In a powerful moment of street evangelism, Richard Lorenzo Jr. shared his testimony and challenged the beliefs of an atheist professor at the University of Central Florida in a conversation that touched on science, dreams, psychology and the supernatural. What began as a casual exchange turned into a deeply personal dialogue about eternity, evidence and the existence of God.
The conversation started when Lorenzo asked the professor to look at John 17:3: “This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” He declined, identifying as an atheist. “So that means you believe in nothing?” Lorenzo asked. The man responded affirmatively, explaining his belief in self-manifestation and psychology over religion.
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As the two continued talking, Lorenzo pressed further. “Have you ever had a dream that came true?” he asked. The professor admitted he had but attributed it to subconscious manifestation. But Lorenzo shared that he, like millions of others, had dreams come true without any conscious planning. “There’s a spirit realm,” he declared, adding that personal experiences—like sleep paralysis and supernatural healing—point to realities beyond what science can explain.
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The man, who said he was from India and had seen spiritual possession in both religious and cultural contexts, argued that belief creates gods.
Lorenzo then shared how he was healed from an incurable disease and delivered from addiction—not through self-belief, but through the power of God. “I didn’t create God—I met Him,” he said. Lorenzo explained how he had explored multiple world religions, including voodoo, Santeria, Islam and Hinduism, but encountered the undeniable presence of God only through Jesus.
The man argued for belief in scientific evidence like CO2, even though it’s invisible. Lorenzo used this as a parallel for faith: “You believe in CO2 because of reproducible experiments and testimonies. That’s the Gospel—it’s written, reproducible and you experience the results.”
The conversation between the two soon closed with a heartfelt prayer by Lorenzo: “Father, in the name of Jesus, reveal Yourself to my brother… that he would know You and teach Your Word prophetically.”
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It was a seed planted—an unapologetic encounter that bridged faith and intellect, belief and evidence. And for the young atheist, it may have marked the beginning of a deeper journey. Pray that he would experience the true power of the living God.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
