From Dismissal to Discipleship: A Gospel Encounter at the Domain

A Divine Appointment at The Domain: How God Led Me to meet James

One sunny afternoon, I gathered a small group of evangelists and headed to The Domain in Austin, Texas. We packed bottles of cold water and plenty of Gospel tracts, excited to share the love of Christ in our city. As we handed out water, prayed for people, and shared the Good News, we didn’t know that God had something extraordinary in store for us—a story that would leave a lasting impact on all involved.

As we walked around, I noticed two young men filming YouTube videos nearby. I felt prompted to approach them, so I did, starting a friendly conversation. One of them was a professing Christian, but the other—a self-declared atheist—was not so thrilled. As I shared my faith, the atheist’s mood turned hostile, and before I knew it, he was in my face, ready to throw a punch. I could feel the tension rising, and just then, as if on cue, a security guard approached us.

Enter James. A 24-year-old from Louisiana, James had been called over to check out a complaint about us. He admitted feeling conflicted about asking us to leave. Just a few weeks earlier, James had an encounter with God that turned his life around. He’d recently gone to church for the first time in a long time and had given his life to Jesus. James told me he actually felt inspired by our boldness and saw it as a Christian duty to share the Gospel.

After talking with him, I felt led to ask if he was open to hearing more about the Gospel to make sure he truly understood what it meant to follow Jesus. He agreed, and we had a heartfelt conversation right there on the spot. I even shared a word of knowledge about his childhood, which deeply resonated with him. By the time we parted ways, James and I had exchanged contact information, and I knew that my reason for coming to The Domain that day was to meet him.

Our first follow-up meeting was at the Waffle House. I wasn’t sure if he would actually show, but he did! We shared stories, and I got to hear more about his journey. I shared my testimony and walked him through some key scriptures. The conversation was real and genuine, and I could feel God building a connection between us. I asked if he’d be open to meeting regularly for discipleship, Without hesitation, he agreed.

For months, James and I met almost weekly, talking through scripture, sharing meals, and diving deeper into his new faith. I went out of my way to show James love and support, even visiting the church he attended to make sure it was a solid place for him to grow. Since James worked on Sundays, we found a church that held Saturday services, allowing him to stay connected in a way that fit his schedule.

Then, one day, I got a text from James. His church was doing baptisms, and he asked if I would be honored to baptize him. I was thrilled! I showed up for the service, and to our surprise, his mom and sister had come to support him, a visit he hadn’t expected. It was a beautiful moment of family reconciliation and joy. The pastors announced that only their staff can baptize here, then they announced that one person could stand by James as he got baptized, He had asked me to baptize him, but since plans had changed and now his momma was in town, i figured we gotta flow with the Holy Spirit. I nudged him and said, “Bro, I won’t be mad if you want your mom to stand with you.” His face lit up, and he asked her. She was nervous but overjoyed, and as he stepped into the water, she stood beside him, tears in her eyes.

The baptism was an incredible moment of transformation and public declaration of faith for James. We celebrated together, and I had the pleasure of meeting his family and witnessing their pride and support. This journey with James reminds me of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20—to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them. God had orchestrated each step, from our “chance” meeting at The Domain to the ongoing discipleship that continues to this day.

Today, James and I still meet regularly, walking through scripture and navigating life together as he grows in his relationship with Christ. His life has forever changed, and I am so grateful for this journey we’ve shared. James’s story is a beautiful reminder of the power of obedience and how God can use a simple trip to The Domain to orchestrate a life transformed for His Kingdom.