Days off are not really days off on the World Race… and I love that.
It was on a “day off” in Mendoza, Argentina that I encountered what was quite possibly an angel. This angel was much different than what I imagined an angel to look like. She was not a tall, slender, glowing figure with wings. She was a short Argentine woman and walked with a slight limp.
A group from our squad decided that it would be fun to visit a winery for lunch. Mendoza is known internationally for its wines. We didn’t have a reservation and quickly realized that most places were not on a WR budget or already had bookings. I spent 4 hours at a cafe with slow WiFi searching and calling wineries to find an opening. When we finally got a reservation I was frustrated, tired, and really wanted a nap. My mind was definitely not set on what the Lord was doing.
I had only just set down the phone from finally making a reservation when I felt a soft tap on my shoulder. I turned and looked up to see a small woman with a big smile staring at me. She started speaking to me in fast Spanish that I couldn’t really understand.
In that moment the Lord clearly said to me, “Give her everything she wants.”
My initial reaction was not the best. “Why Lord? We are going to a winery. I barely have enough cash on me to cover that!”
That selfish thought immediately hurt my heart. It’s not who God has made me to be nor is it the life of generosity that He has called me to live.
As I focused in on what she was trying to say, I realized she wasn’t asking for money. She was asking for something to eat.
I said, “Would you like to eat here?” Her smile grew even bigger and she shook her head up and down. I asked her name, and she said, “My name is Rosie”.
I walked with Rosie into the restaurant and explained to the staff that I would like to buy her a meal. They understood and handed me a menu. I passed it to the Rosie and said to the waitress, “Give her everything she wants.”
As she looked over the menu and placed her order I felt compelled to let her know that Jesus loves her and wants to provide for her – that Jesus asked me to listen to her and help her. I typed out a message on Google Translate:
“When you walked up to me, I felt God tell me to help you. Jesus wants you to know that He loves you. He knows you, He sees you and He cares for you. He wants to provide for you. You mean a lot to Him. Can I pray with you?”
When she finished ordering I handed her my phone. Rosie looked down at the phone and then looked up at me and was still all smiles. This is where the story starts to get a little weird…
Rosie then calls the attention of everyone in the restaurant, including the staff, and confidently reads my message outloud.
The room stood still – you could physically feel that something spiritual was happening.
She finished speaking, handed me back my phone, and answered, “Yes, please.”
We walked together to the patio where my whole team was. We laid hands on her and prayed for healing, that she would feel belonging and the love of Christ in her heart, and our thankfulness for meeting Rosie that day.
When we finished, Rosie thanked all of us with hugs, walked inside, and took a seat at an empty table.
About 5 minutes later I was packing up my things when I felt another soft tap on my shoulder. Sure enough, it was my new friend. This time she spoke slowly and calmly.
“Remember the good things that God is doing. You need to take a picture.”
Our team was confused at first.
I asked, “Do you have a camera?”
She responded, “No, the picture is for you.”
We gathered around Rosie and took a group photo. She gave us all hugs again and returned to enjoy her meal.
Rosie blessed our entire team that day more than we could have ever blessed her. I still carry her blessing in my heart. It will be one of my favorite stories from the Race. Rosie brought our team to a place that we would have never experienced without her. At our lunch, instead of meaningless small talk, our team spent time sharing epic stories of what God had already done on the World Race, tears for what we were especially thankful for, and promises we were asking God for/receiving for the months to come.
I don’t know for sure that Rosie was an angel, but I do know for sure that God used her as one that day.
Loved this RJ! Thanks for sharing!
I love hearing about what all of you are doing. Kayla I think you know angels come when least expected but when they are needed. I am so proud of all of you and I know God is too.
Love the way God is loving you. The Holy Spirit is giving you the desires of God’s heart and they have become yours
What a great story ! Thank you for sharing, R J !