“Oh, you’re the ones who keep to yourselves and don’t mix with other Christians,” said Graham’s seatmate, catching him by surprise.

Graham had been in Kirgizstan with the Jonas family researching a new project. As he waited for his flight home to finish boarding, he started a conversation with the man occupying the window seat whose name was Mark. Mark was a science teacher from the United Kingdom and had lived at one time in the same town where we had lived. He was now a consultant for Christian academies, traveling internationally to provide strategic support in curriculum development and to encourage the staff. He had just been visiting the same city where Graham was doing research. Graham was pleased to learn that there was a Christian academy there. Mark also told him about a Christian guest house, another useful piece of information. We always marvel at how God connects us with just the right people.

As they spoke more, Mark asked Graham about his church, and Graham replied that he was a Seventh-day Adventist. “Oh, you’re the ones who keep to yourselves and don’t mix with other Christians,” Mark said. Graham was able to share the many ways in which we had connected with other Christians and churches in towns where we had pastored. However, it left us wondering what impression we Adventists sometimes give to others around us. Are we mingling as salt and light in our communities, or are we huddled together with a holier-than-thou attitude?

We are humbled by the many giants of Christianity who have gone as missionaries in the past, blazing a trail for others to follow. Their stories continue to inspire us. We are grateful that God is willing to use anyone whose heart has been touched by the love of Jesus to share that love with others. Let’s continue doing our part to share the good news of the gospel, recognizing that it is the work of the Holy Spirit to lead people into all truth.

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