8. Milly the Evangelist: Sharing Christ through Unlikely Companions

Pets can often serve as unexpected avenues for meaningful conversations and opportunities to share about our faith. In this blog post, I want to introduce you to Milly, my beloved therapy dog, who has accompanied me on various outreach activities. Milly's presence has opened doors for conversations about her breed, but more importantly, it has provided an opportunity to share the love of Christ. Through encounters like these, we discover that even the most unlikely companions can become vessels for spreading the message of Jesus.

Milly, the Shug

Milly, my dog, is a Shug—a mix between a Pug and a German Shepherd. It's fascinating how people usually notice the Pug in her but often miss the German Shepherd traits. Milly's behavior and demeanor have made her an excellent therapy dog. She has visited senior health facilities, attended funerals, participated in children's activities at schools, and primarily served as a reading companion at the library. Children would read stories to her, and even those too young to read would make up stories for her. Milly's presence brings joy and comfort wherever she goes.

Unexpected Encounters

One memorable encounter took place in a park where an older lady was getting out of her car with her special needs son, whom I believe was autistic. We found ourselves walking side by side, and her son was immediately drawn to Milly. As we walked and conversed, we had a delightful time together. At the end of our walk, I asked if I could pray with her and her son. Although she declined my hand on her son's shoulder, he eagerly held my hand. In that moment, I prayed for Michael and his devoted mother, who had cared for him since his birth 40 years ago. I asked God to bless them and shared the love of Christ through His death, resurrection, and the promise of our future. Both Michael and his mother expressed gratitude, and she crossed herself, mentioning that she was Catholic. It was a beautiful time of sharing, bridging our faiths in the love of Christ.

Taking the Conversation Farther

Through these encounters, I have learned that when people are open to prayer, it often leads to more profound conversations. By demonstrating our willingness to pray for others, we create an environment of trust and openness. Prayer becomes a gateway to discussing matters of faith, providing an opportunity to share the gospel and the hope found in Christ.

Conclusion

Milly, the therapy dog, has become an unexpected evangelist, facilitating conversations about Jesus wherever she goes. Her presence sparks curiosity and serves as a bridge for meaningful connections. Through encounters like the one in the park, I have experienced the power of prayer and how it can lead to deeper conversations about faith. Let us remember that God can use even the most unlikely companions and circumstances to spread His love and truth. May we seize every opportunity to share the hope and joy we have in Christ, and may our lives be a testament to the transformative power of His love.