For Abraham, May He Steep in Peace (by Jason)

Sometimes the soil of men's hearts must first be cultivated if the seed is to take root in their lives.
In a culture where the scriptures are for the most part unknown (I'm refering to China, but according to recent studies, the same could increasingly be said about America) such cultivation can be a slow and painstaking process. You often need to come at it the long way around, and you sometimes have to make an opportunity where seemingly none exists.
Toward this end, I have cultivated the habit of turning nearly each and every school lesson, somehow or another, into a covert Bible lesson.
Take, for example, my literature class: In the study of early English texts, Beowulf becomes a lesson on the biblical origin of the nephilim, the story of Cain and Abel, and the sovereignty of God in battle; Robin Hood functions as a criticism of both paganism and Catholicism, illustrates the folly of the Crusades (in contrast to the grace of God and the love of Christ), and highlights the corruption inherent in state-controlled religion; and this week, Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" allows us the opportunity to review (or introduce) the basic history of the three major monotheistic faiths--Judaism, Christianity, and Islam--including a detailed retelling of God's calling and promise to Abraham, also, to tell the story of Christ's triumphal enrty into to Jerusalem, and to explain why the so-called Holy Lands are... well, so called.
Usually very few, if any, of the students are even remotely familiar with any of these concepts nor do they have any idea where all this information comes from. But today was somewhat different.
There is a boy named--get this!--Abraham who thoroughly surprised me today by providing a number of correct answers during my lecture about the Middle East. He seemed to know everything, from the meaning of the word "pilgrim" to the muslim presence in Palestine to the history of the formation of modern Israel. It was very impressive, and I made a point to tell him so immediately after class. I sent a text message actually, and this was his reply: "I have long been interested in world history, especially the European culture. Last year I finished A Global History, and recently, A Survey of European Culture. Furthermore, I wanna embrace Christianity which enables me to steep in peace." (And yes, I think he really means to say "steep," like tea.)
As you might guess, I was amazed. I mean, for someone to come out and say "I wanna embrace Christianity" is pretty amazing in any culture, and certainly all the more so in China. And he's a guy. We've been praying specifically that more guys would show an interest in spiritual matters, so what an amazing answer to our prayer!
Hopefully, you'll be hearing more good news about Abraham in the near future. For now, join me in prayer that he may be steeped in Jesus' love and truth, and yes, His peace.