by Michael Parkinson, of St Mark's, Utley

In our cynical world, are too many people only too ready to pass things off as 'just coincidences'?

In 1993 a Keighley businessman was on a train in Korea when the young lady sitting next to him pointed to the cross in his lapel and asked "Are you a Pastor?"

She explained that after a confused education which involved both Buddhist and Christian schools, a University degree in French and a failed business venture, her life at age 26 was 'in a mess'.

The 'Pastor' simply listened and then shared his faith in Jesus as saviour, friend and guide.

He kept in touch and some weeks after leaving Korea he heard that the lady had become a committed Christian.

Over the years which have followed she has been involved in the ministry of her church and has seen many more Korean people come to share in the new life which Jesus brings to those who trust him.

Recently that same lady, with three other Korean students who are now studying theology in Bristol with her, visited our church to share their faith and something of the Korean culture. It was a great blessing to all. People from both sides of the earth yet 'all one in Jesus'.

And so it was that the lady on the train needed help. The 'Pastor' just happened to be there. A simple question on a train, honestly answered, has resulted in a five year string of incidents - or were they Godincidents?

Fellow Christians - how do you give an answer to those who ask you for a reason for the hope that is in you?

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.