Well, I finished off my forty days of sharing with a purchase of a pack of gum from Reams. It seems fitting to end the way I started! ;-)
I handed the young attendant a tract with my card saying, "Here's something for you. I go to The Rock Church and I like to tell people about how they can go to heaven." She seemed genuinely surprised and at a loss for words. She finally mustered a weak, "OK."
I walked out thanking God for the opportunity to be challenged in sharing my faith for the past forty days. I passed out at least fifty tracts, made numerous invitations to church, and witnessed about Jesus to dozens of people. In all, my faith was strengthened as was the faith of many around me. God's purposes prevailed. As it says in Isaiah 55:10-11:
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
Amen! Thanks for joining me on this journey. I may have more to say in summary in the future, but for now, God bless!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Day #39 - Caffeinated for Christ
After dropping Joseph off at Brighton this morning I decided to get down to gospel business! I went through the Carl's Jr. drive through on my way home and ordered a small coffee with cream.
After paying, I handed the Jr. money taker my card with a tract and said, "Here's something for you. I go to The Rock Church and like to tell people how they can go to heaven." She looked at the tract, and smiled and enthusiastically said, "Thank you!"
Ahhh, coffee for the Lord - it doesn't get better than that!
After paying, I handed the Jr. money taker my card with a tract and said, "Here's something for you. I go to The Rock Church and like to tell people how they can go to heaven." She looked at the tract, and smiled and enthusiastically said, "Thank you!"
Ahhh, coffee for the Lord - it doesn't get better than that!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Day #38 - Curly Fries & Faith
I stopped by the Arbys a few blocks from our Sandy building on my way home from a meeting this afternoon so I could pass out a tract.
I handed the young man my card and a tract telling him, "I go to The Rock Church right over there. Feel free to visit sometime!"
He looked at the tract, smiled and said "Thanks!"
I got to display faith - my boys got to enjoy the curly fries!
I handed the young man my card and a tract telling him, "I go to The Rock Church right over there. Feel free to visit sometime!"
He looked at the tract, smiled and said "Thanks!"
I got to display faith - my boys got to enjoy the curly fries!
Day #37 - Mc-Rejected
On my day off yesterday, I took Stephen to the eye doctor for a checkup. He came back with a great bill of health, so I offered to buy him a treat at McDonalds. Stephen smiled and astutely added, "And to pass out a tract, right?" He totally nailed me! ;-)
As I paid the young Mc-money taker through the drive up window, I handed him a tract and my card and said, "I go to The Rock Church and love to tell people how they can go to heaven."
The young man put up both hands, as if to protect himself and said, "No, no. I don't do religion, man." I pressed him a little, but eventually said, "OK, God bless!" and drove to the pickup window. The nice young lady handing me my shake took my tract without hesitation saying "Thanks!"
On the way home Stephen suggested, "You probably should have told him, 'The Rock isn't about religion - it's about relationship'." Amen - in fact, that's exactly what my business card says on the front - I just didn't think fast enough. Next time I'll be Mc-prepared! ;-)
As I paid the young Mc-money taker through the drive up window, I handed him a tract and my card and said, "I go to The Rock Church and love to tell people how they can go to heaven."
The young man put up both hands, as if to protect himself and said, "No, no. I don't do religion, man." I pressed him a little, but eventually said, "OK, God bless!" and drove to the pickup window. The nice young lady handing me my shake took my tract without hesitation saying "Thanks!"
On the way home Stephen suggested, "You probably should have told him, 'The Rock isn't about religion - it's about relationship'." Amen - in fact, that's exactly what my business card says on the front - I just didn't think fast enough. Next time I'll be Mc-prepared! ;-)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Day #36 - Received at Riches, part 2
I had lunch with a friend of mine at Riches Bagels today, and had an opportunity to pass out another tract.
Keep in mind, I use Riches as my second office and have gotten to know some of these folks (at least we recognize each other) a bit over the years. So, handing out a tract and a business card seems a little more daunting but more meaningful too.
After paying for the meal, I handed the cashier -whom I've seen at Riches for years - my business card and at gospel booklet. I said, "Hey, I'd like to give you this. I'm a pastor at The Rock church and love to tell people about how they can go to heaven." She looked at it, smiled and said, "Thank you!” I said, "God bless," then sat down to enjoy my turkey, Gouda and cranberry bagel sandwich. A good lunch and a great opportunity!
Keep in mind, I use Riches as my second office and have gotten to know some of these folks (at least we recognize each other) a bit over the years. So, handing out a tract and a business card seems a little more daunting but more meaningful too.
After paying for the meal, I handed the cashier -whom I've seen at Riches for years - my business card and at gospel booklet. I said, "Hey, I'd like to give you this. I'm a pastor at The Rock church and love to tell people about how they can go to heaven." She looked at it, smiled and said, "Thank you!” I said, "God bless," then sat down to enjoy my turkey, Gouda and cranberry bagel sandwich. A good lunch and a great opportunity!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Day #35 - Turned Down at Target! ;-)
After a trip to the library with Mary and the younger boys, we stopped by Target for some Valentine's shopping.
At the checkout I offered the gal a tract, but got soundly rejected. I desperately offered it to the bag boy, who follow the example of his checker friend and turned it down too. That's only the second (and third) time I've been turned down in 34 attempts - not bad.
On the way to the car, Jonathan asked me, "Were you embarrassed that she didn't take the tract?" I told him, "No. I can only offer it - people have to choose if they want to take it or not."
So, off we went to a MacDonalds drive through - McNuggets for the boys, and a tract for the nice(er) Mc-money-taker. Third time was a charm tonight, she took it and actually said, "I've seen The Rock - it looks like a cool church." Amen! Thank you, Lord, for second (and third) chances!
At the checkout I offered the gal a tract, but got soundly rejected. I desperately offered it to the bag boy, who follow the example of his checker friend and turned it down too. That's only the second (and third) time I've been turned down in 34 attempts - not bad.
On the way to the car, Jonathan asked me, "Were you embarrassed that she didn't take the tract?" I told him, "No. I can only offer it - people have to choose if they want to take it or not."
So, off we went to a MacDonalds drive through - McNuggets for the boys, and a tract for the nice(er) Mc-money-taker. Third time was a charm tonight, she took it and actually said, "I've seen The Rock - it looks like a cool church." Amen! Thank you, Lord, for second (and third) chances!
Day #34 - Arbys Opportunity
Yesterday after church I had my monthly Band of Brothers accountability meeting with a few of my dear brothers. We have two groups (totally about 17 guys) that meet on the first Sunday of every month. We all typically meet at the Arbys in Sandy for lunch, discussion and prayer.
After I ordered my meal, I inquired about my cashier's name - it was an interesting one (even though for the life of me I can't remember it now! ;-)). After paying for the meal, I handed him a tract and my card (with my buddy Tim Stephens standing beside me). I said, "I'm a pastor at The Rock Church. All these guys in your restaurant go to The Rock as well. I'd like to give you this and let you know how you can know for sure you are going to heaven."
He seemed genuinely interested, and Tim followed up with his order by encouraging him to check out The Rock. After lunch I enjoyed watching the Superbowl with my family. Just like the Bible - in the end, the Saints win.
After I ordered my meal, I inquired about my cashier's name - it was an interesting one (even though for the life of me I can't remember it now! ;-)). After paying for the meal, I handed him a tract and my card (with my buddy Tim Stephens standing beside me). I said, "I'm a pastor at The Rock Church. All these guys in your restaurant go to The Rock as well. I'd like to give you this and let you know how you can know for sure you are going to heaven."
He seemed genuinely interested, and Tim followed up with his order by encouraging him to check out The Rock. After lunch I enjoyed watching the Superbowl with my family. Just like the Bible - in the end, the Saints win.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
FYI - The Tract I Use
Greetings!
Some people have wondered what gospel tract I typically hand out. I scanned it and will insert it here. It's called the "Do You Know For Certain" tract and is in a little booklet format designed to actually sit with someone and take them through the gospel. Enjoy!
Some people have wondered what gospel tract I typically hand out. I scanned it and will insert it here. It's called the "Do You Know For Certain" tract and is in a little booklet format designed to actually sit with someone and take them through the gospel. Enjoy!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Day #33 - Donuts For The Lord
Last night, my family and I were on our way home from after a wonderful dinner with great friends, and we stopped by the local Wal-Mart so I could hand out a tract. But, we needed and excuse to go through the checkout lane. What could be a better excuse than donuts!?
So, I handed a tract to the nice Hispanic checker and told her "I go to the Rock Church and love to tell people about how they can know for sure they are going to heaven." She gladly excepted the tract and my business card, and I made my way back to the car loaded with 12 glazed donuts!
So, I handed a tract to the nice Hispanic checker and told her "I go to the Rock Church and love to tell people about how they can know for sure they are going to heaven." She gladly excepted the tract and my business card, and I made my way back to the car loaded with 12 glazed donuts!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Day #32 - Sharing Hope To The Hurting
Today I had the opportunity to help out a family in our church by officiating at their aunt’s funeral up in Clearfield. It was a great opportunity to serve those who are hurting and looking for answers. I didn't know the woman who had died, but they didn't have a pastor so I gladly accepted. In fact, I didn't know much about her spiritual journey either, but found out she had been raised LDS, but hadn't attended anywhere for a long time. She was actually planning on coming to the Rock for the past few weeks, but health issues kept her away.
I got to know the now-widowed husband, the daughter and many family members before the service began. Once the service started I was able to share about the hope we have in Christ. I shared, "I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Sarah (not real name), but I do know the God who loved her deeply." I took time to share the joy and the hope we can have if we place our faith in the risen savior. I talked about the need to have our sins forgiven, and that Jesus wants a relationship with us - not just a religious experience.
I prayed for those who didn't know Christ, to come to a saving knowledge of him, and find the only hope that can save them eternally.
After the service, I had a few people thank me. Actually the widowed husband came up to me and told me he thought it was a lovely service. We talked for a while, and before he left I said, "Charles (again, no real name), I'd like to give you something. It tells how you can know for sure that you are going to heaven. It also has my business card in case you need to get hold of me. I will be praying for you during this difficult time in your life."
Charles tucked the tract and card in his pocket, shook my hand, thanked me and continued greeting more friends.
Pray that the words I spoke and the gospel that went out would have its desired effect - bringing people one step closer to Jesus - the Resurrection and the Life!
I got to know the now-widowed husband, the daughter and many family members before the service began. Once the service started I was able to share about the hope we have in Christ. I shared, "I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Sarah (not real name), but I do know the God who loved her deeply." I took time to share the joy and the hope we can have if we place our faith in the risen savior. I talked about the need to have our sins forgiven, and that Jesus wants a relationship with us - not just a religious experience.
I prayed for those who didn't know Christ, to come to a saving knowledge of him, and find the only hope that can save them eternally.
After the service, I had a few people thank me. Actually the widowed husband came up to me and told me he thought it was a lovely service. We talked for a while, and before he left I said, "Charles (again, no real name), I'd like to give you something. It tells how you can know for sure that you are going to heaven. It also has my business card in case you need to get hold of me. I will be praying for you during this difficult time in your life."
Charles tucked the tract and card in his pocket, shook my hand, thanked me and continued greeting more friends.
Pray that the words I spoke and the gospel that went out would have its desired effect - bringing people one step closer to Jesus - the Resurrection and the Life!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Day #31 - My Tooth and the Truth
I got two cavities filled about an hour ago. I LOVE going to the dentist! NOT!
My mouth is still numb, but my heart is alive because of the opportunity I had with my dentist. He's a great guy, a young man, and is well aware of the fact that I'm a pastor of a Bible-based Chrisitan church. My whole family has used this clinic for years, and I am getting to know some of the staff a bit.
I decided to push the relational envelope one more step with my dentist. God gave me that opportunity as he was filling out my chart with the final details of the cavities he just filled (he probably wrote: "Bill squirmed like a little girl throughout procedure" in his notes). As he wrote I pulled out my tract and my business card (see this below) ready for action. I prayed, "God give me the opportunity."
Once he finished writing, my doctor turned to me and said, "How's your congregation doing?" (Nice! Way to go God!) I said, "It's great, things are going well. In fact, I'd like to give you this - in case you or anyone else is ever interested in coming. Also, here's a booklet that tells how you can know you're going to heaven."
He gladly accepted it (albeit, a little awkwardly-I’m pretty sure he’s LDS), smiled and he thanked me.
We had some more small talk, and he walked me out to the checkout counter. As we stood there, I said, "Doc, you are good at what you do - and I want to be good at what I do. That's why I gave you that tract." He said, "We both want to help people." I smiled and said, "That's right!" and continued, "Hey, could I borrow some of your anesthetic for some of my people?" We chuckled, shook hands and said our goodbyes.
As I've said, witnessing to people you know and will have many future interactions with is scary, but is much more meaningful and in the end, I believe, will bear more fruit.
One last thought: Isn't it nice to know that in heaven we won't have cavities or decay? Even so, I sure hope we have at least one more dentist in The Kingdom because of today.
My mouth is still numb, but my heart is alive because of the opportunity I had with my dentist. He's a great guy, a young man, and is well aware of the fact that I'm a pastor of a Bible-based Chrisitan church. My whole family has used this clinic for years, and I am getting to know some of the staff a bit.
I decided to push the relational envelope one more step with my dentist. God gave me that opportunity as he was filling out my chart with the final details of the cavities he just filled (he probably wrote: "Bill squirmed like a little girl throughout procedure" in his notes). As he wrote I pulled out my tract and my business card (see this below) ready for action. I prayed, "God give me the opportunity."
Once he finished writing, my doctor turned to me and said, "How's your congregation doing?" (Nice! Way to go God!) I said, "It's great, things are going well. In fact, I'd like to give you this - in case you or anyone else is ever interested in coming. Also, here's a booklet that tells how you can know you're going to heaven."
He gladly accepted it (albeit, a little awkwardly-I’m pretty sure he’s LDS), smiled and he thanked me.
We had some more small talk, and he walked me out to the checkout counter. As we stood there, I said, "Doc, you are good at what you do - and I want to be good at what I do. That's why I gave you that tract." He said, "We both want to help people." I smiled and said, "That's right!" and continued, "Hey, could I borrow some of your anesthetic for some of my people?" We chuckled, shook hands and said our goodbyes.
As I've said, witnessing to people you know and will have many future interactions with is scary, but is much more meaningful and in the end, I believe, will bear more fruit.
One last thought: Isn't it nice to know that in heaven we won't have cavities or decay? Even so, I sure hope we have at least one more dentist in The Kingdom because of today.
Day #30 - Pizza Promptings
Greetings (I seem to be about a day behind on my blog ... I guess my blog is clogged. ;-) )
Anyway, yesterday, I picked up some pizza for our family "Lost" premiere party night, at Pappa Murphy's and took the opportunity to invite the helpful cashier to our church and hand her a tract. I told her that "I go to The Rock Church - you may have heard about it - and I like to tell one person a day how Jesus has changed my life. You can read this on your break!"
She smiled, and once again, seemed truly thankful for the invite and the information.
I'm more and more confident that God has a lot of people out there just waiting to be invited ...
BTW, did Lost become even MORE bizarre last night, or am I just slow?!
Anyway, yesterday, I picked up some pizza for our family "Lost" premiere party night, at Pappa Murphy's and took the opportunity to invite the helpful cashier to our church and hand her a tract. I told her that "I go to The Rock Church - you may have heard about it - and I like to tell one person a day how Jesus has changed my life. You can read this on your break!"
She smiled, and once again, seemed truly thankful for the invite and the information.
I'm more and more confident that God has a lot of people out there just waiting to be invited ...
BTW, did Lost become even MORE bizarre last night, or am I just slow?!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Day #29 - Received At Riches
I had coffee today with a good pastor friend. As we ordered our java, I decided to hand the barista a tract. Now, it may seem funny, but this was more difficult than usual. Why? Because, as I've mentioned before, I use Riches Bagels as my "second office" and the employees there see me all the time. I've found (right or wrong) that it is much easier to hand a tract to a complete stranger than to someone who "knows" you.
Regardless, I mustered my courage, and put my business card on the outside of the tract and said, "Have I given you one of these yet? I am a pastor at The Rock church and this tells you how you can know about Jesus. I like to give one out to someone every day." I handed her the card and tract and waited.
She looked it over, smiled, and said, "Oh, thank you. I've heard of the Rock Church. I will read it."
One cool thing is that after that interaction, I noticed she became more attentive and animated around my pastor buddy and me. She even made a point of smiling and saying goodbye to us when her shift was over and she was heading out the door.
I'm glad I pushed my flesh and I trust God will use that gospel tract to take her one step closer to heaven.
Regardless, I mustered my courage, and put my business card on the outside of the tract and said, "Have I given you one of these yet? I am a pastor at The Rock church and this tells you how you can know about Jesus. I like to give one out to someone every day." I handed her the card and tract and waited.
She looked it over, smiled, and said, "Oh, thank you. I've heard of the Rock Church. I will read it."
One cool thing is that after that interaction, I noticed she became more attentive and animated around my pastor buddy and me. She even made a point of smiling and saying goodbye to us when her shift was over and she was heading out the door.
I'm glad I pushed my flesh and I trust God will use that gospel tract to take her one step closer to heaven.
Day #28 - If You Pray, They Will Come
I prayed on the way to church yesterday morning that I would have an opportunity to share the gospel, or a tract.
I got my opportunity after the second service when a young couple brought a friend of theirs, a young woman named Samantha (not her real name) to meet me. Samantha had been to The Rock four times, and this sweet couple was simply loving on her and following her up. She told me that she loved The Rock even though she was a lifelong member of the LDS church. It turns out she is currently going through a divorce and her brother recently died. She is looking for answers, and said she talked to three Bishops about the afterlife and all three gave her different answers. Frustrated, she talked to friends who recommended The Rock church.
Samantha has found Christians that love her and empathize with her. She says her family and old church friends will have nothing to do with her, even during this extremely emotionally tough time. Why? Because she attends The Rock - a cult, she is told by her family and friends. Can you believe that?! My goodness, that breaks my heart. But Samantha knows better. Her eyes have been opened, and God is working on her heart.
I asked Samantha and her friends - the Christian couple who introduced us - if they would watch a DVD that explains from the Bible how she can know for sure she could go to heaven. She agreed and I got her a copy of the Diagram DVD. I also gave her my card and told her to contact me after watching it.
Pray for Samantha - that she finds comfort and salvation from Him who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
I got my opportunity after the second service when a young couple brought a friend of theirs, a young woman named Samantha (not her real name) to meet me. Samantha had been to The Rock four times, and this sweet couple was simply loving on her and following her up. She told me that she loved The Rock even though she was a lifelong member of the LDS church. It turns out she is currently going through a divorce and her brother recently died. She is looking for answers, and said she talked to three Bishops about the afterlife and all three gave her different answers. Frustrated, she talked to friends who recommended The Rock church.
Samantha has found Christians that love her and empathize with her. She says her family and old church friends will have nothing to do with her, even during this extremely emotionally tough time. Why? Because she attends The Rock - a cult, she is told by her family and friends. Can you believe that?! My goodness, that breaks my heart. But Samantha knows better. Her eyes have been opened, and God is working on her heart.
I asked Samantha and her friends - the Christian couple who introduced us - if they would watch a DVD that explains from the Bible how she can know for sure she could go to heaven. She agreed and I got her a copy of the Diagram DVD. I also gave her my card and told her to contact me after watching it.
Pray for Samantha - that she finds comfort and salvation from Him who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
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