“You’re not from Philly, are you?” a man in the park said to me on our last night in Philly.

The church was holding its weekly cookout in the park across the street. I was making my way to the end of the line for burgers and hotdogs when I gave him a cheery "Hello". 

I responded to his question with a small smirk and said, “No, how can you tell?”

The cookout was being hosted by people who technically weren't from Philly, so I assumed it was a lucky guess.  But the older man told me that I looked too nice to be from Philly, that I had a light in my eyes that showed something more.  

That was probably the nicest compliment I have ever received. Seeing an opportunity to share the gospel, I told the older man that what made me different was Jesus. He smiled and said he knew. 

Surprised by his own knowing smile, I learned that this man had spent some time in prison and found the Lord there. He now attended the church and enjoyed the community outreach events that helped to draw the people of Philly towards the Lord.  

The youth group that came to Philly found many stories during the week that clearly pointed to the Lord. It was an incredible week, one I was thankful to be a part of.