As soon as he started speaking, though, it became clear that it was simply his testimony. He told about his younger years when he was really quiet and shy and how that all changed when he decided to be a Christian. That God helped him to come out of his shell and speak. His story was short and his message simple. He did not condom, patronize, or judge.
His humility and honesty were beautiful - he was not aggressive - his eyes skimmed above anyone's head. He just kept talking about how loved we all are - that God loves us all no matter what. He then passed out some little pamphlets with bible verses after he prayed with/for everyone. Not a prayer of conversion, just of blessing - for daily bread - not too much that we forget God - just as much as we need.
Anyway - no one on the tube would look at this guy. Newcomers to the train rolled their eyes and considered getting right back off. I nearly continued reading my paper until I saw my friend giving this man her full attention. It put me in check a little bit. Challenged me. So I was attentive as well. He didn't return our eyes. The train was silent - though whether that was due to his presence or normal tube culture I do not know.
Now, as a Christian, this is a typical message- one I hear most Sundays and certainly every day working in a Christian centre. So, though I felt uncomfortable in the circumstances, the message was not intrusive, offensive, or out of line at all. I don't know what it would be like if I were a person of a different faith or of no faith at all. My general feel about this guy was that he brought a sense of peace with him. He was really speaking from his heart and nowhere else. But I really cannot say what it would feel like to have someone telling me that a God loves me that I do not believe in. I don't know and I'd be curious to find out.
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