There were less than sixty passengers on this 747, so I had the entire row to myself…until John decided to join me when we stopped in New Orleans.  He took the aisle seat and immediately began the conversation. Within ninety seconds, I learned his name, he was an international businessman, was fluent in Chinese, that he had grown up Irish Catholic, and had a near-death car accident twelve years ago. It was a spiritual conversation from the very beginning that I neither initiated nor expected. 

Long story short, John was asking questions about the spiritual world. In his near-death experience at the car accident, he encountered the spirit of his father who had died three years earlier, he has a sister who is a psychic, and he randomly finds pennies in groups of three. He said, “I know there’s a supernatural world around us. I want to understand the truth about that and what that means for the afterlife.” 

I agreed, “Yes, there is supernatural activity. I’ve had some experience with that myself. You mentioned you are Irish Catholic; have you ever read the Bible?”

“No, but I’ve always been interested in the Bible,” he replied. 

I volleyed back with, “I’ve read the Book, and I noticed there’s a lot written about the spirit world. I’m sure you know the Bible is divided into two parts: Old Testament and New Testament. The Old Testament relates many stories about spiritual activity. The New Testament tells stories and teaches focused lessons about how to recognize spiritual activity, then navigate through it.”

“Really? I’d like to know more about that.” 

I wasted no time responding, “There’s an encounter between Jesus, Son of God, and Satan himself that is very interesting. Jesus has been alone in the wilderness, fasting for forty days, and Satan entices Jesus to worship himself rather than God.  You can read about it in the book of Matthew, chapter four.”

“No kidding.” 

“Yes, and further in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul relates experiences with spiritual activity and coaches how to manage it when encountered. It’s very powerful.” 

“Thank you—I had no idea! I’m going to get a Bible today so I can read about that.” John was grateful, expressed desire to know more, and then committed to investigate. 

“I hope you do. I have read extensively on the subject, and I find the Bible to be most credible. It is filled with truth about life on this earth and in the hereafter.” 

During landing, we talked about his two houses, his yacht, and the trips he had planned for when he retires from international business in two years. I stayed on the plane, but when he left, he warmly shook my hand, saying, “Thank you, Nina. I’m buying that Bible today.” 

“You’ll find truth!” I replied. Two steps forward, he turned back, held up the line while stretching out his hand to me, and said “Thank you” again. I thought for a second this man I’d known for an hour was going to hug me! Made me chuckle internally.

I prayed he would follow through, knowing God will show Himself to John, if John seeks for truth.

Wait until you hear what happens on the next leg of the trip. I’ll meet you in the blog tomorrow!