Fishers of Men: An Unexpected Encounter

"Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." - Matthew 4:19

Dad and young Fishermen or Fishers of Men?

Fishers of Men in Unexpected Places

I spotted the bracelet on his wrist immediately - that familiar gold and silver "fishers of men" design I've worn since my Walk to Emmaus in 2005. Pointing to our respective bracelets, I asked with a knowing smile, "Acts Retreat or Walk to Emmaus?"

But his story surprised me. No retreat, no altar call - just a father's love and fishing swivels. Twenty years ago, standing on a jetty with crashing waves, he feared for the safety of his young sons. So he handcrafted three bracelets from his tackle box, secured them around their wrists, and captured their three fists meeting in unity in a photo - a father's covenant with his boys.

Today, those sons are grown men who still wear their fishing swivel bracelets. Each year, the same photo ritual - three fists meeting in the center, each new picture adding to two decades of memories. The same unshakeable bond. Now, a daughter-in-law joins the circle, and each new family member will inherit this tradition of love.

I wanted to share the Gospel, about being fishers of men, but a gentle voice within me said, "I'll do the converting - the love is already there."

Sometimes God’s Kingdom shows up in fishing tackle and fatherly love, in traditions that bind hearts across decades. He makes fishers of men in ways I never expect - not just through bracelets that proclaim faith, but through love that lives it.

I encourage you to look for the unexpected ways love is already working in the lives around you. Grace often wears disguises we don't recognize!