While on a mission trip in Chicago, Hanna Miecznikowski paused to give a man a few coins. But it turned out he wanted something else.

The traffic whirled around me as I headed downtown that afternoon. I grew up in Chicago, but five or six years had passed since I’d driven in the Chicago rush hour traffic.

To call it an adventure is an understatement.

As I approached Pastor Robert’s house for a late afternoon ministry planning session, I noticed a homeless man standing in the middle of the road holding a sign and asking for help. I scrambled to get ahold of the few coins in my cup holder while rolling down my window and attempting not to impede the flow of traffic.

God helped me out and turned the light red.

As I reached across to hand the money out the window, the man’s eyes focused on a McDonald’s bag in my passenger seat.

“Now that’s what I need,” he said.  

I shook my head. “I’m sorry; it’s empty.”

“No, not food. A Bible.”  

Huh?

It took me a moment to realize that the homeless guy was not hoping for a hamburger.  Rather, he noticed my Bible on the seat and wished aloud that he had one.  

I would have given him my personal Bible, but I hesitated for a second, a little sad to give us something so precious to me.  

Then I remembered that I had received a free Bible just the other day.  It came with a purchase I made at the local bookstore, and it was on the floor in my car.  

Trying to beat the green light, I scooped it up and held it out the window.  A beautiful smile lit his face.

I didn’t even have time to ask his name, but I know that the Lord has a plan for his life. I know because I almost didn’t bring my Bible that day. I know because I don’t typically drive around with an extra Bible. I know because I don’t always stop and give out money.

I know because the light turned red at just the right moment.

Want to learn more about upcoming adult mission trips to Chicago? CLICK HERE for information on trips in June and July!