met and known each other for a little over a full day? Many times we’d try to talk but mid-way would have to stop, because either I couldn’t explain what I was saying so she could understand, or she couldn’t find the right English words she was searching for so for me to understand.

Despite all that, somehow, there was a bond. A bond that can come only with sons and daughters of the King. We exchanged email addresses then hugged good-bye. It was more then just a visiting young lady, she was a fellow Christian traveler on life's journey. I look forward to Heaven one day where we can fellowship with no language barriers!