Proud of You Migs

     So around the middle of my junior year, I met a guy named Miguel Salas (not salsa). And let me tell you he's been such a great friend to me and has been great company. It's a funny story of how I met him. He was always in my marketing class but we never really talked. I kind of got the vibe he thought I was annoying or mean, but I didn't really mind. Except one day we were in marketing and he asked his friend whether she knew about Hillsong United (an awesome Christian music group). Me being the creepy eavesdropper I am, said "I DO!" I think I caught him off guard because he seemed a little confused, but still excited non the less. And that's how our friendship started. It was weird because I somehow ended up sitting next to him later on, and that's how we really got close. I thought that Migs was the funniest, weirdest guy I knew (and he is). And that's what brought me closer to him. We just kind of clicked. Instant best friends I would call it.

     After being friends with him for a little while, I invited him to Phoenix (my youth group). And he said he would come, but he told me he had another youth group he went to instead. He either said he couldn't go because of that, or that he couldn't make it. And I understood. But I got the vibe that even though he went to youth group and church, he was still a little shaky in his faith. And that isn't a bad thing at all. I mean everyone starts somewhere. I used to be just like him. So that's why I made it my goal to bring him to Phoenix at least once. And what do you know, he came one week and then kept on coming. It was amazing how he fit in so effortlessly. He came to Phoenix week after week, and then soon enough came to church with me and my friends on Sundays too. 

     It's crazy how much Migs has grown in his faith in such a short span of time. He first came to Phoenix on March 1st, and has been coming ever since. And throughout a 2 month time span, he has already surrendered his life to Jesus, brought other friends to Phoenix, come to church with me every week, and even help me teach the kids on Sunday afternoons. I don't know about you, but that's amazing. I mean I know people who have gone to church for years and hasn't even done that much. And the greatest thing is, that I can tell that he is actually learning more about Jesus and the Bible. His relationship with God is now the most important thing to him, which is exactly how it should be. He used to simply learn about God, but now he's living for him. And that's one of the most beautiful sights to see. Watching someone grow in their faith right before your eyes. 

     Miguel has thanked me multiple times that I brought him to Phoenix, and introduced him to everyone there. And I feel so flattered when he says that. But It's all God's works that got him where he is now. God specifically used me to bring Migs closer to him. It's actually an honor, and I am so blessed. God used me. A minuscule percentage of all the people in this world. Me. And I know that God will use Miguel to bring another person to Christ as well. And let me tell you, seeing someone grow and become more involved with their church and community, is the single most rewarding thing. I am glad I got to witness that. And I'm excited for Migs to experience the joy of seeing someone grow like I have, and still am.

    I know for those unbelievers that this may sound like some mumbo jumbo but its not. It's completely real. For those who don't really know God, don't you think that it's more than a coincidence that I heard Miguel talking about Hillsong that one day? Or that I somehow got to sit next to him and know him better? Most likely no. Whether you know God or not, I know you can still believe that certain people are put in your life for a reason. That's just a basic philosophy. You don't need a relationship with God to know that. But it's who you give that credit to which matters. I give the the credit to God. I know that he placed me in Miguel's life someway somehow for a good reason. But if you don't believe in God, then who or what do you think brings these life impacting people into our lives? The Easter Bunny?

     Anyways, thank you Miguel for being a great friend, and actually acceping my invitation to Phoenix. I'm glad that you didn't regret it. 

-Janey