Yesterday, I did an interview at a Christian radio station here in Timisoara, Romania. The interviewer was intrigued with the fact that I am related to the family of Al Capone. I was initially disturbed that this was to be the focus and quickly turned the attention to what was far more interesting — my new birth in Christ, making me a part of the family of God (cf. John 1:12).
The interviewer moved on to ask what it was like to serve on an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War. Once again, I quickly spoke about another war — the purity war. I explained that I had come to Romania to speak in churches, universities, leadership conferences and student meetings. I expressed my desire to give my fellow soldiers of the cross a combat knowledge of the Word of God in order to help them win this very winnable war with immorality in its many forms.
The interviewer abruptly moved on to ask about life as a citizen in America. Once again, I resisted talking about American life and turned the attention to my “heavenly country”, where we who have trusted in Christ will speak the same language of worship (Romanian, of course!). I spoke of the privilege of being a citizen of heaven.
As the half hour show progressed I realized this “Master Interviewer” was not merely interested in my life as a relative of Big Al or as a young sailor or even as an American citizen. He was skillfully “baiting” me so that the Good News of the Gospel would go out over the airwaves, especially to Romanians who are steeped in religion but do not yet know what it means to have a personal relationship to God. As I spoke about trusting in Jesus Christ alone for our salvation, I could see his smiles through the control-room glass. He was obviously pleased that I had figured out his interview strategy.
Partly as a result of this radio station’s announcement, over two hundred students and young adults showed up that evening as I spoke from I Thessalonians 4:3-8 on “A Revival of Purity.” I quickly sent texts to as many as I could, asking for immediate prayer. God answered in a mighty way!
As fellow members of the family of God, these two hundred young people knelt and committed themselves to be Ambassadors of Purity. Then, as soldiers of the cross, they stood at attention and dedicated themselves to fight this purity war in honor of the King of Kings and Lord of Lord. As I parted I reminded them that we will one day see each other, either here in their earthly home in Romania or there in our heavenly home.
As I fly to my earthly home today, my heart is comforted and assured that God is actively working in and through His people in Romania — fellow family members, fellow soldiers of the cross and fellow citizens of heaven.
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