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.
July 5, 2007
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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