Weston was one of the richest and powerful people in La Jolla. Besides
owning many properties, he was active in the collector car hobby, and it was not
unusual for his cars to be judged as winners at such events such as Pebble Beach
and other top venues. I met this self described “crazy Chinaman” when he was
older, he was a customer of mine at Land Rover. When we first met, he saw my
Christian colors, and asked “are you going to bother me too about all this Jesus
stuff?” It turns out he knew a guy I went to church with, whose idea of
spreading the gospel was annoying people, and arguing with them. When asked if
I believed what this person had browbeat him with, I told him I wasn’t sure what
he believed, due to his arguing with everyone, but that I would be happy to
answer any questions he had. And he had many, and I did my best to answer him,
and we became friends. Such good friends that on his frequent trips to Hawaii,
he and his wife, he always called her Mama, they always brought me gifts. We
would talk cars, Jesus, and many times he would invent a false problem, just to
come in and visit, as if Land Rovers didn’t have enough real problems of their
own. This went on over a period of about two years, and then I lost my job.
Before I did, I heard Weston had throat cancer, and was very sick, Mama would
call on his behalf. And then I got the news from our mutual acquaintance,
Weston was dying, and had cut off all contact with people. Even the guys who
did his Mercedes Benz restorations would receive no answer, so when I asked for
his number to call him, I was told don’t waste your time, he won’t talk to you.
But after persistence, I was given the number, being told “maybe you can get him
to come to Christ.” I was calling a sick friend, who just happened to need
Jesus, this wasn’t about me or my evangelism.
I was surprised when his son Russell answered the phone, and when I
identified myself, he told me his Dad talked about me. Would I like to talk to
him? You bet. Russell told me he was resting, and he would call me back. I
thanked him, and told him we were praying for his family, and he thanked me.
Then some 20 minutes later the phone rang, it was my friend, the “crazy
Chinaman,” and he was glad I called. He heard I had lost my job, and in between
telling Mama to get on the other line, he gasped, barely able to speak, but
excited to talk to me. When he was sure she was on, he got excited, “it’s Mike,
see what car dealers are for sale, and buy him one so he can run it. Call the
guy back at Lexus Mission Viejo and tell him I will buy it for Mike.” All the
time I’m asking “how are you, I called to see how you and Mama are doing.” He
assured me he was dying, but wanted to help his friend, me. I had gotten a raw
deal and he wanted to make it right. He finally talked himself hoarse, and hung
up, the last time I talked to him. Mama told me, she stayed on the line, and
said he was very sick, very weak, and not expected to live much longer. But I
had made his day by calling him. I assured her we were still praying for him,
and his family, and she told me she would give him a hug for me. He hated when
I did that, his smile would often tell me different.
I never heard from Mama again, but Russell called. His Dad had died, and
he wanted to thank me for being his friend. The service was simple, and over, I
told him to hug Mama for me,and gave him my love. The last time we ever
talked. But I did get another phone call from our zealous friend, telling me
Weston had died. When I told him that I had talked to him, that he had called
me, and Russell had called to tell me about his Dad’s death, he was amazed. You
got through to Weston? He still didn’t get it when I told him it was because we
were friends. But left me feeling guilty, he accused me of not confronting
Weston with the gospel and demanding an answer. I was told I was his last
chance, and I blew it. And I felt horrible, what if I had, what if Weston went
to hell because of me? Such things pop into your mind when confronted with
evil, evil from within the body. But the truth is and was, we don’t send anyone
to hell. Nor does God, He sent Jesus to rescue us, and it is our decision. I
can only hope Weston made the right choice.
This bothered me, and I wasn’t sure if my pride was damaged, did
I do the wrong thing not forcing Jesus on Weston, or had I done the right thing
being his friend? So I prayed, and waited for God to answer, if I was wrong I
never wanted to be wrong again. But while sitting on my Bonneville at the light
on Centre City Parkway, while waiting for it to turn green, God talked to me.
He assured me that I had shared the gospel with Weston. I had shown him in
action what others failed to in words only. That my words meant something to
Weston because he knew I cared about him, and didn’t just want to win an
argument. That day the spirit assured me that I did the right thing in showing
love. That the gospel I showed was true, not of myself or any denomination.
And that Weston, like all others make their own decisions about Jesus.
And so I was comforted by the only one who could comfort me. I
hold no malice towards those who preach and argue with the unsaved without
showing love, it seems I follow them and have to explain many things they have
hurt others with. But maybe it really gives me a chance for God’s light to
shine forth brighter, to see love in action, to see wrongs righted, and lives
changed by Jesus Christ. It is still popular for many to wear or ask “what
would Jesus do?” To them I say, “you have to ask?” Do you really know Him? If
you do show His love. Be compassionate, comforting, and answer the questions
they ask. They seek, will you help or hinder? I showed Weston love, but also
in truth. My words meant something because I loved him, because I love Jesus.
If you are a Weston, Jesus loves you, and died for you. The truth will set you
free, free also from those who only proselytize. And to those who only wish to
win an argument, or prove a point, don’t waste your time telling me what a great
Christian you are, show me.” I tell people Jesus is my friend, can you? Make
His day by calling on Him today.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com