Maktar the Bhakta Part 1
We were distributing in front of a church in New Town, Sydney. One African bodied man popped his head out of an African restaurant next door. He said "What you got?" So I showed him Bhagavata Gita. He said "I got no money but can I have the little book (Perfect Escape written by HH Devamrita Swami)?" Though I thought he had been a bit abrupt I gave it to him and continued my service.
The next time I went to New town he rolled up on his bike, he is a chef at the restaurant. He said "I want the big one!" So I gave him the Gita with my phone number and he gave a nice donation. I was very surprised because I thought he was probably a Muslim and he seemed a bit arrogant so I didn't think he would have liked the small book I gave him. Anyway I invited him for dinner at Govindas but I didn't think he would call.
1 or 2 weeks later I was in Parramata and he called. His name is Maktar and he was really eager to meet for dinner. I was in ecstasy! We arranged to meet at Govindas.
I didn't know what to expect, maybe an argument, so I just prayed to Krsna. Before I went to meet him I was talking to my godbrother Shastra Krit prabhu. I asked him 'How can we keep going on doing books everyday?" Shastra Krit prabhu said that Lord Caitanya lets you taste the nectar of bringing someone closer to Krsna and you will become addicted to it. After an amazing dinner with Maktar the bhakta I understood what my godbrother was saying.
My first impression of Maktar was way off. He is a the sweetest young man from Senaga, west Africa. Very sincere seeker of the absolute truth. We spoke about God the hole time but there was no clashing. He told me of cheating spiritual leaders (maybe voodoo) in Africa and he told me of his being influenced by Christianity and Muslim teachings.
He is very busy working full time for his sponsor to Australia. He is also studying english so he can get his permanent residency. Whenever he has spare time he calls me to come and meet again. He even gets someone to cover for him for a few hours to come and visit.
Pleased stay tuned for Maktar the Bhakta Part 2. When its get really exiting!
Your Servent
Uddhava Dasa
