We lived next to Ben and Karen for many years. Ben was often angry and guarded, shaped by deep pain after losing his mother to cancer at a young age. When I tried to share the gospel, he resisted, asking how God could allow such suffering. Over time, it became clear that the most faithful response was to love them, pray for them, and walk with them patiently.
One day, while Ben was suffering from severe pain, I felt prompted to pray for him. The next day, he told me the pain was completely gone. Even then, he did not turn to Christ. Later, Ben was diagnosed with cancer. During that long season, my wife and I stayed close—visiting, bringing food, and simply being present—as God opened doors for deeper conversations.
Near the end of his life, Ben asked me to pray with him, acknowledging his need for God. I don’t remember the words I prayed, but I believe Ben reached out to Christ by faith, trusting the promise: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
This journey reminded me that evangelism is not an event but a process. We sow and water, but God brings the growth (Mark 4:26–28). Our role is to pray, love, walk faithfully with people, and be obedient when God opens the door.