I was attending a house inspection at one of the student apartment near Monash Clayton. I didn’t expect that I will learn something about evangelism.
I met this landlord, let's call him John. John is from Singapore and has lived in Melbourne for 40 years. We chatted for about an hour. About 10 minutes into our conversation and he introduced himself as a Christian to me. For many years, students from overseas kept coming to his business and his rooms are always full.
One reason that contributes to his business success is that he operates his business based on godly principles. He told me it is not money that matters, but relationship and giving. For instance, there was one student who applied for PR and needed to stay for one month more after his contract expired. There was another man with a daughter who wanted to move in. That man offered to pay higher rent in order to secure that room. However, John declined and wouldn't evict the student just because the contract was finished, or the man offered higher rent. He understood God's heart of justice. He was not blinded by money but stood firm on what is right.
Another incident he told me he acted as a counselor to a girl who had family problems. He helped that girl to communicate with her family and seek reconciliation. John is more than just landlord; he is like a father to many students living there.
The question that I want to pose to you is: are we bold enough to be God's witness in our daily life? In how we treat people in our daily life we demonstrate who God is. I want to give thanks to God for I learn so much from John during that one hour conversation.
Charlie Lam
Clayton Science/Arts life group, Hope Melbourne Waverley
