Always Be Ready to Evangelize

By Joe Sullivan, MJ • Phoenix, AZ

“Oxnard, I am from Oxnard, California,” Alicia told me after she asked me where I am from. We bonded a little, both being Californians, at the beginning of the ride in my medical transport job. A good start. The ride was going to be about 30 minutes. 

Alicia told me she is actually from Puerto Rico and lived in the Bronx the first 14 years of her life. She loved growing up in New York City. When her parents moved to Oxnard, California, she became depressed. From New York City to rural California in the 60s was like night and day. From the center of the world to Nowhere, USA. 

She told me she soon got into drugs and a promiscuous lifestyle. After 30 years of this, by God’s grace, she found Jesus and turned her life around. “Are you Christian?”, she asked me. “Well, yes! I am Catholic!” She continued, “Oh! So, you don’t believe in Jesus?!” (I thought WOW! OK, time for some basics.) 

She thought Catholicism was just an overbearing organized religion with hardly anything to do with Jesus. I gave her a quick history lesson starting with the prophets, Jesus fulfilling the prophecies, and founding the Church. I continued with the Apostles, the first Christians, and Church Fathers. I spoke about the Great Schism of 1054, and I finished with the Protestant Revolt. 

She sat there listening and asked some questions as she processed this information. I clarified that, since the Church is composed of sinners, there will be sinful behavior, but Christ founded One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Finally, Alicia opened her eyes and said she had never heard any of this before. She wanted to know more. Unfortunately, by that time, the ride was over. 

As she stepped out of the car, she was very grateful. I told her that God is looking out for her and told her where to find more good Catholic information.