April and I went to the movies tonight to see the new movie Dumbo. We got in line to purchase our tickets and saw an elderly man sitting on a bench all by himself. We both waved hello and passed him as we bought our tickets. Being the date night that it was April went and saved our seats while I went to the concession line to get her order. Once again I see the man on the bench as I stand in line and God began to move in my heart to reach out. I ordered our movie snacks and took them to my wife. “I’ll be right back.” I said to her as I walked out of the theater.
At this time my heart knew it had a mission: to reach out to this man. So I walked out near the gate and said to the man: “Mind, if I have seat with you?”
“Not at all.” He replied. I started with the mission right off the bat and said, “Sir, I couldn’t help but see you were sitting on this bench alone. No one should be alone at the movies. Would you like to join my wife and I for the show? We’ll be glad to buy your ticket.” I said.
The man chuckled at the offer and said, “That might be the nicest thing anyone has ever offered to do for me. But I’m not much of a movie person, I appreciate it though. Now, what’s your name and where are you from?”
I introduced myself and told him I was a professional speaker and do different kinds of trainings. He was glad to meet me. I told him I felt led in my heart to reach out. So I proceeded further, “Well sir, if you don’t mind me asking, is there anything I can pray for you about?”
He looked long and hard at me. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out his old flip phone. He handed it to me and said, “Son. Look at that screen.” His voice began to crack and his hand began to tremble. Immediately popped up an old black and white photo of his bride. He said, “Isn’t she just beautiful? She was my bride and now she is in Heaven with Jesus.” Tears began to run down his cheeks as he told me all about their life together. “I could sure you some prayer for peace in my life. She’s gone and I need Jesus to help me.”
I sat there quietly and put my hand on his back and said, “Sir, I’m willing to pray with you right now.” So he and I both closed our eyes on that bench. Even as the movie goers kept passing by, we prayed right there for the Prince of Peace to comfort him.
The man said, “Thank you son. Thank you for blessing me tonight.” I said, “Well sir, the offer still stands if you would like to come watch that movie with us you are more than welcome.”
He surprised me saying, “Well son, I appreciate it more than you know, but the truth is I am the owner of this movie theater and I never watch the movies. Just happy to show them.”
I shook his hand and back into the theater I went. Although I went to the movies to see Dumbo, I realize now, that my wife and me were there for more than just a movie. We were there for a Mission. I don’t always get the assignment right, but I know God is calling us to do more. We never know what people are going through, but the Holy Spirit always knows. I know there have been times where I have missed opportunities like this because I wasn’t paying attention to God’s leading. However, if there is anything we need to pay attention to it is the leading of the Lord! My hope is that we never miss the assignment the Lord is leading us to do. Let us continue to pursue the Lord and be sensitive to His mission. Praise the Lord!
#MissionAtTheMovies #LeadUsLord #GlorytoGod
Brandon Baumgarten 