Written by: Rev. Frank Shelton
Evangelist
Founder, Frank Shelton Global
Hebrews 13:2 (KJV)
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
In November 2018, I was waiting to board an American Airlines flight from Charlotte, NC to Washington, D.C. After a five-day staff meeting at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, I was thrilled to be heading home. I finally could decompress and was zoning out at the gate waiting to board. The gate was packed; in fact, standing room only. Now relaxed, the Holy Spirit prompted me to get out of my seat and offer it to an African American female who was frantically looking for a place to sit down. It just so happened that a man I was sitting next to left his seat, so I sat down next to the woman in the seat that was now vacant. I am a preacher, but the Lord said, “Let her talk.”
As she was talking, she mentioned Chuck Colson. The Lord impressed upon me that she must have been in prison if she knew this individual who founded Prison Fellowship; arguably the greatest jail ministry since Paul and Silas! She revealed that she got saved in prison, and I said, “Praise the Lord!” as we looked at each other and slapped high fives in celebration. After 21+ years of incarceration, she had just been released. Then she said, “I am the woman that recently flew to the White House to meet with the President of the United States in the Oval Office.” She shook my hand and said, “Frank, good to meet you. I am Alice Marie Johnson!”
Alice was granted clemency by President Trump in 2018 and a full pardon in 2020, was mentioned at the State of the Union, spoke behind the presidential podium with the leader of the free world over her shoulder, flew on Air Force One, and received an award at the United Nations. Alice and I exchanged contact information and have kept in touch. We are currently working together on two projects. Had I not offered my seat to a stranger at the crowded airport gate, I would have never met Alice Marie Johnson. Ministry isn’t always behind a pulpit on Sunday, but every day of the week; even on a Friday at a crowded airport gate in Charlotte, NC. The greatest sermons are not preached, but lived. I met an angel that day in NC and I am so thankful I listened to the voice of God because, had I not, I would have missed out on being, and receiving, a blessing.
Prayer:
Lord, help me be on the LOOK OUT to be the hands and feet of Jesus. In a culture promoting death today, help me speak LIFE and glow for You. Give me Divine appointments and, when I see a need, help me fill it for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I had a situation happen many years ago where I believe I met an angel unknowingly. I hope to share one day.
Dear Brother Frank,
Thank you for such an inspiring story! I was truly blessed by this. It makes me wonder how many angels I have missed in my life. It is amazing what one kind gesture to a stranger can do. Imagine if everyone on the planet put others first. Blessings to you, my friend.
Dear Reverend Shelton,
Thank you for sharing this excellent witness to God’s working in the world. What a blessing it is to hear about how you and Ms. Johnson connected and are working together on two projects together! May God richly bless your work together.