Because I have children, I can't "go out" witnessing as easily as I could if I didn't have children. But, I know that it is the Lord's will for my life to have children and I also know it is His will for me to share my faith so the two must be able to work hand-in-hand. During prayer earlier this afternoon, I asked Jesus to have someone call my house if He wanted me to talk to anyone today. Because of being on the Do Not Call list, I wasn't expecting anyone to call.
I got a call at about 4:30 p.m. from a young woman taking a bank survey. I couldn't hear her well at all. It sounded like she was whispering through a tunnel. Wonderful, I thought. How was this going to work? But, I said, "Sure, I'll take the 4 minute survey." That gave me time to get a feel for her voice so I could understand her a bit better.
When she was done with the survey, I asked her, "Can I ask you a question?"
Her, "Sure."
"If you were to die tonight, are you 100% sure you would go to Heaven?"
"No, I'm not."
"Did you say 'No, I'm not?" (Remember, I can barely hear her!)
"Yes, I did."
"Well, would you consider yourself to be a good person?"
"Yes."
[talking]
"Okay, so by your own admission, you are a lying, thieving, adulterer at heart and if God judges you by His standard on the day of judgement, would you be Innocent or guilty?"
"Guilty."
"Would you be going to Heaven or to Hell?"
"Hell."
"Does that concern you?"
"No."
"Did you say 'no'?"
"Yes."
Me, surprised, "So, you are telling me that if you died tonight, that you are not concerned that you would be going to hell?"
So, here is where I went wrong. I went on to start telling her about the Good News - Jesus - because I felt like I didn't want her to not hear it. But, I think God gave me this experience for learning. I think I understand the not throwing pearls to pigs thing better now. Because, she didn't want to hear about Jesus (she said she had to go) and I felt foolish afterwards giving her the Good News. I should have just stopped when she said she wasn't concerned (Ray Comfort and Mark Cahill, too, I think, tell you to reason with the person - but maybe they mean when the person is angry vs. just not caring).
I should have stopped when she said that it didn't concern her because I then came across as a "crazy religious person" at that point which could be a disservice to her if she writes off the stuff about her sins (instead of being convicted of her sinfulness).
So, the conversation went "well" in the here-and-now sense (I didn't get yelled at) although I think it could have gone badly in the eternal sense - for her at least. Maybe people actually do need to be either pissed off - angry or they need to be weeping at Jesus' feet?????????????? I'm going to search scripture about this. What is the consensus regarding this - what did Jesus do?
-Sarah
July 31, 2007
July 30, 2007
Witnessing is Fun!
Just in case anyone may think witnessing for Christ is full of anxiety and apprehension...
This is what Sam looked like just before we set out to share our faith at RAGBRAI. He looks really scared, huh??
July 26, 2007
Fear of Man or Fear of God
A trip to the mall and the opportunity to speak of the Lord Jesus with at least half a dozen people. This was a challenge that surely made me tremble with fear.
Fear of men.
What will they think of me?
Will they yell at me?
Will they call me crazy?
Will they think that I'm weird?
These were the thoughts that ran through my head as I paced the mall. I often found myself with opportunities, I thought the Lord God had presented me with, yet I was too fearful to act. I had to sit several times and pray that the Holy Spirit would guide me to the right person, someone who has been thinking of spiritual things, and that when I was bold enough, empowered by the same Spirit, I would start a conversation with this person.
Even as I left the mall as it was about to close, I felt defeated and thought maybe the person I that is open will be in the parking lot. I got in the car and started driving away and I saw a girl waiting outside the mall, who I thought I could have talked to earlier.
I went and parked again, and went up and started talking with her. It turned out that she was a Jehovah's Witness and some of her beliefs made it very difficult to have a conversation with her. I even had a NT with me and although I know that there are verses I can show her that contradict with her beliefs, I do not know them by book and verse and could not show them to her.
The conversation was friendly and I know that at least if she was not thinking hard about what she believes, she was reminded of the eternal consequences of death, without forgiveness for sins and an eternity apart from God.
This experience, as all of the times where I talk with people about spiritual things, was a growing experience for me. I am convicted that I need to work on memory verses, in order to know God's wisdom for my own life, but more importantly, to impact the lives of others.
My prayer for the future is that I would continue to develop a fear of God and think more of what he thinks of what I do with the opportunities presented in front of me, than what others think of me.
-Matt B.
Fear of men.
What will they think of me?
Will they yell at me?
Will they call me crazy?
Will they think that I'm weird?
These were the thoughts that ran through my head as I paced the mall. I often found myself with opportunities, I thought the Lord God had presented me with, yet I was too fearful to act. I had to sit several times and pray that the Holy Spirit would guide me to the right person, someone who has been thinking of spiritual things, and that when I was bold enough, empowered by the same Spirit, I would start a conversation with this person.
Even as I left the mall as it was about to close, I felt defeated and thought maybe the person I that is open will be in the parking lot. I got in the car and started driving away and I saw a girl waiting outside the mall, who I thought I could have talked to earlier.
I went and parked again, and went up and started talking with her. It turned out that she was a Jehovah's Witness and some of her beliefs made it very difficult to have a conversation with her. I even had a NT with me and although I know that there are verses I can show her that contradict with her beliefs, I do not know them by book and verse and could not show them to her.
The conversation was friendly and I know that at least if she was not thinking hard about what she believes, she was reminded of the eternal consequences of death, without forgiveness for sins and an eternity apart from God.
This experience, as all of the times where I talk with people about spiritual things, was a growing experience for me. I am convicted that I need to work on memory verses, in order to know God's wisdom for my own life, but more importantly, to impact the lives of others.
My prayer for the future is that I would continue to develop a fear of God and think more of what he thinks of what I do with the opportunities presented in front of me, than what others think of me.
-Matt B.
Nothing Could Have Been More Exciting...
[A few weeks ago], some friends and I were witnessing at the park, using a “survey” approach. Here is a story of one of our conversations…
“Hello! I’m taking a little survey. Would you be interested it taking it?” I asked 2 teenage girls as I approached them in the park about a week ago.
“Sure, why not?”
“Ok, great! The first question is: “Do you consider yourself to be a good person?” I asked.
“Uh…yeah I guess so” they answered.
“Okay” I smiled and continued, “How many of the 10 commandments can you name?”
One of the girls told the other “you name them.” A sheepish smile covered the other girl’s face as she tried to think of one. Finally, after putting their minds together, they thought of a few.
“So—have you ever told a lie?”
“Maybe once”
“What does that make you?” I asked them.
“Uh…A liar?”
“Have you ever been angry with your brothers or sisters?”
They smiled. “All the time,” they replied.
“Did you know that Jesus said that if we are angry with our brother, it’s considered as murder in God’s eyes?”
“Really??”
“You know,” I told them, “God’s standards are different from ours. God’s laws are the 10 commandments. You’ve already admitted to me that you’ve disobeyed some of His laws and we didn’t even go through the other ones! If you got hit by a car walking home tonight and God judged you by the 10 commandments, do you think you’d go to heaven or hell?”
“Hell,” they answered. I don’t think they had ever thought of it that way. I could see the seriousness in their eyes.
“Does that concern you?”
“Yeah”
I told them, “Actually, I am 100% sure I’m going to Heaven, but it’s not because I’m some great person or anything like that. It’s because God made a way! Would you like to know the way to be 100% sure you are going to Heaven?”
They said “yes,” so we sat down on the grass and I got my Bible out. Just then I was startled with a loud exclamation behind me. “Well, hello there, Grace!!!!! Remember me??? I saw you here last year!”
Oh no, I thought as I recalled the conversation I had with this lady last year. She was kind of loud and talkative and I thought she’d just be an interruption to this conversation.
And I was just getting in to the most important part! There must be spiritual warfare going on here.
“Uh, hi! Yeah, I do remember you.” I told her, “Would you like to sit down and listen to our conversation?”
“Yeah! Sure!!!” she said and sat down with us.
The next 10 minutes or so I went through the Romans road with these two girls. I had them read the verses and tell me what they thought it was saying. It encouraged me so much to watch them anxiously seeking to know the answer…to know how to be saved. One of the girls wiped a tear in her eye.
“So…” they asked me after reading Romans 10:9 , “that’s saying that you have to believe, and…”
“Yes” I answered, “and it’s just like a free gift. You simply have to ask and receive the gift of eternal life.”
“Have you ever prayed before?” I asked them.
“I pray every night.” The teary-eyed girl said. I think she was telling the truth, and I see how the Lord (who had heard those prayers) was now drawing her into His family.
“Would you like to pray now and ask the Lord for eternal life?
They hesitated. There were other people walking by. We might make a scene. I thought it would be great to make a prayer-meeting scene :), but I didn’t want to make them uncomfortable.
“We’ve never really prayed with other people before,” they said.
Just then the other lady (who had dropped in and was listening to our conversation) stated loudly, “Well, I think we should pray! I think prayer is always a good thing to do!”
“Ok, then, let’s pray.” I said, (realizing that the Lord was now using this lady’s presence for good!) “This is such an important decision, why put it off? Since you said you aren’t sure quite what to say would you like to repeat after me?”
“Sure” they all said, obviously serious about wanting to do this. “And it will make us feel better” they added.
I prayed and the 2 of them, plus the other lady, all repeated after me. I was so thrilled. I told them “You may not realize the significance of what you just did, but this is the most important decision of your life…Our life here is so short and what really matters is where we will spend eternity.”
They seemed to understand. But it struck me how much more they still needed to learn.
Since no one seemed to be in a hurry to leave, we continued our discussion for a little while. I explained why the Lord wants to save us. He wants to be our closest friend, and doesn’t want sin to separate us from Him anymore. I reviewed the story of Adam and Eve, gave them some Bible history, and told them to go home and read the book of John. I am hoping to get together with them again soon. The fact that the Lord allowed me and my friends the privilege of leading them into His family was a thought almost too wonderful to grasp. 
-Grace
Impacting Teens
Last night we again went to the mall to witness. Sarah and I had been at RAGBRAI earlier that afternoon and had the incredible privilege of talking to two 18-year-olds about salvation. I was so pumped thinking what a difference that conversation could make in those boy's lives, their future families and maybe their future churches. We told them that meeting us was not a coincidence!
Kathleen was with us at the mall. She has never been fishing with us before. She wanted to walk with me and watch me share Christ. I asked her to stand a little ways away and listen and pray. The first people I felt led to talk to were a group of teens hanging out on the benches in the center of the mall. They looked like they could be a tough group to talk to, so I was hesitant. Suddenly I felt pulled to them and asked Kathleen to pray really hard.
I shared the smart card with one of the girls asking her, "Have you ever seen one of these? You put your thumb here for 15 seconds and if it turns green, you're a good person. Do you think you're a good person?" She answered, "Oh, yes!" and put her thumb on the spot. When it didn't turn green, the girl next to her said, "Let me try that!" and proceeded to put her thumb on the spot. I asked the first girl if she knew that being good meant being morally perfect. She said something like, "Oh, that's not me!" and realizing I was going to talk about God-stuff, walked away with her friend. That left me talking to the two boys.
The young man on the left quickly admitted to breaking several of the Ten Commandments and told me he thinks he will go to hell. I asked him if that concerned him and he hesitated and then said, "No". We then proceeded to talk about his and the other boy's spiritual beliefs in detail. They were very open!
At one point in the conversation I realized there were several people around me. I was very aware of Kathleen's presence directly in front of me, behind the bench of boys I was speaking to. I reminded myself several times that she was praying (thank you Kathleen!) and felt God's peace filling me with a calm that could only come from Him. I knew someone was making some kind of gestures behind me, but I ignored the urge to turn around. Kathleen later told me he was mocking me. She also said the security guard at the mall was standing directly behind me. She counted 9 teens!
As another person came into my peripheral vision, I turned to look at him. I could tell he was planning to talk to the boys I was talking to (and was probably planning to pull them away from me somehow) but I met his eyes and smiled at him. He smiled back and the majority of the group walked away.
The young men I was sharing with had so many thoughts about God and religion. People love to tell you what they believe! I continued to try to turn their hearts to repentance and an admittance that they weren't able to have a relationship with our Holy God because of their sin. But they were intent on making up their own gospel and conjuring up a God of their own imagination. Because they weren't humble, I didn't give them the message of grace. I knew the law had to break their hearts before they could see their need for a Savior.
At the end of the conversation, I was amazed at how thankful these boys were for our conversation. It made me wonder how many other 45-year old women had taken the time to love them and talk to them respectfully. Their wide-eyes, lined with black eyeliner, will haunt me for days. I keep seeing the horns and spikes pierced through their youthful-facial skin. I keep hearing one of their words, "It was adults in my church who sold me drugs the first time." I felt the sadness God must feel when people are so wounded and disillusioned by the world, yet they think they have all the answers within themselves. It makes me weep.
It also motivates me to witness. Please pray for God to show you one soul to testify to about Christ today.
Kathleen was with us at the mall. She has never been fishing with us before. She wanted to walk with me and watch me share Christ. I asked her to stand a little ways away and listen and pray. The first people I felt led to talk to were a group of teens hanging out on the benches in the center of the mall. They looked like they could be a tough group to talk to, so I was hesitant. Suddenly I felt pulled to them and asked Kathleen to pray really hard.
I shared the smart card with one of the girls asking her, "Have you ever seen one of these? You put your thumb here for 15 seconds and if it turns green, you're a good person. Do you think you're a good person?" She answered, "Oh, yes!" and put her thumb on the spot. When it didn't turn green, the girl next to her said, "Let me try that!" and proceeded to put her thumb on the spot. I asked the first girl if she knew that being good meant being morally perfect. She said something like, "Oh, that's not me!" and realizing I was going to talk about God-stuff, walked away with her friend. That left me talking to the two boys.
The young man on the left quickly admitted to breaking several of the Ten Commandments and told me he thinks he will go to hell. I asked him if that concerned him and he hesitated and then said, "No". We then proceeded to talk about his and the other boy's spiritual beliefs in detail. They were very open!
At one point in the conversation I realized there were several people around me. I was very aware of Kathleen's presence directly in front of me, behind the bench of boys I was speaking to. I reminded myself several times that she was praying (thank you Kathleen!) and felt God's peace filling me with a calm that could only come from Him. I knew someone was making some kind of gestures behind me, but I ignored the urge to turn around. Kathleen later told me he was mocking me. She also said the security guard at the mall was standing directly behind me. She counted 9 teens!
As another person came into my peripheral vision, I turned to look at him. I could tell he was planning to talk to the boys I was talking to (and was probably planning to pull them away from me somehow) but I met his eyes and smiled at him. He smiled back and the majority of the group walked away.
The young men I was sharing with had so many thoughts about God and religion. People love to tell you what they believe! I continued to try to turn their hearts to repentance and an admittance that they weren't able to have a relationship with our Holy God because of their sin. But they were intent on making up their own gospel and conjuring up a God of their own imagination. Because they weren't humble, I didn't give them the message of grace. I knew the law had to break their hearts before they could see their need for a Savior.
At the end of the conversation, I was amazed at how thankful these boys were for our conversation. It made me wonder how many other 45-year old women had taken the time to love them and talk to them respectfully. Their wide-eyes, lined with black eyeliner, will haunt me for days. I keep seeing the horns and spikes pierced through their youthful-facial skin. I keep hearing one of their words, "It was adults in my church who sold me drugs the first time." I felt the sadness God must feel when people are so wounded and disillusioned by the world, yet they think they have all the answers within themselves. It makes me weep.
It also motivates me to witness. Please pray for God to show you one soul to testify to about Christ today.
July 25, 2007
RAGBRAI
Five of us (and a baby) went out to RAGBRAI in Cedar Falls today to talk to people. As we were leaving, we still hadn't actually had a conversation with anyone. I had just said something about wanting to talk to someone before we left when a group of young adults came up to us to give away sunblock. Lisa handed the group tracts and started talking to a girl so I thought, well, I might as well talk to the guy who I was standing next to.I asked him, "I need to talk to someone today and so I was wondering if I could ask you some interesting questions?" He said, "Yes." So I then asked him, "If you were to die tonight, are you 100% sure that you would be going to Heaven?" He said, "Yes, because I'm a pretty good person." So, I asked him if I could test him on that... And then went through the Law with him. He admitted he was guilty of being a liar, a thief, a murderer and an adulterer at heart. He said that it did concern him but that he didn't think he would die tonight.
We then kept talking about spiritual things for a while. It was really amazing. Lisa and I ended up talking to this guy and another guy (the rest of the group left) for at least 30 minutes in a dusty parking lot, 95 degree heat and no shade. Yet, I wasn't uncomfortable or even hot. Their names are Brian and Steve. They had soooo many questions and were so hungry! We left them both with More Than a Carpenter and I gave Brian a New Testament so he could read the book of John. I also asked Brian if I could pray for him and he let me. I put my hand on his arm and prayed for him for a couple of minutes and that was really amazing opportunity.
They didn't want us to leave and Brian kept asking where we would be at next, if we had a website, etc. I finally gave him my husband's name and phone number because he was so intent on wanting further contact, it seemed. In hindsight, it would have been best to more firmly point him towards scripture to answer his further questions.
It was a wonderful experience and it was absolutely worth the hour drive. They were great guys and it was a blessing to have this opportunity.
-Sarah
July 23, 2007
Good News or Foolishness?
Yesterday I talked with a young lady who goes to a Catholic high school. She was visibly upset when I was giving her the requirements of the Law. She was twitching and shaking her hands and her face was angry. I wanted to quit and just walk away but instead I prayed and asked God for help. In His strength I kept going and I'm glad that I did because she was humbled after about five minutes and I was then able to give her the Good News! At that point it truly was Good News!
Because she had first been convicted of her sins, the gospel then made sense to her and wasn't foolishness!
-Sarah
Because she had first been convicted of her sins, the gospel then made sense to her and wasn't foolishness!
-Sarah
July 22, 2007
Pray with People
I found this on the Living Waters site and thought it was good to share with everyone. Ray C. is talking to someone on an airplane. Here is the ending...
[The man I was talking to] did the spiritual I.Q. test on side two of the tract, and proved to be very open to the things of God, so I spent about twenty minutes witnessing to him. Then I prayed with him, that his conscience would remind him of his past sins, that he would see the seriousness of his transgression, and that the Lord would grant him light until he came to a point of peace with God. I also prayed that God would bless him and his family and keep them in health. We parted with a handshake, and his other hand filled with literature.
When you step out of the warmth of the barracks, you risk being shot down in flames of rejection. But when you leave a warm room to venture into the cold, how nice and cozy it seems when you get back. When I sat back down in my seat, I had the heart-warming knowledge that I had pleased God and done what I should as a Christian. If you have a good day for the Lord by being a true and faithful witness, when you go to bed at night, you will glow. You will know that this was a day of victory for you and defeat for the devil, because you broke free from the shackles of the fear of man.
View the whole story by clicking here.
[The man I was talking to] did the spiritual I.Q. test on side two of the tract, and proved to be very open to the things of God, so I spent about twenty minutes witnessing to him. Then I prayed with him, that his conscience would remind him of his past sins, that he would see the seriousness of his transgression, and that the Lord would grant him light until he came to a point of peace with God. I also prayed that God would bless him and his family and keep them in health. We parted with a handshake, and his other hand filled with literature.
When you step out of the warmth of the barracks, you risk being shot down in flames of rejection. But when you leave a warm room to venture into the cold, how nice and cozy it seems when you get back. When I sat back down in my seat, I had the heart-warming knowledge that I had pleased God and done what I should as a Christian. If you have a good day for the Lord by being a true and faithful witness, when you go to bed at night, you will glow. You will know that this was a day of victory for you and defeat for the devil, because you broke free from the shackles of the fear of man.
View the whole story by clicking here.
July 19, 2007
Forced to the basement!
I was walking around the mall last night praying for God to give me His love for the people he wanted me to talk to about salvation. I heard a strange, loud noise and realized water was pummeling the windows in the food court. People seemed to grow increasingly alarmed as they realized they were now trapped in the mall. I thought I heard sirens but was trying to talk myself out of that reality when I saw 2 security guards talking on their walkie talkies and scurrying my direction. Yes, a tornado warning had been issued and we were instructed to go to the basement.
"Wow, Lord, I guess I'll have lots of opportunitites to talk to people now!" I thought. Being one of the first persons in the basement, droves of people streamed toward me down the escalators . I was so overwhelmed! I wanted to talk to everyone at once... but I was scared to talk to anyone at all.
After making sure our little witnessing group was all safe and sound, I walked up to a woman nearby and showed her the Smart Card. She pleasantly answered my questions. When asked if she had any spiritual beliefs, she said, "Lutheranism". Interesting answer. When I asked her if she obeyed the Ten Commandments, she said, "Yes" but then quickly added a disclaimer. I asked her if I could quiz her on that and she said she had to leave. I felt deflated.
I prayed for God's guidance as I walked into the sea of people sitting on the floor and circular benches. They all seemed to be stairing at me since I was the only one walking anywhere. I thought about how surreal this situation was... everyone in this space was forced there because our lives were in danger. Essentially, the reality was, we could die at any moment. And I was still fearful to talk to them about their eternal future. How lame! So I prayed again...
I walked toward a young woman who was standing by herself. She laughed as I interacted with her using the Smart Card, and we talked about whether anyone could ever be good enough to have fellowship with a Holy God. She told me she was Catholic, so I asked her how her Catholicism would answer that question. She said she didn't know. I asked her if she knew why Jesus died on the cross. Again, "I don't know." What a privilege to tell her that God loves her so much that He came to Earth to pay the price for her sins.
Later Sarah suggested open-air preaching would have been good in a situation like we were in last night. Wow, that would have been amazing! Unfortunately, none of us were brave enough to test it out. May God increase my faith in Him to the point where my thoughts about myself pale in comparison to my love for the lost and my obedience to my Savior.
-Lisa
"Wow, Lord, I guess I'll have lots of opportunitites to talk to people now!" I thought. Being one of the first persons in the basement, droves of people streamed toward me down the escalators . I was so overwhelmed! I wanted to talk to everyone at once... but I was scared to talk to anyone at all.
After making sure our little witnessing group was all safe and sound, I walked up to a woman nearby and showed her the Smart Card. She pleasantly answered my questions. When asked if she had any spiritual beliefs, she said, "Lutheranism". Interesting answer. When I asked her if she obeyed the Ten Commandments, she said, "Yes" but then quickly added a disclaimer. I asked her if I could quiz her on that and she said she had to leave. I felt deflated.
I prayed for God's guidance as I walked into the sea of people sitting on the floor and circular benches. They all seemed to be stairing at me since I was the only one walking anywhere. I thought about how surreal this situation was... everyone in this space was forced there because our lives were in danger. Essentially, the reality was, we could die at any moment. And I was still fearful to talk to them about their eternal future. How lame! So I prayed again...
I walked toward a young woman who was standing by herself. She laughed as I interacted with her using the Smart Card, and we talked about whether anyone could ever be good enough to have fellowship with a Holy God. She told me she was Catholic, so I asked her how her Catholicism would answer that question. She said she didn't know. I asked her if she knew why Jesus died on the cross. Again, "I don't know." What a privilege to tell her that God loves her so much that He came to Earth to pay the price for her sins.
Later Sarah suggested open-air preaching would have been good in a situation like we were in last night. Wow, that would have been amazing! Unfortunately, none of us were brave enough to test it out. May God increase my faith in Him to the point where my thoughts about myself pale in comparison to my love for the lost and my obedience to my Savior.
-Lisa
Tornado Warning
There were six of us (plus three children) at the mall last night. By the way, this is something you can do as a family. Think of the impact it would have on your children!
The tornado sirens went off and everyone was sent into the basement to wait it out. We were just standing around (well, Matt was starting a conversation with someone) when Lisa said something like, "Hey, we're down here because we could possible die... So let's get moving!" and then she walked off to talk to people.
Yeah,... it's what we needed to hear. :c)
The tornado sirens went off and everyone was sent into the basement to wait it out. We were just standing around (well, Matt was starting a conversation with someone) when Lisa said something like, "Hey, we're down here because we could possible die... So let's get moving!" and then she walked off to talk to people.
Yeah,... it's what we needed to hear. :c)
July 12, 2007
Father-In-Law
I have known my Father-in Law, John, for 22 years and on July 16, 2007 he will have been my father-in-law for 13 years. However, I have never talked on a spiritual level with him, even though I am an elder in a church. Last week when we were in Chicago for the 4th I finally asked him the first Bill Fay question, "What are your spiritual beliefs?" after some lead in conversation. The conversation was working nicely into asking him the rest, but we got interrupted. So, pray that we will have an opportunity to continue in the future.
-Jeff O.
-Jeff O.
July 11, 2007
Practice, Practice, Practice
Well, another night at the mall for me - trying to find people to take a simple "intelligence test."
Tonight I spoke with two different (and very congenial) young couples. I enjoyed the conversations, and I believe they did too. I'm getting a little bolder, but I haven't progressed to actually having a spiritual conversation after someone takes the intelligence test. That will be the next step. Soon, I hope (by God's graciousness), to move to the stage where I actually have a spiritual conversation with someone.
God is in control!
-Tony
Tonight I spoke with two different (and very congenial) young couples. I enjoyed the conversations, and I believe they did too. I'm getting a little bolder, but I haven't progressed to actually having a spiritual conversation after someone takes the intelligence test. That will be the next step. Soon, I hope (by God's graciousness), to move to the stage where I actually have a spiritual conversation with someone.
God is in control!
-Tony
Can I ask you a question?
It is so hard to start a spiritual conversation with someone. Believe me, I know. I just try to focus on the Lord and it does get a bit easier - although it usually isn't "easy," by any means.Before we went out fishing tonight, I was having slushies with my mom and my children. Because of the relaxed atmosphere, the owner of the business was talking to us about plain, old everyday things. I sat there thinking that this is crazy! I have this Truth and Good News that I know about and I'm sitting here talking to the guy about things that really have no long-term value! I didn't want to get into it with him, though... I mean, I'm sitting here with my mom and three little children and what if he gets mad at me?
But, I know what I should do... And so I just pray for strength and jump in (otherwise I won't do it), "You seem like a very friendly guy; I'm taking a class through my church. Could I ask you a few questions?..."
When it is all said and done, I'm shaking but am so thankful, too. Things go well and people are hearing the Good News when they may never have otherwise! Salt their oats... Make them thirsty for righteousness... And watch lives changed.
This is the biggest thrill...
...and I've never been a thrill-seeker!
-Sarah
P.S. Did you catch the lie in this blog? Yes, I too am a "liar," (the class is over therefore I'm not taking a class).
July 5, 2007
Sharing at Camp
The following was written by Sam W. about sharing Christ during a World View camp earlier this summer.
I was with another girl and she and I witnessed to two different people. The first lady said that she was a Christian but we had some doubts about what she said.
The second group of people were gothic and one of them thought that you needed to do good deeds to go to heaven and that there are two different parts in heaven: a really good person place and a minor good person place.
Everything went well - they didn't get mad at us and were happy to talk with us.
Sam W.
I was with another girl and she and I witnessed to two different people. The first lady said that she was a Christian but we had some doubts about what she said.
The second group of people were gothic and one of them thought that you needed to do good deeds to go to heaven and that there are two different parts in heaven: a really good person place and a minor good person place.
Everything went well - they didn't get mad at us and were happy to talk with us.
Sam W.
Who Me???
I too went 'fishing' on the 4th.
There are some analogies to fishing as a kid that I can relate to - perhaps I'll share a couple of them.
I never liked fishing as a kid. The bait was messy. The fish were messy. And when you caught one, it wiggled around, flailing at you as you attempted to take it off the hook. Then you smelled like fish the rest of the day...
For me, 'fishing for men' is a little like that. It isn't something I would choose to do on my own. That, unfortunately, probably speaks volumes about me and about the vitality of my spiritual life. Although I enjoy having conversations with people (even those I don't know) - making the transition to discussing spiritual things is a challenge for me.
I can't put my finger on my fear. Is it that I care more about the way I look to others than I do about the souls of those dying around me? I'm not really sure. But like all things, I am finding that it gets easier each time I go.
For now I will give simple, silly "intelligence tests" and pass out tracts with "101 One Liners" because I can do that. And maybe in the future I can work up to actually sharing my faith with real words. But for now, for me, it is most definitely baby steps I'm taking, and praying that God will use my feeble efforts to bring a few more into His Kingdom.
-Tony
There are some analogies to fishing as a kid that I can relate to - perhaps I'll share a couple of them.
I never liked fishing as a kid. The bait was messy. The fish were messy. And when you caught one, it wiggled around, flailing at you as you attempted to take it off the hook. Then you smelled like fish the rest of the day...
For me, 'fishing for men' is a little like that. It isn't something I would choose to do on my own. That, unfortunately, probably speaks volumes about me and about the vitality of my spiritual life. Although I enjoy having conversations with people (even those I don't know) - making the transition to discussing spiritual things is a challenge for me.
I can't put my finger on my fear. Is it that I care more about the way I look to others than I do about the souls of those dying around me? I'm not really sure. But like all things, I am finding that it gets easier each time I go.
For now I will give simple, silly "intelligence tests" and pass out tracts with "101 One Liners" because I can do that. And maybe in the future I can work up to actually sharing my faith with real words. But for now, for me, it is most definitely baby steps I'm taking, and praying that God will use my feeble efforts to bring a few more into His Kingdom.
-Tony
July 4, 2007
Just Went to Watch
The following was written by Jeff C. (Sarah B.'s dad) as a letter to the co-leaders of the church they are trying to start. It is used with permission.
I went with Sarah, Matt and a few others from Cornerstone Church "fishing" in downtown CR this morning (lots of folks hangin' out for the Freedom Festival). I went because I felt I needed to, not because I wanted to. In fact Sarah and I have [had] some strained conversations lately. Probably the peak was earlier this week when she questioned if I was actually a Christian!
Of course, like any good father, I thought she was off base. After all she is intense (can't imagine where she gets some of that from) and young. But rather quickly I realized I delegated much of Sarah's teaching to Terry. Plus I'm not sure I clearly communicated the Gospel to her (or anyone else for that matter). And as I've talked about helping to start a seeker friendly church I think it concerned her that I was promoting happy mush talk (a common generalization from many Christian brothers and sisters).
But after seeing these folks talk to people today it is crystal clear, we need to get the message and approach right. Many of us Christians can get worked up about this and sometimes back away or go at it too strongly, but it ain't rocket science. And I was surprised to see it can be very relational! They really did an awesome job.
A few highlights...A few Christians seemed glad and affirmed, a guy who is a local on-air personality was given "101 of the World's Funniest One Liners" (I sort of know him and am going to follow-up), two guys were talked to together and one actually started sharing the Gospel with the other, and a Wicken lady (whatever that's about) seemed very interested. This is just a sample during about one hour of effort. Let's pray for some changed lives and eternity's.
Some possible next steps...First I don't think everyone needs to go through some mighty mega evangelism course. Nor do I feel we all need to go formally "fishing" daily, although for those with the gift of evangelism, some consistent "fishing" may satisfy their soul. It seems a good next step would be to simply watch someone share their faith. I asked Sarah if [the new church's leaders] could join her like I did today and she said she would be honored. It's a hoot. I just kept an eye on her kids, watched and listened. A no-brainer!
Then let's pray for direction. If nothing else, if we can naturally share as needed, we will be serving well. My sense is this can be simple and effective. We just need to be faithful. This is cooler than fireworks...hope you had a good 4th...
Jeff
ps...Sarah, pray about sharing this with your senior pastor. I've found that no matter how good something is, it is key the senior pastor is rock solid behind it and in it. Specifically I think you ought to invite him to watch you as I did....
I went with Sarah, Matt and a few others from Cornerstone Church "fishing" in downtown CR this morning (lots of folks hangin' out for the Freedom Festival). I went because I felt I needed to, not because I wanted to. In fact Sarah and I have [had] some strained conversations lately. Probably the peak was earlier this week when she questioned if I was actually a Christian!
Of course, like any good father, I thought she was off base. After all she is intense (can't imagine where she gets some of that from) and young. But rather quickly I realized I delegated much of Sarah's teaching to Terry. Plus I'm not sure I clearly communicated the Gospel to her (or anyone else for that matter). And as I've talked about helping to start a seeker friendly church I think it concerned her that I was promoting happy mush talk (a common generalization from many Christian brothers and sisters).
But after seeing these folks talk to people today it is crystal clear, we need to get the message and approach right. Many of us Christians can get worked up about this and sometimes back away or go at it too strongly, but it ain't rocket science. And I was surprised to see it can be very relational! They really did an awesome job.
A few highlights...A few Christians seemed glad and affirmed, a guy who is a local on-air personality was given "101 of the World's Funniest One Liners" (I sort of know him and am going to follow-up), two guys were talked to together and one actually started sharing the Gospel with the other, and a Wicken lady (whatever that's about) seemed very interested. This is just a sample during about one hour of effort. Let's pray for some changed lives and eternity's.
Some possible next steps...First I don't think everyone needs to go through some mighty mega evangelism course. Nor do I feel we all need to go formally "fishing" daily, although for those with the gift of evangelism, some consistent "fishing" may satisfy their soul. It seems a good next step would be to simply watch someone share their faith. I asked Sarah if [the new church's leaders] could join her like I did today and she said she would be honored. It's a hoot. I just kept an eye on her kids, watched and listened. A no-brainer!
Then let's pray for direction. If nothing else, if we can naturally share as needed, we will be serving well. My sense is this can be simple and effective. We just need to be faithful. This is cooler than fireworks...hope you had a good 4th...
Jeff
ps...Sarah, pray about sharing this with your senior pastor. I've found that no matter how good something is, it is key the senior pastor is rock solid behind it and in it. Specifically I think you ought to invite him to watch you as I did....
Real Freedom!
I have such a difficult time discerning who I should speak to when we're out "fishing" and who I should pass by. On my own, I can't know who needs the Savior and whose heart is open to the Gospel. Why is it so difficult to just hand someone a tract? If I truly believe that I could be the conduit to a person's salvation (which I do!), why would I ever hesitate?? The realization that I either 1) don't really love the lost enough to risk an uncomfortable conversation or 2) don't really believe that the person without Christ is going to be separated from God forever, makes me nauseous. God forgive me for my lack of trust in Him!
I am learning so much about sharing my faith and am always blessed when I ignore my fear and trust the Holy Spirit to work through me.
I had the opportunity to talk to two women today about my Lord. One was convinced she's "just fine" and insisted on telling me every good thing she is doing for God. I shared with her that nothing we do is good enough to bridge our sinful separation from a Holy God but I didn't feel like she "got it".
The 2nd woman congenially agreed with me that she has fallen short of perfection and had broken God's law many times. I expected her to tell me she is already saved in the end, but instead she told me she doesn't believe in Heaven or Hell because she is a Wiccan. It was such a delight to ask her about her beliefs and challenge her on them. How wonderful to communicate the message of redemption to a person who believes in reincarnation! I thank God for the privilege to share His message of love with a person so deceived.
Lisa
I am learning so much about sharing my faith and am always blessed when I ignore my fear and trust the Holy Spirit to work through me.
I had the opportunity to talk to two women today about my Lord. One was convinced she's "just fine" and insisted on telling me every good thing she is doing for God. I shared with her that nothing we do is good enough to bridge our sinful separation from a Holy God but I didn't feel like she "got it".
The 2nd woman congenially agreed with me that she has fallen short of perfection and had broken God's law many times. I expected her to tell me she is already saved in the end, but instead she told me she doesn't believe in Heaven or Hell because she is a Wiccan. It was such a delight to ask her about her beliefs and challenge her on them. How wonderful to communicate the message of redemption to a person who believes in reincarnation! I thank God for the privilege to share His message of love with a person so deceived.
Lisa
Freedom Festival Fishing
I went to downtown CR today, where the Pancake Breakfast, 5K and Kid's Parade were happening. A great gathering of people of all ages and backgrounds to go and spread the good news.
I was very nervous and scared. I had been preparing for this day, knowing that I would feel this way, and praying that God would give me strength and boldness to do what I did not want to do. I had also prayed for the Holy Spirit to prepare those I would meet and give me the right words to say.
I ended up really talking to two people and I would not really call it talking, but handing out a tract. I know from being confronted by this opportunity to witness, that my heart needs to change. I will continue to pray for the ability to love others as Christ loved me. I pray that more opportunities to talk with people are available to me and that the Gospel would go out and the Holy Spirit would work through me and that through all of it, God would be glorified.
Matt B.
I was very nervous and scared. I had been preparing for this day, knowing that I would feel this way, and praying that God would give me strength and boldness to do what I did not want to do. I had also prayed for the Holy Spirit to prepare those I would meet and give me the right words to say.
I ended up really talking to two people and I would not really call it talking, but handing out a tract. I know from being confronted by this opportunity to witness, that my heart needs to change. I will continue to pray for the ability to love others as Christ loved me. I pray that more opportunities to talk with people are available to me and that the Gospel would go out and the Holy Spirit would work through me and that through all of it, God would be glorified.
Matt B.
Festival on the 4th
At the Freedom Festival today I talked with a teen and his dad who were Christians and then pointed them towards Way of the Master.com. That was an easy one although it is never easy to find your "first" to talk to each time. I was nervous and didn't know if I could actually start talking to anybody.
Once that first one was over, it was soooooooo much easier. I talked with a women waiting for her daughter to use the restroom and then another lady who was sitting down near where I was standing. Both times I just asked if I could ask them some questions. They both were similar... Had a "head knowledge" of who Christ was (for forgiveness) but something wasn't right. I kept probing and both times they said they didn't read their Bible much or at all. Both times I told them to test themselves to see if they were in the faith and to read their Bibles and then I gave them a tract or a "New/Growing Christians - Save Pain" booklet.
THEN (really awesome!) Sam H. and I went to talk/tape a Channel 2 Newsman and his camera man. The guy thought that was pretty cool - tables turned thing. The Newsman's mouth was not being stopped... He kept trying to justify. So, I didn't want to give him the gospel and I could see he was starting to get kinda frustrated. Sam tried to jump in. Then, the four of us were just standing their for a second and then the camera man jumped in and gave the gospel to his co-worker! It was WAY AWESOME! Because, now the Newsman knows who to talk to for more information. We also left them with two tracts.
Sarah B.
Once that first one was over, it was soooooooo much easier. I talked with a women waiting for her daughter to use the restroom and then another lady who was sitting down near where I was standing. Both times I just asked if I could ask them some questions. They both were similar... Had a "head knowledge" of who Christ was (for forgiveness) but something wasn't right. I kept probing and both times they said they didn't read their Bible much or at all. Both times I told them to test themselves to see if they were in the faith and to read their Bibles and then I gave them a tract or a "New/Growing Christians - Save Pain" booklet.
THEN (really awesome!) Sam H. and I went to talk/tape a Channel 2 Newsman and his camera man. The guy thought that was pretty cool - tables turned thing. The Newsman's mouth was not being stopped... He kept trying to justify. So, I didn't want to give him the gospel and I could see he was starting to get kinda frustrated. Sam tried to jump in. Then, the four of us were just standing their for a second and then the camera man jumped in and gave the gospel to his co-worker! It was WAY AWESOME! Because, now the Newsman knows who to talk to for more information. We also left them with two tracts.
Sarah B.
July 3, 2007
Salesman at the Door (Aaron)
Remember how that magazine salesman came to my door after I had just started doing the Way of the Master Basic Training with the women months ago? Matt and I were so scared to do it and we let him go... But then the Lord brought him back and I talked to him using the law first. It was such a traumatic and stressful experience (in a good way).
Well...
Another magazine salesman came to the door this afternoon (we haven't had one that sells mags since Kenny - the first mag salesman). And, what is so awesome (I'm boasting on the Lord ONLY) is that I said, "No, thank you, but, can I ask you a question? Would you consider yourself to be a good person?" and then just went in to it... No stress or fear (I was praying at the same time, though). And, because I was trained, and have practiced some, it went so smoothly (although I know this won't always be the case). But, here is the really encouraging thing...
He came from a Christian background. As you know from experience, it is HARD to share your faith with loved ones due to the nature of the relationships. But, what is so awesome is that after he left I was just floored thinking that it was NOT a coincidence that he and I met. I believe that he must have had family praying for him and "running into" someone that was trained in how to share Christ Biblically had to have been an answer to his family's prayers.
I (through the Holy Spirit) told him about the purpose of the Law, why we actually need Christ (after asking him probing questions I would then explain). Compared it to civil law and then used the parachute analogy (putting on Christ as you would a parachute - trusting in Him). I asked if he read his Bible and he said whenever something bad is happening to him. I told him that the world tells us not to question our faith but the Bible says differently. That we should test ourselves to make sure we are in the faith. I told him to read his Bible. Gave him a tract and a "Save Yourself Some Pain" booklet and he was so receptive. From "Hello" to "Goodbye" it was only 10 minutes or less. He was relaxed around me... Received "new" information and it, Lord willing only, may have changed his life forever. Plus, Joey was listening from behind me too b/c when he left I asked Joe what we had been talking about and he said, "God."
By the way, his name is Aaron if you would like to pray for him.
-Sarah B.
Well...
Another magazine salesman came to the door this afternoon (we haven't had one that sells mags since Kenny - the first mag salesman). And, what is so awesome (I'm boasting on the Lord ONLY) is that I said, "No, thank you, but, can I ask you a question? Would you consider yourself to be a good person?" and then just went in to it... No stress or fear (I was praying at the same time, though). And, because I was trained, and have practiced some, it went so smoothly (although I know this won't always be the case). But, here is the really encouraging thing...
He came from a Christian background. As you know from experience, it is HARD to share your faith with loved ones due to the nature of the relationships. But, what is so awesome is that after he left I was just floored thinking that it was NOT a coincidence that he and I met. I believe that he must have had family praying for him and "running into" someone that was trained in how to share Christ Biblically had to have been an answer to his family's prayers.
I (through the Holy Spirit) told him about the purpose of the Law, why we actually need Christ (after asking him probing questions I would then explain). Compared it to civil law and then used the parachute analogy (putting on Christ as you would a parachute - trusting in Him). I asked if he read his Bible and he said whenever something bad is happening to him. I told him that the world tells us not to question our faith but the Bible says differently. That we should test ourselves to make sure we are in the faith. I told him to read his Bible. Gave him a tract and a "Save Yourself Some Pain" booklet and he was so receptive. From "Hello" to "Goodbye" it was only 10 minutes or less. He was relaxed around me... Received "new" information and it, Lord willing only, may have changed his life forever. Plus, Joey was listening from behind me too b/c when he left I asked Joe what we had been talking about and he said, "God."
By the way, his name is Aaron if you would like to pray for him.
-Sarah B.
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