As always, on the way to our TRC church service last night, I prayed with my boys that God would give me an opportunity to share the gospel with someone. Last night after the service, I got my chance.
I was standing in the back lounge by the kids area when a man in a tie-dye Bob Marley T-shirt came up to me and told me he thought I did a great job with my message. His name is Clay and he told me a bit of his rough and sad story. He had come to church with a friend of his named Patricia. Clay and “Trish” had both had dear friends die in the past week. I deduced that she was a believer but he probably wasn’t. Clay told me he wasn’t religious at all, but was a peace with what he believed about God –that he’s some kind of a spirit and as long as you live a good life, everything is cool.
Clay mentioned that he only comes to church because Trish asked him to. BUT, he informed me enthusiastically, that he loved the message and was hanging on my every word tonight (his own words). He was very sincere.
I asked him if I could give him something that I think would help him understand God. He said “Sure.” I handed him a tract and actually thumbed through it with him, explaining how he could know God personally. He listened as I said, “Clay, God isn’t interested so much in religion – Jesus didn’t come to start a church –he came to have a personal relationship with you.” We talked some more, he said he would read it. I prayed for him and Trish and then asked them to pick up a “Diagram” DVD on the way out. They said they would be back.
God answered my prayer last night. Pray that God speaks to Clay in a very personal way.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Day #26 - Ultimate Valentine
Last night, Mary and I took our two younger boys out to a restaurant for fun (the older ones were leading worship in Provo). We also had a coupon that Timothy earned from school for excellent work! We all had a blast together.
Mary noticed right away that our waitress, Shannon, had very pretty pink and red decorated nails. My sweet wife engaged in conversation with her and told her how beautiful she thought her nails were. Shannon lit up and said playfully “It’s for Valentines - even though I don’t have a special ‘someone’" She half-joked that she hoped her nails would help her get someone.
After dinner, I got out my tract ready to give it to her and my wife suggested what I should say as I offered her the gospel. I said, "Shannon, I've got something here that is better than any Valentine you could ever get. It talks about how Jesus has changed our lives. We go to the Rock Church and love to tell people about Jesus."
She looked it over, smiled and said, "Oh, thank you." My wife chimed in, "And, you were a wonderful waitress!"
Shannon laughed and said, "Maybe you could tell my supervisor on the way out" ... which we did.
Pray that Shannon comes to church and meets the One who loves her more than life itself - Jesus!
Mary noticed right away that our waitress, Shannon, had very pretty pink and red decorated nails. My sweet wife engaged in conversation with her and told her how beautiful she thought her nails were. Shannon lit up and said playfully “It’s for Valentines - even though I don’t have a special ‘someone’" She half-joked that she hoped her nails would help her get someone.
After dinner, I got out my tract ready to give it to her and my wife suggested what I should say as I offered her the gospel. I said, "Shannon, I've got something here that is better than any Valentine you could ever get. It talks about how Jesus has changed our lives. We go to the Rock Church and love to tell people about Jesus."
She looked it over, smiled and said, "Oh, thank you." My wife chimed in, "And, you were a wonderful waitress!"
Shannon laughed and said, "Maybe you could tell my supervisor on the way out" ... which we did.
Pray that Shannon comes to church and meets the One who loves her more than life itself - Jesus!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Day #25 - Famous Daves & Jesus Saves
I had my monthly meeting with a great group of pastors this morning for prayer and accountability. Also for lunch!
We tend to head over to Famous Daves BBQ after our times together - it's kind of tradition.
These men know about my "Forty Days of Sharing" and were anticipating me handing out a tract - which I did as soon as our waitress handed us our bill.
As has become my custom, I simply handed her a tract and said, "I'd like to give you something to read. It talks about how Jesus has changed my life. We are all pastors here and we love telling people about it."
She looked at it for a second and asked, "Is this a Christian church?" We all chimed in to the affirmative, and assured her we were indeed Bible believing Christians.
She exclaimed, "I'm a Christian!"
"Where do you go to church?" one of my buddies asked. She responded, "I really haven't gone since we've been in town (6 years!), but my kids are getting older and we would like to find one." We encouraged her to do just that, even though she was moving in the next month or so.
So, there you have it. BBQ for Jesus!
We tend to head over to Famous Daves BBQ after our times together - it's kind of tradition.
These men know about my "Forty Days of Sharing" and were anticipating me handing out a tract - which I did as soon as our waitress handed us our bill.
As has become my custom, I simply handed her a tract and said, "I'd like to give you something to read. It talks about how Jesus has changed my life. We are all pastors here and we love telling people about it."
She looked at it for a second and asked, "Is this a Christian church?" We all chimed in to the affirmative, and assured her we were indeed Bible believing Christians.
She exclaimed, "I'm a Christian!"
"Where do you go to church?" one of my buddies asked. She responded, "I really haven't gone since we've been in town (6 years!), but my kids are getting older and we would like to find one." We encouraged her to do just that, even though she was moving in the next month or so.
So, there you have it. BBQ for Jesus!
Day # 24 - Bacon, Egss & Jesus
Sorry this is a day late - I was traveling most of yesterday. It's good to be home!
I did get a chance to hand our waitress a tract on Wednesday, though. She was very friendly and I simply handed her a tract (after getting my bill) and said, "Isabell (by the way, isn't it nice when waitresses wear name tags?! ;-)), I'd like to give you something to read. It talks about how Jesus has changed my life, and I love telling people about it."
She was a bit tentative, but smiled and said, "Thank you."
After breakfast and a couple more hours of meetings, I got on a plane and headed west to Utah!
I did get a chance to hand our waitress a tract on Wednesday, though. She was very friendly and I simply handed her a tract (after getting my bill) and said, "Isabell (by the way, isn't it nice when waitresses wear name tags?! ;-)), I'd like to give you something to read. It talks about how Jesus has changed my life, and I love telling people about it."
She was a bit tentative, but smiled and said, "Thank you."
After breakfast and a couple more hours of meetings, I got on a plane and headed west to Utah!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Day #23 - Eternal Tips
I've had a busy day of meetings - all day (it's 9:53 PM) ... but got a chance to hand our waitress a tract this morning after she delivered our complimentary eggs & bacon breakfast.
I said, "Here's something for you to read - it talks about how Jesus has changed my life." She seemed a bit taken back, but quickly composed herself and thanked me for the gift.
She was very attentive the rest of our meal and we gave her a good tip. But, not as good as the eternal tip she got earlier - a tip that can save her soul from death. Only Jesus tips like that. Amen!
Off to bed - I'm tired. Back to Utah tomorrow! Yee ha!
I said, "Here's something for you to read - it talks about how Jesus has changed my life." She seemed a bit taken back, but quickly composed herself and thanked me for the gift.
She was very attentive the rest of our meal and we gave her a good tip. But, not as good as the eternal tip she got earlier - a tip that can save her soul from death. Only Jesus tips like that. Amen!
Off to bed - I'm tired. Back to Utah tomorrow! Yee ha!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Day #22 - Front Desk For Jesus
Yes, it's both windy and SNOWY in Chicago today! I can't wait to get back to Utah...
Staying in a hotel makes it easy to hand out tracts - everyone absolutely must be kind to you - "The customer is always right", or in my case, "The customer's gospel literature must be taken with a smile." ;-)
I decided to double my efforts as I stopped by the front desk today to pick up some breakfast vouchers. After getting my coupons, I offered the attendant a tract saying, "Here's something for you to read - it tells about how Jesus changed my life. I like to tell people about him."
She hesitated, looked at it and smiled - "OK, thanks". Again, something for the staff to talk about during a break - maybe read it, maybe get saved!
After all, "The gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..." (Romans 1:16) I believe it.
Staying in a hotel makes it easy to hand out tracts - everyone absolutely must be kind to you - "The customer is always right", or in my case, "The customer's gospel literature must be taken with a smile." ;-)
I decided to double my efforts as I stopped by the front desk today to pick up some breakfast vouchers. After getting my coupons, I offered the attendant a tract saying, "Here's something for you to read - it tells about how Jesus changed my life. I like to tell people about him."
She hesitated, looked at it and smiled - "OK, thanks". Again, something for the staff to talk about during a break - maybe read it, maybe get saved!
After all, "The gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..." (Romans 1:16) I believe it.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Day #21 - Hotel Hand Out
I take it back - Chicago IS windy!
It's been raining most of the night and also today. It stopped for a while, so I took a prayer walk around the hotel area. Not much to see, but since it's relatively warm (44 degrees), it felt good to breath fresh, clean Midwest air.
When I returned to my hotel, I stopped by the gift shop and bought a juice. There was one older woman doing a crossword puzzle manning the very un-busy counter. After paying, I thanked her and handed her a tract. I said, "I'd like to give you something to read. I'm a Christian and I like telling people about how Jesus has changed my life." She looked confused at first, but after looking at the tract, she lit up, smiled and said, "Oh, that's nice. I will read it!" I smiled and told her goodbye.
Back to my room for some more time with the Lord. I like to periodically get away like this to just spend time with my Savior. It helps me get grounded and a fresh perspective on life, family and ministry. I'm thankful to be able to tag on a couple extra days during this trip for that purpose.
It's supposed to get cold the next few days - and that probably means snow. I'll keep you posted.
It's been raining most of the night and also today. It stopped for a while, so I took a prayer walk around the hotel area. Not much to see, but since it's relatively warm (44 degrees), it felt good to breath fresh, clean Midwest air.
When I returned to my hotel, I stopped by the gift shop and bought a juice. There was one older woman doing a crossword puzzle manning the very un-busy counter. After paying, I thanked her and handed her a tract. I said, "I'd like to give you something to read. I'm a Christian and I like telling people about how Jesus has changed my life." She looked confused at first, but after looking at the tract, she lit up, smiled and said, "Oh, that's nice. I will read it!" I smiled and told her goodbye.
Back to my room for some more time with the Lord. I like to periodically get away like this to just spend time with my Savior. It helps me get grounded and a fresh perspective on life, family and ministry. I'm thankful to be able to tag on a couple extra days during this trip for that purpose.
It's supposed to get cold the next few days - and that probably means snow. I'll keep you posted.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Day #20 - Half way in Chicago!
Greetings from the Windy City. Actually, I think Salt Lake has more wind than Chicago - at least today.
I'm half way through my "Forty Days" challenge, and more than doubly encouraged (I sound like Bilbo Baggins) ;-)
I started my trip by handing the Cini-Bun gal a tract after ordering coffee at Salt Lake International airport. She paused and flipped through the tract - even ignoring other customers as she read it, then said, "thanks!"
After arriving in Chicago for some National Leadership Council meetings (GCC), I got lost at O'Hare trying to find my hotel shuttle bus. Finally, after asking a classically Chicago-Transit-type officer, I found my way to the right floor. I went out the first door I saw, and immediately spotted my shuttle bus less that 25 feet away! I noticed the driver peeking his head out the door as if to say, "Last call!" I caught his eye, and therefore, caught the bus!
I was the only one in the bus and the driver said, “Good timing - I was about to leave." I replied cheerfully (and full of conviction) "God is good!" He replied with a laugh, "Yes, God is good - AND you had good timing." We talked football all the way to our stop. When we got to the hotel, I handed him a tip and a tract and told him "Here's something for you to read." He seemed very thankful. Now, I'm checked in and ready for God to speak to my heart. Pray for me.
More tomorrow!
I'm half way through my "Forty Days" challenge, and more than doubly encouraged (I sound like Bilbo Baggins) ;-)
I started my trip by handing the Cini-Bun gal a tract after ordering coffee at Salt Lake International airport. She paused and flipped through the tract - even ignoring other customers as she read it, then said, "thanks!"
After arriving in Chicago for some National Leadership Council meetings (GCC), I got lost at O'Hare trying to find my hotel shuttle bus. Finally, after asking a classically Chicago-Transit-type officer, I found my way to the right floor. I went out the first door I saw, and immediately spotted my shuttle bus less that 25 feet away! I noticed the driver peeking his head out the door as if to say, "Last call!" I caught his eye, and therefore, caught the bus!
I was the only one in the bus and the driver said, “Good timing - I was about to leave." I replied cheerfully (and full of conviction) "God is good!" He replied with a laugh, "Yes, God is good - AND you had good timing." We talked football all the way to our stop. When we got to the hotel, I handed him a tip and a tract and told him "Here's something for you to read." He seemed very thankful. Now, I'm checked in and ready for God to speak to my heart. Pray for me.
More tomorrow!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Day #19 - Rock-n-Reams
After dropping Joseph off at school, I stopped in at the local Reams grocery store to pass out my tract for the day... and buy some gum. ;-) The store was dead.
The checker woman and a "bagger" guy were standing there talking - and looking bored - as I paid for my gum. After getting my change I handed the lady a tract and said, "I'd like to give you something. I go to The Rock Church and I like to tell people about this." She looked puzzled. The bagger kid looked nervous. She awkwardly flipped through the pages, then looked at me and said, "Thanks. I'll read it." I said, "OK" and started to leave without taking my gum. She called me back and handed me my purchase with a smile.
I have the feeling that those two Reams employees would now have something to talk about!
I've been putting my business card in each tract . My cards have all the information about each Rock church service on the back. Hopefully some of these folks will show up at church. Pray that they do.
The checker woman and a "bagger" guy were standing there talking - and looking bored - as I paid for my gum. After getting my change I handed the lady a tract and said, "I'd like to give you something. I go to The Rock Church and I like to tell people about this." She looked puzzled. The bagger kid looked nervous. She awkwardly flipped through the pages, then looked at me and said, "Thanks. I'll read it." I said, "OK" and started to leave without taking my gum. She called me back and handed me my purchase with a smile.
I have the feeling that those two Reams employees would now have something to talk about!
I've been putting my business card in each tract . My cards have all the information about each Rock church service on the back. Hopefully some of these folks will show up at church. Pray that they do.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Day #18 - Del Taco opportunity
Greetings! Can you believe it, I had no meetings out of my house today! That meant I needed to make a special trip somewhere to pass out a tract. I thought, "Hey, there is a Del Taco right down the street." I figured I could buy the younger boys a treat - they love the churos at Del Taco ... and they are cheap (like me!)
So, off I went - through the drive through. After paying and getting my three churos, I handed the lady a tract and said, "Here's something for you. I go to The Rock church and this tells about how Jesus changed my life." She said "thank you" as she closed the little window of her booth. I drove away with three warm surprises - two that were joyfully received - kind of like the tract I handed out!
So, off I went - through the drive through. After paying and getting my three churos, I handed the lady a tract and said, "Here's something for you. I go to The Rock church and this tells about how Jesus changed my life." She said "thank you" as she closed the little window of her booth. I drove away with three warm surprises - two that were joyfully received - kind of like the tract I handed out!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Day #17 - Home Depot Duo
It's my day off again, and this time Timothy and I made a trip to Home Depot to get some heavy duty tub & shower cleaner. The store was pretty empty, so I had HD assistants eager to help. After one of the associates suggested what kind of cleaner I should buy, I handed him a tract and said, "I go to the Rock Church. This tells about how Jesus changed my life - I like to give them out to people." He seemed genuinely grateful and said, "Thanks!"
We made our way to the check out lane. After paying, I handed the checkout gal -- who had an apron with "Patty" stenciled across it -- a tract as well. I told her the same thing I told the other guy and she was overjoyed with thankfulness. Two in one trip!
Timothy asked me as we walked away, "Do you think they will read it?" I said, "I think he will." I pray that they BOTH do.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Day #16 - Cini-Bun Ministry
Warning - evangelism may be fattening!
After staff meeting this morning, I drove through the drive in at Burger King specifically so I could hand out a tract. Cini-Buns were cheap, so I ordered some.
After paying, I handed the young man who was working the drive through window a tract and said, "Here's something for you to read. I go to the Rock Church and this talks about how Jesus has changed my life."
He flipped it over, read my name and email address, then looked at me and said "Thanks. I will read it later."
I guess the gospel is worth gaining a couple of pounds for ... something about eating "all things for all men ..." ;-)
After staff meeting this morning, I drove through the drive in at Burger King specifically so I could hand out a tract. Cini-Buns were cheap, so I ordered some.
After paying, I handed the young man who was working the drive through window a tract and said, "Here's something for you to read. I go to the Rock Church and this talks about how Jesus has changed my life."
He flipped it over, read my name and email address, then looked at me and said "Thanks. I will read it later."
I guess the gospel is worth gaining a couple of pounds for ... something about eating "all things for all men ..." ;-)
Monday, January 18, 2010
Day #15 - His riches at Riches
Riches Bagels is my second office. I have met people there for years. I actually have my "favorite" seat - and it bums me out when someone else has the nerve to be sitting in "my" seat when I arrive. We are such creatures of habit!
Today I met a new church planter named Ken who wanted to pick my brain on planting churches in Utah. He is a stellar guy and we had a wonderful talk. He will be planting on the West side - probably in Harriman.
After our talk I had to stir up my courage, because, instead of giving a tract to a complete stranger, I was about to hand one to the Riches Bagel worker who I see all the time when I meet people there. It's always tougher to step out in faith when the person rejecting you may be the one serving you coffee for years to come! Oh well, here goes nothing.
I went up for a free re-fill and as she handed me my hot java, I said, "Hey, I go to the Rock Church, and I'd like to give you this. It talks about how Jesus has changed my life and I like to let people know that."
She smiled and said, "I've seen the sign for the Rock church. Thank you."
So, there you go. Making known the riches of Christ at Riches Bagels.
"To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27 NIV)
Today I met a new church planter named Ken who wanted to pick my brain on planting churches in Utah. He is a stellar guy and we had a wonderful talk. He will be planting on the West side - probably in Harriman.
After our talk I had to stir up my courage, because, instead of giving a tract to a complete stranger, I was about to hand one to the Riches Bagel worker who I see all the time when I meet people there. It's always tougher to step out in faith when the person rejecting you may be the one serving you coffee for years to come! Oh well, here goes nothing.
I went up for a free re-fill and as she handed me my hot java, I said, "Hey, I go to the Rock Church, and I'd like to give you this. It talks about how Jesus has changed my life and I like to let people know that."
She smiled and said, "I've seen the sign for the Rock church. Thank you."
So, there you go. Making known the riches of Christ at Riches Bagels.
"To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27 NIV)
Day #14 - Tracts at Macs
Today at church I was hoping to meet an unbeliever that I could share the gospel with, but got sidetracked a bit after the first service, and only met believers. ;-) Oh well. I decided not to risk it during the second service, so left church for a few minutes as the second service started to take care of gospel business!
I simply went across the street to the McDonalds drive through and ordered an apple pie (actually, 2 for $1.00). While getting change back from the young man in the window, I handed him a tract and said, "Now, here's something for you to read. It tells about how Jesus changed my life." He laughed nervously as he flipped through the pages. After a long pause I looked him in the eye, and I told him, "I think you'll like it." He said, "Thank you" as I drove forward and picked up my pies.
I made it back to church in less than 10 minutes and was able to meet more people after the second service. I trust God uses these tracts. That's what I pray before I hand them out. I'm confident that the gospel is the power for salvation for everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). Amen!
I simply went across the street to the McDonalds drive through and ordered an apple pie (actually, 2 for $1.00). While getting change back from the young man in the window, I handed him a tract and said, "Now, here's something for you to read. It tells about how Jesus changed my life." He laughed nervously as he flipped through the pages. After a long pause I looked him in the eye, and I told him, "I think you'll like it." He said, "Thank you" as I drove forward and picked up my pies.
I made it back to church in less than 10 minutes and was able to meet more people after the second service. I trust God uses these tracts. That's what I pray before I hand them out. I'm confident that the gospel is the power for salvation for everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). Amen!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Day #13 - French Fries for Jesus
I had to make a special trip out of the house this afternoon so I could pass out a tract. I thought, "Where will I go?". Since I had to return a Redbox video, I decided to head to my local McDonalds and multiply my time.
I first drove through the drive through and ordered the cheapest thing on the menu - $1.00 fries. After I paid, I handed to young man in the drive through booth a tract and said, "Here's something for you to read. It changed my life. I think it will help you." We had a thoughtful moment of silence as he flipped though it then he looked at my with a tentative smile and said, "Thanks". I smiled and drove off to return my video.
Drive through evangelism - now there's a thought! ;-)
I first drove through the drive through and ordered the cheapest thing on the menu - $1.00 fries. After I paid, I handed to young man in the drive through booth a tract and said, "Here's something for you to read. It changed my life. I think it will help you." We had a thoughtful moment of silence as he flipped though it then he looked at my with a tentative smile and said, "Thanks". I smiled and drove off to return my video.
Drive through evangelism - now there's a thought! ;-)
Day #12 - Ticket for a tract!
Sorry this is a day late in coming - I didn't get out of the house much yesterday, knowing I was going to have a date with my beautiful, wonderful wife in the evening! We went to Jordan Commons for Myan Nachos and saw the new Sherlock Holmes movie (very good movie, by the way!).
As we made our way to theater #14, I handed our ticket stubs to the young man in charge. He said, "Straight ahead to your left." I took back our tickets and handed him my ready-in-hand gospel tract. I said, "Here's something for YOU to read on your break." He laughed a nervous laugh and began looking through the tract.
By the way, I put my name and email on all the tracts I hand out so that people can contact me if they want.
My wife and I enjoyed our date and the movie. Sherlock was good at uncovering mysteries - God is good at solving the most important ones, like "When you die, will you go to heaven?"
As we made our way to theater #14, I handed our ticket stubs to the young man in charge. He said, "Straight ahead to your left." I took back our tickets and handed him my ready-in-hand gospel tract. I said, "Here's something for YOU to read on your break." He laughed a nervous laugh and began looking through the tract.
By the way, I put my name and email on all the tracts I hand out so that people can contact me if they want.
My wife and I enjoyed our date and the movie. Sherlock was good at uncovering mysteries - God is good at solving the most important ones, like "When you die, will you go to heaven?"
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Day #11 - Tesoro: Take two!
On my way to a pastors prayer meeting this morning, I decided to stop at the same Tesoro gas station I tried passing out a tract to on day #1. Remember - the guy said "No thanks!" Fortunately, there was a new guy working - even though he looked just as unhappy as his co-worker did 11 days ago.
I paid for some coffee, smiled, read his name tag and said, "Rick, here's something for you to read, I think you'll like it." He scowled, picked it up and turned it over, scanning the back page. I was headed out the door by the time I heard him mumble "OK." I think those guys at Tesoro need some good news - hopefully Rick took time to read about the hope he can have in Jesus today.
FYI - I just looked online to find out that "Tesoro" means "Treasure". Hmmm, I hope the truth in that tract becomes a treasure welling up to eternal life for Rick.
I paid for some coffee, smiled, read his name tag and said, "Rick, here's something for you to read, I think you'll like it." He scowled, picked it up and turned it over, scanning the back page. I was headed out the door by the time I heard him mumble "OK." I think those guys at Tesoro need some good news - hopefully Rick took time to read about the hope he can have in Jesus today.
FYI - I just looked online to find out that "Tesoro" means "Treasure". Hmmm, I hope the truth in that tract becomes a treasure welling up to eternal life for Rick.
Day #10 - Cleaning teeth and forgiving sins
It's my day off and I went to the dentist for my 6 month teeth cleaning. There is not much I dislike more than having someone scrape on the back of my sensitive teeth until they bleed! But, its only twice a year!
I let the dental tech know my unfavorable feelings about what she was about to do to me, and she affirmed that most people she deals with have the same opinion. She was thankfully gentle, and took her time.
After the cleaning, I handed her a tract and said, "Here's something I'd like to give you to read - it talks about how you can know for sure that you are going to heaven. I like to give one out a day."
She gladly accepted it smiled and said, "Thanks. I'll read it on my lunch break." I could tell she genuinely appreciated my effort to let her know about something that was important to me.
She cleaned my teeth. Hopefully, she'll allow Jesus to clean her sins away. I pray that he would.
I let the dental tech know my unfavorable feelings about what she was about to do to me, and she affirmed that most people she deals with have the same opinion. She was thankfully gentle, and took her time.
After the cleaning, I handed her a tract and said, "Here's something I'd like to give you to read - it talks about how you can know for sure that you are going to heaven. I like to give one out a day."
She gladly accepted it smiled and said, "Thanks. I'll read it on my lunch break." I could tell she genuinely appreciated my effort to let her know about something that was important to me.
She cleaned my teeth. Hopefully, she'll allow Jesus to clean her sins away. I pray that he would.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Day #9 - Christian Coffee Lady
It's Tuesday, 2:00 PM and I am finally home to start "working"! ;-) I've been starting each day this week by taking my oldest boy to his drivers-ed course at 4:55 AM each morning. Then I had staff meeting from 7-11:30 AM, followed by a lunch meeting with a sweet couple thinking of planting a church from Las Vegas. I told them I think that it's a great idea (and meant it!) ;-)
Driving home after lunch, I realized I hadn't passed out a tract yet. So, I stopped at Albertsons and went to their coffee bar. I ordered a small regular coffee with room for cream, and put a tip in the jar. I made small talk with the nice lady working the counter and after getting my receipt handed her a "Do You Know For Certain" gospel tract. I looked at her and said, "Now I'd like to give you something that is very important to me. It talks about how Jesus changes lives." She immediately opened it up and started reading it and said, "So, what kind of church are you from?" I told her, "a Christian Bible church."
She smiled and pulled out her thin gold necklace to reveal a cross. She smiled a knowing smile. I asked, "So you know what I'm talking about?" She said cheerfully, "Yes, I do! I go to Christ Lutheran Church on 5600 South." We chatted for a while, and she told me about a few people she knew who attend the Rock. It was nice to meet another Christian who appreciated my effort to spread the Good News.
Coffee: $1.06. Tip: .94 cents. Opportunity to witness: Priceless!
Driving home after lunch, I realized I hadn't passed out a tract yet. So, I stopped at Albertsons and went to their coffee bar. I ordered a small regular coffee with room for cream, and put a tip in the jar. I made small talk with the nice lady working the counter and after getting my receipt handed her a "Do You Know For Certain" gospel tract. I looked at her and said, "Now I'd like to give you something that is very important to me. It talks about how Jesus changes lives." She immediately opened it up and started reading it and said, "So, what kind of church are you from?" I told her, "a Christian Bible church."
She smiled and pulled out her thin gold necklace to reveal a cross. She smiled a knowing smile. I asked, "So you know what I'm talking about?" She said cheerfully, "Yes, I do! I go to Christ Lutheran Church on 5600 South." We chatted for a while, and she told me about a few people she knew who attend the Rock. It was nice to meet another Christian who appreciated my effort to spread the Good News.
Coffee: $1.06. Tip: .94 cents. Opportunity to witness: Priceless!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Day #8 - I-Hop Evangelism
I was reading Proverbs 11 today and got convicted by verses 24 & 25:
24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
25 A generous man will prosper;
he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. (NIV)
My application was to be generous today. Very original, I know. ;-)
I got my opportunity after having a breakfast meeting at an I-Hop in downtown Salt Lake City. After getting the bill from our attentive waitress, I left a sizable (relatively speaking) tip and a gospel tract. Knocked off two obedience issues with one blow!
A good way to start the week for sure - pankcakes, obeying what I read and sharing the gospel. Amen!
24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
25 A generous man will prosper;
he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. (NIV)
My application was to be generous today. Very original, I know. ;-)
I got my opportunity after having a breakfast meeting at an I-Hop in downtown Salt Lake City. After getting the bill from our attentive waitress, I left a sizable (relatively speaking) tip and a gospel tract. Knocked off two obedience issues with one blow!
A good way to start the week for sure - pankcakes, obeying what I read and sharing the gospel. Amen!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Day #7 - New friend at church
This morning after the first service I met a young man named Josiah. He was very friendly and mentioned he was new to the Rock. After talking for a while I asked him, "Josiah, if you died tonight how sure are you that you'd go to heaven?" He said 100% because he had accepted Jesus who had had died for his sins. I said, "Amen". I then led him over to the Connections booth and offered him a Do You Know For Certain tract along with one of our Welcome CDs with the gospel message ... just to make sure.
I love pastoring at this church - lots of gospel opportunities!
One week down!
I love pastoring at this church - lots of gospel opportunities!
One week down!
Day #6 - Fishing at church
I got a chance to pass out a tract to a young man I had just met at the Saturday night Rock church service. It was his first time visiting and after I met him I simply asked, "Could I give you one of these - it talks about how Jesus has changed my life. I like to give one out each day."
He placed it in his folder and thanked me. God is good!
Also got to share the gospel pretty clearly from the pulpit!
He placed it in his folder and thanked me. God is good!
Also got to share the gospel pretty clearly from the pulpit!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Day #5 - Rite Aide and the Game of LIFE!
This morning I had another coffee appointment at my "second office", that is, Riches Bagels. After saying goodbye to my friend, I strolled down to a Rite Aid store a few stores down (it's a strip mall). I went in, and bought - not gum - but something more practical: an accordion file for my 2010 receipts. The store was pretty empty, so I waited at the checkout line for a minute or two until a woman named "Belene" started cashing me out. I pulled my money and my tract out, ready for action.
I inquired about her name, and she told me with a smile, "Well, my mom liked it!" After paying, she handed me my receipt and some change and cheerfully asked me, "Are you playing the Game of Life with us?" It turns out Rite Aid stores have a new game that customers can play, similar to the McDonald's Monopoly game. "You can win instantly" she proclaimed.
I responded, "Well, I'm playing the game of life, but not with you guys!” She smiled and happily explained to me the game rules, then handed me my game piece.
I took them, looked her in the eye. "Belene," I said, "Here's the game of life I'm playing - it talks about how Jesus Christ has changed my life.” She took my tract, smiled and said "Oh, thank you."
Out the door I went. Hopefully Belene will "win" at the real game of life.
I inquired about her name, and she told me with a smile, "Well, my mom liked it!" After paying, she handed me my receipt and some change and cheerfully asked me, "Are you playing the Game of Life with us?" It turns out Rite Aid stores have a new game that customers can play, similar to the McDonald's Monopoly game. "You can win instantly" she proclaimed.
I responded, "Well, I'm playing the game of life, but not with you guys!” She smiled and happily explained to me the game rules, then handed me my game piece.
I took them, looked her in the eye. "Belene," I said, "Here's the game of life I'm playing - it talks about how Jesus Christ has changed my life.” She took my tract, smiled and said "Oh, thank you."
Out the door I went. Hopefully Belene will "win" at the real game of life.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Day # 4 - Coffee, Gum and Jesus!
This morning I met with a young man at Riches Bagels and afterward walked to Reams to buy some gum … and pass out my tract. ;-) The very friendly cashier gladly accepted my invitation when I told her I’d like to “leave something for you to read that talks about how Jesus has changed my life. I like to give out at least one per day.” Four days, four tracts! Amen!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Day #3 - Color Me Mine opportunity
It's Wednesday - and I usually take Wednesdays as my day off. So, my wife & I took our youngest sons to a cool craft store called "Color Me Mine" where the kids paint pottery items and they glaze them for you. They got gift cards for Christmas. We were in the store alone with one worker, so it was a pretty easy matter of handing her a tract after we paid, and saying, "Here's something for you to read. It's changed my family." She smiled and said "Thanks!" So far so good! This has been a great way to stir my heart everyday! Thanks to Tony for reminding me to blog about day #3!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Day #2 - Wal Mart Evangelism
Day number 2 of this grand adventure, and I handed out a tract at Wal-Mart! I had to run an errand there anyway, and after I paid for my batteries and packing tape, walked away and almost forgot the REAL reason I was there! So, I pulled my "Do You Know For Certain" tract out of my pocket, walked back and handed the cashier the gospel and said, "I'd like you to have this. It's something that has changed my life."
He smiled and said "thank you!" I walked out charged up - spiritually, and electrically. ;-)
He smiled and said "thank you!" I walked out charged up - spiritually, and electrically. ;-)
Monday, January 4, 2010
Day #1 - So it begins ...
Well, I've finally done it. I've entered the world of blogging.
Maybe it's because of watching Julie & Julia with my wife or maybe the spirit of God is just having its way with me. After all, I've been considering a series of "40 Day of..." disciplines for some time. I guess the beginning of a new year is a great place to start.
I'm a pretty simple guy. I just want to share my faith in Jesus with as many as I possibly can. So, that's what this is all about.
The plan: tell someone about Jesus every day for the next 40 days. Most likely that will mean walking up to a complete stranger on the street or in a store and saying, "Hi, I'd like to share with you how Jesus Christ has changed my life." And then hand them a gospel tract. Simple, right? Forty days. January 4 - February 12. Forty opportunities to die to myself. Forty opportunities for people to learn about a relationship with God.
The motivation: It says in the Bible, in Philemon 6 "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." (NIV) I want to be an example to those I lead - especially my family and my church.
The results: So, how did it go today? It was a challenge to push my flesh, that's for sure. It helped that my two older boys were planning on passing out tracts themselves today at their schools. Dad needs to be an example. So here's what I did:
About 11:00 am I went out the door of my home for a prayer walk and headed right down to the local Tesoro gas station. I figured, hey, these guys have to be nice to me, they get paid to be kind. But, I had to have a reason for going in the store, so I picked up a pack of gum and waited in line for the biker looking dude with "Tony" on his name badge to cash me out. He didn't seem happy.
After getting my change (the gum cost $1.50!!), I looked Tony in the eye and said, ""Would it be OK if I gave you something to read that has really changed my life." He looked at it, then snapped, "No thanks" and started helping the guy behind me. I said, "OK, have a great day" as I left the store.
This was going to be harder than I thought.
I dodged traffic and ran across the street to the 7-Eleven. I was in luck - no one else was in the store except the kind looking Indian woman behind the counter. I picked up another pack of gum (witnessing could get expensive!) and headed to the checkout. After paying and thanking her I handed her my tract and said "Here's something for you to read. It tells about how Jesus changed my life." Before she could turn me down, I smiled and started walking out. No way was I going to have to buy another pack of gum! I heard her tell me "Thank You" as the door closed behind me.
Whew. The first day is probably going to be the toughest. We'll see. Tune in tomorrow for more!
Maybe it's because of watching Julie & Julia with my wife or maybe the spirit of God is just having its way with me. After all, I've been considering a series of "40 Day of..." disciplines for some time. I guess the beginning of a new year is a great place to start.
I'm a pretty simple guy. I just want to share my faith in Jesus with as many as I possibly can. So, that's what this is all about.
The plan: tell someone about Jesus every day for the next 40 days. Most likely that will mean walking up to a complete stranger on the street or in a store and saying, "Hi, I'd like to share with you how Jesus Christ has changed my life." And then hand them a gospel tract. Simple, right? Forty days. January 4 - February 12. Forty opportunities to die to myself. Forty opportunities for people to learn about a relationship with God.
The motivation: It says in the Bible, in Philemon 6 "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." (NIV) I want to be an example to those I lead - especially my family and my church.
The results: So, how did it go today? It was a challenge to push my flesh, that's for sure. It helped that my two older boys were planning on passing out tracts themselves today at their schools. Dad needs to be an example. So here's what I did:
About 11:00 am I went out the door of my home for a prayer walk and headed right down to the local Tesoro gas station. I figured, hey, these guys have to be nice to me, they get paid to be kind. But, I had to have a reason for going in the store, so I picked up a pack of gum and waited in line for the biker looking dude with "Tony" on his name badge to cash me out. He didn't seem happy.
After getting my change (the gum cost $1.50!!), I looked Tony in the eye and said, ""Would it be OK if I gave you something to read that has really changed my life." He looked at it, then snapped, "No thanks" and started helping the guy behind me. I said, "OK, have a great day" as I left the store.
This was going to be harder than I thought.
I dodged traffic and ran across the street to the 7-Eleven. I was in luck - no one else was in the store except the kind looking Indian woman behind the counter. I picked up another pack of gum (witnessing could get expensive!) and headed to the checkout. After paying and thanking her I handed her my tract and said "Here's something for you to read. It tells about how Jesus changed my life." Before she could turn me down, I smiled and started walking out. No way was I going to have to buy another pack of gum! I heard her tell me "Thank You" as the door closed behind me.
Whew. The first day is probably going to be the toughest. We'll see. Tune in tomorrow for more!
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