7-11 convenience

The 7-11 convenience stores offer 24 hour service and the easiest place to pay utility bills. I built a friendship at my local one for 18 months before I had an opportunity to share a story. Sharing stories there is a challenge because of the number of customers. Eventually, several of the ladies showed interest in hearing stories. I discovered that the local franchise is owned by a husband and wife. His elder sister also works there.

The women assured me that the boss would never be interested, “He’s a keen Buddhist.” I told them that it was only fair that he be given the opportunity. So, I said to him, “I’d like you to hear at least the first story so you know what your wife and sister are listening to.”

“Oh,” he said, “I’ve already read the booklet you left (Genesis 1-3) and I’m ready for the next story!” Since then he’s been the keenest of the whole five. He allows me to come in and tell the stories while they’re working. One of the two on the shift works extra hard to allow the other more time to listen and then they switch. We still have to cope with lots of interruptions. When we reached the Christmas story one worker asked, “Isn’t Santa your God?” Unfortunately many churches confuse the issue by some of their decorations. They ask good questions and are always ready for the next story.

After the Christmas story I told five stories that show Jesus’ authority over sickness, demons, nature, death and sin. During the story of the raising of Lazarus I asked them why Jesus wept (John 11:35) when he knew he was about to raise Lazarus from the dead. One worker said, “I think that he’s weeping in disappointment. Mary and Martha are his good friends and yet they still don’t know who Jesus is. They think his power is limited to healing the sick and doubt he can help them now that Lazarus has died.” The boss said, “I think Jesus is weeping for Lazarus. Lazarus is joyful in perfect heaven and now he is going to be raised and have to live back on an imperfect earth!”

The boss went on to read all of Genesis and Exodus 1-20. Various of the other workers read scripture portions and comic book Bible stories. Unfortunately, they then all moved to another 7-11 further away and have become too busy to read the Bible. Please pray that the boss will start devouring the Bible. Also that the boss and his wife might one day host a simple church in their home or business.

Expanded from “Telling the Gospel Through Story”