I came to this project with the hope of growing closer to our Savior but unsure of what to expect. I truly wanted to share my faith with those around me, but I struggled in doing so. I occasionally prayed for opportunities, but I seldom made much effort or progress in initiating spiritual conversations.

As a nursing student, I felt God called me to share His love with my patients and to make a difference in their lives. During the project, He provided many opportunities to talk with patients and shadow doctors interacting with patients. Inside, I was excited and yearned to be God's vessel. My confidence grew as many hearts opened in response to the spiritual history questions.

In my conversations, a valuable lesson from the Medical Evangelism Training and Strategies (METS) conference stood at the forefront of my mind--to view success as "going in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God."

One experience solidified this message in my heart. Another student and I were shadowing a doctor who had five outpatient procedures for the day. I did not think any of these patients would be particularly open to spiritual issues, but I prayed God would use me anyway. Most of the patients did not want to discuss their "spiritual lives" with us. How-ever, the last patient was very different. As we began to talk with her, I sensed her openness. I could hardly believe how easy it was to ask about her spiritual life. She was the "ripe fruit" Dr. Elder had taught us about, prepared by the Holy Spirit and ready to change her life. As God's children, we had one of the most amazing privileges of walking with this woman as she prayed to accept Christ into her life. I saw God's Spirit in her eyes after the prayer.

Overall, I learned that as I pray and walk with the Holy Spirit in control I can trust Him to show me where hearts are prepared and open. He will lead me to share the hope I have with others and how they can experience a personal relationship with God. Being a part of God's work is the most meaningful thing to me and somehow I understand a little bit more of Him through all my experiences here. Not every person I shared with was as open as the woman I described above, but I know that each conversation was ordained by God for His purposes. And that's true success.