I Appeal To Caesar!

in the evening when the camels are fed and the merchandise carefully stored, the drivers gather around the campfire to eat, drink and talk. The caravan workers are all curious to know why a single man is walking with them and where could he be going? Saul is surprised at their curiosity but realizes upon reflection that he himself would ask the same questions. This , he realizes , is an opportunity to share the message of Christ. These men are dying without Christ. Yes, and they are Gentiles ! Carefully avoiding religious terms and concepts that would not be understandable, Saul tells with simple words how the Christ of the Jews came, and how He opened the door for people of all backgrounds to know God in a personal way. Saul’s spontaneous explanations even affect himself! The uneducated camel drivers listen with rapt attention to the “Good News,” and when Saul suggests closing with prayer, they bow their heads to pray with him. Several evenings in a row Saul’s new friends ask for more clarification, particularly why his God is better than their hand-carved idols. Saul is startled to realize, “I am bringing the message to Gentiles!” Before leaving the caravan, the new missionary prays for several of the men and they, in turn, ask Christ to come into their hearts. * * * * * As the caravan passes the sandy plateau where the foothills of Sinai begin, Saul takes his leave, beginning his lonely trek toward the Mountain.