I got some news earlier this week that I'm not really sure what to do with.  Charl, the manager at the Sunflower that I've been really intentional about building a relationship with, told me on Monday that he'll be moving to Cape Town in a month to manage a larger restaurant.  He's not the kind of guy that can stay in a small town like J-Bay for too long, but I really thought he'd be here longer than this.  In fact, I wondered if he was one of the reasons why the Lord wanted me and Christina to stick around. 

So I find myself in a quandary.  I've spent all this building a foundation, priming the pump, figuring out exactly who this guy is so that I can share Christ with him more effectively, and now he's skipping town.  This is the problem with relational evangelism.  It requires time to make this kind of investment, and now I feel like I don't have any time left.  I'm not quite sure how I "turn the corner" from here, if you will.  Does he know that I think he's pretty cool?  Sure.  Does he know that God thinks the same thing?  I don't know.   Has he seen the kind of life I lead?  Of course.  Does he feel drawn to live the same kind of life?  Not yet.  Has he seen the joy that I have in Christ?  Definitely.  But does he know that that same joy is something he can experience as well?  Not as far as I know. 

So I feel stuck.  I really don't think I can push him, but I've got one week before we leave for Swazi, and then one week after I get back from Swazi he's gone.  And I know all of the classic Q&As - Is God in control?  Of course.  If He wants Charl, does the guy stand a chance?  Not at all.  If I don't share Christ's love with him, will he definitely never hear it all?  I can't imagine so.  I know all of those.  Nevertheless, I don't want to waste an opportunity.  I don't want to force it, but I don't want to back down from anything, either, for the sake of possibly "ruining the friendship." 

All that to say that I would appreciate your prayers in this, both for me and especially for Charl.  While it's not ultimately about either of us, I know that the Lord has brought me into his life for a reason, and I really think it's more than being another example.  So, guidance and discernment (and courage!) for me, and a softened heart for my friend Charl.  I really want to party with him in heaven.

Thanks.