For years, I have whined, cried, fussed, pleaded, and even prayed over the unredeemed state of many of my loved ones. So, when our church planned its yearly women's retreat to be held near UC-San Diego, I recognized an opportunity and called my 19-year-old niece who studies there.

"Michelle, let's get together. Three of your cousins will be coming with me to a women's retreat near the campus. We'd love to meet you for dinner on Friday night. Great! See you then."

During dinner, we invited Michelle to join us for our meeting that evening. She agreed. I could barely contain my excitement. I had prayed for Michelle since she was born but had never seen the gospel make an inroad with her.

On our way to the meeting and during the worship time, I prayed silently and fervently, Jesus, you know how much I love Michelle. Please call on her tonight. Meet her here. Touch her life in an unforgettable, inescapable way! I prayed on and on, even rehearsing all her worthy attributes, life history, and ...