Recently I was invited to speak to an "unreached people group," in Scottsdale, Arizona. I found myself in the midst of the 1 percent of the nationthe "up and out" with great wealth, position, influence and power. Many were CEOs of large companies. Others owned them. Still others were elected members of the state legislature or were popular sports figures. Most had no personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord though some were committed Christians, seeking earnestly to be Gods best where He had placed them. Many were in some transition in their lives, and were open to hearing a word from God. The words of the Apostle Paul became intensely personal: For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more (1 Corinthians 9:19, NKJV).

The transitions they were facing included: significant promotions in their jobs, company downsizings, major acquisitions, terminations, sudden personal wealth (and for the Christians how they should use it for Gods kingdom), election to public office, appointment to significant positions or being signed by a major professional sports team. Change characterized each one, yet I noticed several commonalities among them that presented a wonderful opportunity for witness: They all had a measure of vulnerability, and were therefore open to hear a clear word from God.

They felt they were in a moment of crisis, and were teachable if someone noticed and cared to share clearly and without intimidation.

They sensed they were at a real water-shed or defining moment in their lives and/or career, and that what happened next would deeply affect their relationships with God and their families.

They had a measure of fear of the future. But facing it without an adequate knowledge of God, His will or His Word caused them to listen for a stabilizing word from someone with an authentic witness.

They felt their values were being challenged by the transition they were facing, and that they needed help.

These feelings were so real that the speaker of the house in the state legislature delayed its reconvening for one hour, so that anyone who wanted to could attend the luncheon where I was speaking.

More than 25 attended the luncheon and were greatly affected by what God laid on my heart to share. Among these leaders were some men and women of influence and wealth, along with some key professional athletes and their wives. God had arranged an opportunity to touch with His good news some of the 1 percent who seem unreachable and He did reach them! Only the future will reveal all that God did during those three days.

How are we to prepare ourselves for reaching people in transition?

• Watch with spiritual eyes where God is working.

• Take time to build significant relationships, so God can use your life as a highway for Himself to others.

• Approach people and situations with understanding and availability.

• Be spiritually ready to share with insight and compassion.

• Pray with understanding and confidence.

• Trust the Holy Spirit to guide and enable you to share with courage.

• Be obedient with confidence in God Who placed you there at that moment.

• Offer something tangiblea book, tract, magazine, tape or other resource (I carried a gift of the Gospelsthe Holman Christian Standard Bible versionwhich feature some helpful notes). God greatly used these moments with men and women in transition. I had been aware for some time that God would have me touch people in the workplace and was prepared to share at a moments notice for His glory.

The author of Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby is special assistant to the president, for Prayer and Spiritual Awakening, NAMB.