I called my grandfather as I usually do. He isn’t a Christian. In eighth or seventh grade, God put it on my heart to lead him to Christ. I’ve called him constantly, but never had a spiritual conversation. I didn’t know how to.
The secret to a spiritual conversation is how to get the conversation going, without being too pushy. You don’t always know a person’s attitudes towards Christianity or how they discuss, so you have to find that out. I naturally lack social judgement, so I tend to avoid spiritual conversations.
I’ve been discussing this with other believers and I will have to learn. The question is what opened my Grandfather’s heart to asking me about curch attendance?
I’ve been calling him since seventh or eighth grade. He is in his eighties, so he can be a bit lonely at times. I’ve also listened to what he has to say. He was a kid in the Great Depression, so he’s talked a lot about that. He’s also talked about some of the antiques and historical items in his house. There’s a lot of other stuff that he talks about that I could go into.
Granddad, which is what I call him, appreciates my calls. He even thanks me in the Sioux language. He doesn’t get out as much, so a phone call really makes his day. We’ve built quite a relationship.
I called Granddad on Sunday March 21, 2010. He actually asked me about my church attendance. The questions were about where I went. I was shocked and didn’t know what was going through his mind when he asked the questions. Granddad’s questions were a sign that he was more open to spiritual conversations.
I’m now learning how to have a spiritual conversation. Granddad is more open because I’ve taken the time to listen to him. I never mentioned anything spiritual because I am not sure if he’s ready.
Most importantly, I let God do the work. His weakness has become obvious in his old age. He might have some regret over the past and my mom did give him the salvation message in a letter. God is clearly doing some type of work in his life, but I don’t know what. I know that he will accept Christ if I make him the offer.
I need God’s strength to do this. It can feel overwhelming and difficult. I will probably call him on Thursday. A chiropractic adjustment will clear my mind.
In Christ,
James Tuttle
