Conversation with Victor / Update #2 / Forgiveness!

NOTE: Back in June (2009), I wrote concerning my Iranian friend, Victor. Before reading this you need to go back and read the background to the story I’m about to tell you. (Just put “Victor” in the blog’s search box and both of my previous posts about him will be displayed.)

It had been several months since Victor and I had had a really substantive conversation about spiritual matters. That isn’t to say we hadn’t been in contact—I had seen Victor at least 4 or 5 times since June. The last time I visited with him (at my friend’s townhome—he is the pest control specialist), I had given him a small box of dates from California—having just returned from a trip there. Being of Iranian descent, I knew both he and his wife, Sheri, would enjoy such a treat.

As I handed him the dates, he looked at me with great appreciation and said, “Mr. Carmen, I wish I knew I was going to see you today. I have something for you, too, from my country of Iran. Please call me when you are down here again so I can bring my gift to you.” (Since our last visit, Victor had made a trip back to his homeland to visit his mother and siblings.)

“How very thoughtful, Victor! You surely didn’t need to do that. You are such a gracious friend” I replied. In fact, Victor’s graciousness did not surprise me; I have discovered those from mid-Eastern descent to value friendship highly and, not unusually, their appreciation of friendship finds tangible expression.

Though I have now known Victor for close to ten years, I would have to say that our friendship has truly become deeper during the past year. In particular, it would have to be the conversation we had following his visit to Iran last year (when he returned feeling a deep sense of guilt for not having done more to help his father during his final illness—three years earlier!) which marked a turning point in our relationship.

If there is anything that God has taught me over the past several years it is that it is in the context of relationship that I sense most clearly a partnership with God in the accomplishment of His purposes.

Besides feeling a need for forgiveness, however, Victor had also expressed, more recently, grave concern for the political situation and widespread unrest in his country. Though the unrest in his homeland has troubled him deeply, it was surely the lack of peace in the world, in general, which caused him to question “Why?” and to wonder if there will ever be any end. Though he never said it directly, I would surmise that the turmoil which persists—even in his very religious country—also caused him to question the validity of religious belief in general.

So why did I decide to invite my Iranian friend, Victor, to our church’s (Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale) Christmas service? In part, I suppose, it was because I always want Christmas to count for something eternal. And, in part, I think I felt as though I had failed to follow through—spiritually---in my relationship with Victor. Over a year ago Victor had shared with me that Sheri would, on occasion, take their 3 year-old son to play at our church on Sundays and, on several occasions, had even attended services. Due to a job change, however, she had not been back in many months. Had I missed a strategic opportunity? I did not know.

When I called Victor last Sunday evening to invite Sheri and him to Friday evening’s service I confess I was a bit surprised by the clear expression of interest on Victor’s part. (I almost wondered if he understood there was going to be a service—as in church service!) But he did not misunderstand and, last night, Victor and Sheri both attended Christmas service with Betsy and me.

It was a joyous time of celebration. The music was phenomenal. And neither Sheri nor Victor demonstrated any sense of feeling awkward; rather both willingly participated throughout.

As Pastor Bob began his message, I (and Betsy, too, of course!) prayed that God would accomplish His work in the lives of two, very special friends. One of the themes Bob emphasized was that Jesus brings peace—I couldn’t help but think of my discussions with Victor!

But it was when Bob focused in on Christ’s securing of forgiveness that I heard Victor whisper an audible, “Yes.” Soon thereafter I whispered a special prayer: “Lord, there is nothing I would desire more for Christmas than to see Victor and Sheri come to know You."

As the invitation to receive God’s salvation was extended, I turned to Victor and asked, “Victor, is this something you would like to do tonight—to receive Christ?” “To go up there now?” he asked evidently wanting to make sure he understood my question. As I responded with a simple “yes” reply, he returned with the affirmation, “Yes, I would.”

By this time, Sheri had already turned to Betsy asking her to walk forward with her. Of course, Betsy could not have been more thrilled. Neither of us will ever forget walking forward with Victor and Sheri in the greatest decision of their lives.

As I stood at the front of the church auditorium with Victor (It didn’t matter how many others were there!), I could not help but think of the path of friendship God had allowed me to walk with him during the past ten years. I will never forget hearing Victor repeat that prayer inviting Christ to be his Savior. It is as though the purpose of the friendship had found its completion…in one way…yet, in another, found its beginning. And I had received the Christmas gift for which I had hoped and prayed.