This is a cool story from Tony Miano. I’ve criticized him in the past for some stupid things he’s done (you can search this website for those articles), but I’ve always thought that he is a good evangelist. And this is a good evangelism story. If that’s all you get out of it that’s fine, but he admits to some things about himself and police in general that lend credence to everything I’ve said about police. Of course some police don’t want to abuse people, but a very good percentage of them are on a permanent power trip and enjoy inflicting pain. Tony admits that about himself before he was saved.
What Tony would disagree with is that even cops who aren’t out to hurt people are unable to discern just laws from unjust laws, so they go on to enforce all kinds of wicked laws such as protecting the abortion business. So, that is just a side point on this story. Enjoy it.
~ Weeping with Jerry ~
33 years ago I might have taken Jerry behind his county jail barracks and put him in a rear armlock, torquing his arm not so far as to dislocate his shoulder, but to place him in considerable pain. Then, I would have mocked his manhood when he started crying.
But not today.
I was #crosswalking at Marquette/Locust when a car came to a stop at the corner. The driver leaned across the front seat toward the open front passenger window.
“I gotta question for ya,” he said.
“Pull into the parking lot and ask your question,” I replied.
His name was Jerry. I approached the car and handed Jerry a gospel tract. We shook hands and introduced ourselves.
“My question is this. Why do you do this?” He asked.
“Can I have a few minutes to answer your question?” I asked.
“Sure,” Jerry replied. “You probably smell alcohol on my breath,” Jerry added as he picked up an open beer from the center console. It was shortly after Noon. “I’m sorry about that.”
Starting from the beginning, I shared the entirety of my testimony with Jerry.
As I talked about the early immediate fruits of repentance in my life, which included no longer desiring to belittle and torment inmates, Jerry began to weep.
“And this brings me to the answer to your question, Jerry. The Lord saved me. The two greatest commandments are to love God and to love people. And I can’t think of a greater way to do both than to share the gospel with people. Why do I do this, Jerry? Because of you. I do this so I can share the gospel with you.” I explained.
Jerry’s face was now in his hands. His shoulders heaved as he wept. He cried out to God asking for God’s forgiveness and mercy and thanking Him for allowing him to stop and talk to me.
“I’ve seen you here and there and there and over there,” Jerry explained pointing in various directions, indicating different parts of the city. I see you all the time and I’ve thought of stopping, but I had to stop today to talk to you. Thank you.”
Jerry and I spent more time talking about genuine repentance and faith. I reiterated the gospel to him multiple times. Jerry wept some more.
I’m hopeful the Lord saved Jerry today. Pray for him.