A tale of two newspaper vendors

I went walking again this morning. It is part of an effort of mine to live more healthy, loose weight and attack the efforts of ageing.

The view along the way is very beautiful. Some gardens are quite exquisite. I am fortunate to live in a very well-to-do neighborhood.

A side-effect is meeting other people on the street. This morning I met Johnny Blankenberg. He sells newspapers at the intersection that forms the one entrance to our neighborhood. Actually, I met him before, but today is the first time I actually spoke to him. He is always friendly, always praising the Lord and praying that Jesus will bless you.

Today, he told me something about his life. He was on the street for 37 years. Two years ago he gave is life to Christ. He married Rina. They have a baby girl now. Rina, however, has backslidden and is back in the world. I must please pray that she turn to God again. He also has a bungalow and is now looking for a stand among other Christians. And Jesus is his anchor, praise God.

At the other entrance to our neighboor I spoke to Edward. I know him well, as he used to sell the newspapers at that intersection. Now, he only works there on Saturdays. I asked him where he is stationed as news paper vendor during the week. He replied that he doesn't work during the week any more. His mother is ill and he is looking after her. She has cancer. Edward gestured to his upper body when he said that, leaving me to assume it is lung cancer or something similar. He looks like a shy person, withdrawn and all.

Edward looks as if he isn't a day older than 18. He is also a coloured guy. My heart goes out to him. How do they cope financially? Was he the sole provider of his family? Could it be that his mother is dying of AIDS, even (a possibility, living in South Africa).

I have no idea how to share the love of Christ with him. So I said I'll pray for him and his mother.