See the coin used for the featured image of this article? It is 100 millimes. I received in Tunisia, Africa a few years ago. It is made of brass and has a value of about one US nickel. However, the real value comes form the memories attached to it, not its buying power.
What memories you ask? Well, the first memory comes from the fact that on that trip to Tunisia, God answered some major questions concerning my future and purpose in life. It was there that God confirmed my future missionary service in Romania and beyond. It is a long story, filled with amazing – God sized – events and wonders. That story would best be discussed over a long coffee break sometime, if the Lord allows us to share that experience in the future.
Back to the traveling coin… since that trip to Tunisia, I have carried the coin with me as a memento, a reminder of how God spoke to me back then. Several years have passed now and on a couple of occasions, I have even lost the coin – only to have it returned to me by those helping me search for it. Recently, I gave it to a young brother in Christ, Michael Crawley, who was about to travel to a different part of Africa to be on mission with the Lord for several weeks. Before he left, I went to his home to have prayer with he and his family. I told him a little about “my” trip to Africa and asked him to keep the coin with him on his travels. I also asked him to give it back to me upon his return. The imaginary fee for my lending him the coin would be for Michael to share a cup of coffee with me and tell me the stories about how God touched his life while he was away.
Yesterday, Michael placed the coin back in my hand. We talked briefly about his experience, but the coffee break and extended God stories are yet to come. I am thankful to have young people like Michael cross my path as I continue on this journey with the Lord… and I look forward to that coffee break. Amen.
