Lino and Cathy Padilla killing time in Cancun

Killing Time is Part of Travel

There’s the rush to get to the airport; then the wait begins. We found ourselves killing time in Moline where our flight began. Then Chicago, next Mexico City, lastly Cancun. My wife Cathy and I were headed to one of our favorite vacation spots for a few days of R and R.

The whole four days was super enjoyable—we just were killing time before it killed us! No worries, to struggles, no taxes, just relaxing together.

On the return trip we were again killing time at the Cancun Airport. More waiting, of course. We got haircuts. With maybe twenty or thirty minutes to go I decided to get my shoes shined. One of the bigger decisions of the day had been to choose which shoes to wear, the tennis shoes or the regular. I choose the regular, I don’t know why.

With ten dollars remaining I wondered if I had enough for the shine. “But yes, sit down,” invited the shoe shine man. He was about sixty years old and looked like he’d been shining shoes forever.

Suddenly, I Was No Longer Killing Time

As I took my seat, I began immediately to get a sense of purpose. “Do you believe in God?” I asked the man after a moment of small talk. “Yes, I go to the xxxxxxxxx church.” Suddenly, I was no longer killing time; I was on a mission. I moved into the gospel mode. Or should I say battle mode? I urgently wanted to see this guy saved.

I gave him the good news about Jesus Christ. “Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. Going to church is not enough. Believing in God is not enough. Even the demons believe and shudder! Do you want to be saved?”

“Yes,” came his clear reply.

“Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again from the dead. Are you ready to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior?”

Again, “yes,” he replied.

Right then I knew why I’d worn the leather instead of the tennis shoes.

“If you died tonight, would you go to heaven?”

“No! I don’t think so, “came his honest response.

“If you want to go to heaven you need to receive Jesus Christ. Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

We had talked about twenty or thirty minutes, this shoe shining guy and I. He received Christ Jesus right on the spot through a simple prayer of faith.

My Wife Was Not Just Killing Time

During this time, my wife was not just killing time. She knew eternity was at stake. She was praying. After a few minutes she gave the man some information about a church we knew; then we were on our way.

As I look back, I felt like Elijah. So many people in the Cancun Airport—maybe 10,000 or so. But why this guy? Why did I end up talking with him?  Why did I wear the leather shoes? There were many widows in Elijah’s day, but he was sent to only one. And here I was. Out of the 10,000 God sent me to just one.

Lino Padilla is a friend and and inspiration to me. He and his wife Cathy have been sent out into ministry from the Church of the Living Water according to the pattern of a New Testament Church.

Attention: All Who are Located in the Muscatine, Iowa area. No More Killing Time–

Instead, let’s invest our precious time. The Scriptures say

Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near (Heb 19:24-25).

Praise Report

 Wow! What a wonderful resurrection gathering on Easter Sunday morning. Note all the people who responded to our invitations to come hear the choir. No one was disappointed!

Next up

 God has given the CLW a beautiful building and grounds. Workdays are happy days—Saturday, April 26, 8:30 ‘til tired. Bring your gloves and a friend.

 Get filled with the Holy Spirit—Prayer with tongues is part of this holy, infilling time. Come at 8:00 am.

To Whom Did Christ Appear after His Resurrection and Why Each Appearance Matters Today is the title of the message. You will be inspired and your presence will encourage others, just as the Scriptures say. There will also be a time to edify the church according to 1 Cor 14:26. These are meaningful times—prepare now.

Did you know the CLW supports native workers in the Far East? Sunday we are planning a video report with Gospel for Asia.

The Adult Bible Study will begin an experiment of learning the Keyword of each Old Testament book using DVD or flashcards. If you want to be able to remember each book of the OT, now is your chance. We start at 9:00 am.

Come and bring someone with you. God’s presence changes lives.

Now Back to Killing Time with Lino and Cathy Padilla

Thanks for your example in evangelism. You inspire us!