After nearly 14 months without a nibble, I was losing hope. Would our house ever sell? Before work each morning, we'd tidy up, leaving counters clear and rooms pristine in case of a showing. The process was tedious and discouragingfor over a year, we couldn't leave a glass by the sink or a jacket over a chair. Our house no longer felt like home.

 

     One Thursday, Sylvia Reynolds, a friend from church, drove the 40 miles to evaluate our situation. A realtor by trade, Sylvia always combines the practical with the godly, and this occasion proved no exception. She suggested we purchase three Boston ferns and move some rocking chairs to the front porch. Then she took us on a prayer walk.

 

     While we circled the house together, Sylvia chatted with the Lord. She told Him how much we love Him and appreciate all His provision for us, including the safe, comfortable home we were now trying to sell. She expressed gratitude for all the blessings we enjoyed there, and she also prayed for the future ownersthat they, too, would find the place a secure, happy haven. That Sunday, our buyers showed up.

 

     As novel as a prayerwalk seemed to us, it is standard operating procedure for Sylvia. "I at least always offer it to my clients," she says. In extreme situations, she will also fast. She recalls one seller whose deal fell through after the mover was hired and belongings were packed. In time, a second contract was in place, but at the last minute, that buyer also backed out. When, incredibly, a third transaction collapsed at the eleventh hour, Sylvia felt impressed to take spiritual action. "This is enough. Something isn't right. I'll fast and pray," she announced, determined to know God's will. The other agent had never heard of such a sales "technique"; even the sellers objected, "You can't do this! You'll hurt yourself." Of course, nothing we do can ever force God's hand, but Sylvia sensed His leading and obeyed. Nineteen days later, the house closed.

 

     Wanting to experience Sylvia's modus operandi first-hand, I recently spent a day with her and discovered clients are not the only beneficiaries of her active faithcoworkers are likewise the object of her prayers and encouragement. Though I arrived early at the realty office, she was already there. On Tuesdays, prior to the weekly sales meeting, Sylvia likes to be the first one present so she can walk by the nameplates, praying for each staff member.

 

     Real estate provides many occasions for living one's faith. "Selling and buying houses ranks among the top ten causes of stress," she points out. "That means plenty of opportunity to pray and share about God's peace, sovereignty, and love." She finds it easy to turn conversation toward the spiritual in non-threatening ways. "I make comments like, 'You know how the Scripture says . . . ' I never treat people as if they know less than I do about God or the Bible." That type of inclusiveness proves a great springboard for speaking about the Lord.

 

     And speaking about Him is second nature for her. Sylvia has been a Christian for over half a century, but her faith walk became a gallop 25 years ago, when she attended her first Bill Gothard seminar. "It grabbed hold of my heart. I realized I had to live [Christianity] with every fiber of my being." It is an apt metaphor. Jesus is so interwoven in Sylvia's life that her faith cannot be relegated to just certain days or situations. One coworker observed, "No matter what anyone talks about, you bring God into it." Sylvia remarks, "It's so natural, I don't realize I'm doing it."

 

     Being with Sylvia is like joining an ongoing conversation between two close friendsshe stays tuned in to the Lord so she can respond immediately to His prompts, whether to encourage, witness, help, or pray. For example, upon encountering three young coworkers at one property, she greets them with a hug and an exuberant "Hello, precious people from my office!" She later detours from our itinerary, briefly explaining, "I've already seen this house, but I want to support the agent." En route, we stop at a bookstore because her supply of evangelism handouts needs replenishing. And driving behind a vehicle spewing exhaust, Sylvia even prays, "Bless that car"!

 

     The day felt like a course in Faith 101. I came away thinking, I could start a conversation with those words. I could offer a book and a hug. I could pray at work, on the road, in the store. No wonder the lesson was so effectiveSylvia's teaching methods line up with Deuteronomy 6:7's guidelines for instructing others about God. There we are told to speak about Him "all the time, whether you're at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning." (cev) Or, as is the case with Sylvia Reynolds, selling houses.

Sandy Feit