In a small town near Madrid, Walker and Becca Welch walked around a university hoping to share the gospel with Chinese students. More than 300 Chinese exchange students are hosted each year, but Covid-19 curtailed the Welches’ opportunities to get to know them this year.
One lunchtime they noticed a small Chinese restaurant. The front sign said, ‘Momma’s Kitchen’ – a good name for a place trying to attract homesick exchange students.
The Welches entered, looking to find students. Instead, they met the restaurant’s two owners, a man and a woman. The man was eager for them to order something. The woman, Ms Zhao*, sat near the door, staring at her phone and scarcely acknowledging the new customers.
Chinese-themed decorations covered the walls, traditional sauces and chopsticks adorned the tables. There were many tables and chairs, but no customers. This didn’t perplex the Welches, as Spaniards typically eat lunch later in the day.
Walker and Becca asked how business had been with no Chinese students around. The man replied that the restaurant was scheduled to close the following Sunday for lack of customers. The Welches were the only customers that week – and it was already Tuesday.
Recognising an opportunity to share their faith, the missionaries pulled out their last Chinese Bible. Ms Zhao’s attitude changed completely. She asked: ‘Can I go to church with you?’
‘Of course!’ they replied. Walker and Becca then shared the gospel, encouraged by the change in Ms Zhao’s demeanour. She had been visited before by Jehovah’s Witnesses and others, but none had persuaded her. But when she understood the true gospel, Becca was able to lead her to Christ.
The Welches returned to Momma’s Kitchen before it was to close and brought her another Chinese Bible. Please pray that Mrs Zhao’s new faith in Jesus will take root in her heart and that she will find a Chinese church to join. Ask that she be protected from false teaching. Please also lift up Ms Zhao’s business partner and pray that the Lord will lead him to accept Christ as well.
