“I’m not religious, but I consider myself spiritual. I’m searching for a spiritual experience on this trip,” our new friend, Sophie, explained to us (name changed for privacy). Emmery and I had intentionally taken a seat in front of her on the chicken bus from Antigua to Parramos, as we made our way back to the AIM base. Sophie is an American woman in her 40’s, and she was the first American I’d ever seen on a chicken bus besides those of us associated with Adventures in Missions. She asked us for directions to Lake Atitlan, and we eagerly responded and then began a conversation with her. Like many tourists who visit Guatemala, she was captivated by the beauty of the country and the spiritual atmosphere. Guatemala feels peaceful and, despite the chaos of traffic flow, has a slow pace of life. Sophie was taking a week off of work at her attorney’s office to find peace and rest here. She planned to join a yoga group on the lake, visit Mayan ruins, and explore local culture.
Emmery and I quickly recognized the opportunity we had to connect as Americans and to share the gospel with her. Sophie told us about her life, her love for travel, and her experiences with religion. I’m always surprised by how open people are to sharing what they believe, but a kind attitude and an eagerness to listen makes people feel safe and willing to share. After connecting, asking questions, and encouraging her, we decided to press in and seek to understand her purpose here. Sophie wanted a spiritual experience. She’s not interested in religion, and finds herself quite content in life, but wants a spiritual experience and traveled to Guatemala to find it. We shared parts of our own testimonies and experiences with religion and our current experience in relationship with Jesus and Holy Spirit. Though she wasn’t interested in embracing life with Christ during our conversation, Emmery and I are praying that she would have a radical encounter with Jesus. We are praying that Sophie’s desire for a spiritual experience at the lake would be answered by the one true God and that she would experience Holy Spirit in a deeply spiritual way, leaving her forever changed.
If you’re reading this and you relate to Sophie’s story, I have a couple of questions for you…
Does religion sound unappealing to you?
Same. Jesus came to set us free from religion and invite us into relationship with himself. No need to perform, strive, attend, do, prove, or earn. It’s a free gift, and it’s abundant life.
Are you looking for a spiritual experience?
So am I. The one-true God desires you & invites you to become a temple of his Holy Spirit. Walking with the Spirit is a way of life that never ends and you don’t have to travel to Guatemala or go on vacation to find the peace, love, and power that he gives without restraint. You can have a spiritual encounter with the Living God right where you are.
If you’re interested in hearing more about life in relationship with God, I’d love to talk! You matter to God, so you matter to me.
Love, Kara
Love, love, love your heart and intentionality with people. So glad to have met you!!
Incredibly well said and to the point Kara. These simple conversations and testimonies are so important to tell because it shows how easy it is to share your faith! Love you! Thankful you had this encounter. I’m sure you were a delight. I’m proud of you!