“JUST DOING LAUNDRY”

It had been several very busy days for Larry and me at the NHRA pre-season testing event at The Strip at Las Vegas Raceway.  Before heading off to the season opener at Pomona, I needed to visit the local Laundromat.  It's not in the best neighborhood in Las Vegas. I go there because it’s close to the racetrack and other racers are usually there doing laundry.  More than that, I go there because of the lady that runs the establishment.

She's a little Korean lady that always has a large Korean Bible lying open at her work station and Christian radio for her private listening.  We developed a friendship over the years.  I always looked forward to seeing her.  She knew my name because of the names on our uniform shirts.  Each time I walked through the door, she exploded into big smiles and we shared hugs.  As our friendship grew, she would tell me remarkable stories of God's hand on her life, her "close calls," her husband who didn't have “the faith,” and how she longed for him to believe in "Cheezuss."  I prayed every time I visited with her that God would help her and her husband, would keep her safe, and would help me to understand her broken English.  Most of the time, I got the gist of things.

On this particular visit, I noticed my friend wasn't there.  I asked the girl behind the desk where she was, and she said that she's very, very sick.  She pointed across the room and said, "That's her husband over there." 

I usually like to take a little something to give my friend.  This time I had a 1- inch, needle point "cross in my pocket" with a poem folded inside.  I made my way over to her husband and introduced myself.  I held out the little cross and asked him if he would give it to his wife.  He refused the cross, and explained, “My wife has stomach cancer and is very sick.  She lost all her hair.”  He said, “She was an associate pastor in a big church, but something happened, and now she went to a small church.  She gave her 11% tithe.  She gave at Christmas, she gave every time something would come up, and the church took and took and took.  Now, when she needs them, they are afraid to see her and won't touch her because they think the cancer will transfer to them.  She's alone.” 

I felt his frustration and replied, "I'm so sorry that this is your experience.  I know your wife's heart.  She has a giving heart, and no matter what the church does with the money, I know God blesses her because she is giving her tithe to Him."   He just shook his head and waived his arms.  He went back to his work, but he would come back to talk to me from time to time.  Each time I listened and prayed in the Spirit.

I was so overwhelmed with sadness.  The prognosis doesn't look good for my Korean friend...well, at least in this life.  Actually, her prognosis is great, because either way, she will see a miracle.  If she lives, it will be a miracle.  If she dies, she goes to be with her "Cheezuss." 

I leaned against the wall and prayed; no I interceded.  I was overcome with the seriousness of the whole scene.  There were gangs walking up and down the sidewalk, homeless people that came into the Laundromat looking for a handout, and people that seemed to have no sense of purpose and too much time on their hands.  I realized that I was in a real war zone...one that these people live in every day…one that is governed by an animal instinct for survival. 

I stood there thinking and praying, knowing this would be the last time I do laundry here.  I interceded and did spiritual battle over all that God put on my heart.  I prayed for the beautiful little girl in the soft pink outfit and the long, shiny black hair trying to keep up with her tough dad who sauntered down the sidewalk.  (We don't have a clue what little children grow up with and what they are exposed to in this environment.  Sometimes, it seems better not to know.)  I prayed for the homeless panhandler and the man doing his laundry who gave him some money.  I prayed for the guy who walked in off the sidewalk to tell me I looked pretty in my green shirt.  I prayed for my protection.  Most of all, I prayed for my Korean friend and her husband.

I began to tear up, realizing that I may never see my friend again this side of heaven.  She may be the only "light" in such a dark place.  I prayed that God would take her legacy and grow what He started...that His glory would shine in this Laundromat, and people would be drawn to Him when they walked through the doors.  I prayed that God would show His glory to her husband and he would see that God is not like the people who hurt and disappoint him. 

Before I left, I went to the husband and once more offered my care and concern.  I asked him to tell his wife that Linda Smiley from the racetrack sends her love and prayers.  He said he would.

This is one small area in one of the largest cities in our country.  It's a drop in the bucket of areas just like that in Las Vegas, in other cities, in our country, and in other countries.  People need hope that is only available through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

God says in His Word that "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  (I John 1:9) 

 He says that "in Christ, we are a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come."  (II Corinthians 5:17)  

 He says that in Christ, "we have everlasting life."  (John 3:16) 

 He says that "the peace of God that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:7)  That is the peace that guards my friend.

Jesus didn't come into the world to condemn us, (beat us down), but to save us from that.  (John 3:17)  Satan is the one who beats us down.  “He came to steal, kill and destroy, but Christ came that we may have life, and might have it abundantly.”  (John 10:10)

The ministry that Larry and I do is called “Racers For Christ,” but in reality, ministry is all inclusive.  Whether it's when we pray with a racer in the staging lanes, go to the hospital after a crash, talk with the person pumping gas next to us, or just doing laundry, God says to "let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."  (Matthew 5:16)  Even our "good works" isn't about us.  "It's by grace we are saved through faith and that not of yourselves.  It is the gift of God, lest any man should boast."  (Ephesians 2:8-9)

We have a lot to be thankful for...more than we even know.  Even in our bad times, we're spoiled with God's gifts.  As we shine our lights before men, remember that "The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."  (James 5:16b)  Remember that our righteousness is only from the blood that Jesus shed, giving His life so we could be with God where Jesus sits at His right hand.  (Ephesians 2:4-6)  Then, and only then, do we have the power to overcome what the enemy would use to trip us.  Spend time with Him and get to know His real character, not just what you've heard.  Then share His love wherever you go, even if it’s Just Doing Laundry.  God bless you.

Linda Smiley