In Season... and Out (#34 of 365+)

Yesterday on Pastor’s Perspective, a radio ministry of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, they announced The Awakening ‘09 Evangelism Conference to be held October 30 – 31. Speakers
include K. P. Yohannan (Gospel for Asia) and Ray Comfort (The Way of the Master). I wish I could attend! According to the conference website at theawakening09.com, their objective is as follows: “The purpose of The Awakening ‘09 Conference is to provide Christians with quality training in how to share the gospel effectively. This event will equip you, your family, your friends, or your church group with the necessary tools to overcome that fear of reaching out. The goal is to see believers, young and old, motivated to boldly begin a new lifestyle – a lifestyle of evangelism.” The website also quotes the following scripture: "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand." (Romans 13:11-12).

Back in the ‘80’s I attended a similar but much smaller conference in my city with about 100 other teens. Afterwards, we all walked over to the nearest shopping mall to put our new skills to work. Most people were very receptive to hear what we polite and somewhat shy teens wanted to share with them. If I remember correctly, there were a couple of shoppers who prayed to receive Christ that day. Later, I think it was after we returned from the mall, we received bracelets (similar to hospital bracelets, the ones you have to cut off) and we were challenged to share the gospel with anyone who asked about the bracelet for the next several weeks. It was an exciting time! Unfortunately, after the bracelets came off, we forgot to do what we had learned because we didn’t have that constant reminder anymore.

Joni shared a story about how she started up a conversation with someone whom she sensed was seeking spiritual truth. Even though they had limited time to talk because they were at the airport, she was able to lay some important groundwork for future conversations. Not every conversation with a stranger has to lead to sharing the entire gospel message within record time. The most important thing is to let the Holy Spirit lead. As Joni urges, “Agree with God today that you will be alert to the Spirit’s voice when he says, ‘Go start a conversation with that person.’”

“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not.” (2 Timothy 4:2 NLT)

Father, I need you to help me step out of my comfort zone. Open my eyes to see other people as they really are at the core: eternal souls with a destiny. Give me the words they need to hear. Amen.