Friday, January 9, 2009

Sane Evangelizing 101

If you want to share your religion with others, do something much more difficult than simply “witnessing” to people from out of nowhere: become so excellent a person—so thoughtful, so kind, so respectful, so honorable a person—that sooner or later the people around you—the people who know you—are moved to ask you about what makes you tick. Then you can talk to them about your religion. Insisting that someone share with you something they haven’t indicated they want is the most efficient way to make whatever you’re trying to share seem even less appealing.
(From "Sane Evangelising 101", John Shore)


On the other hand, if the Lord puts a burden in your heart to go out and do some street-evangelism - then obey! =) I remember when I was a very young Christian, my follow-upper (she was the wife of a lay pastor from another church - a wonderful and godly woman) encouraged me to share my faith with others. So I stayed back after school, prayed and asked God to help me find someone to share the gospel with.

Then I came across one of my classmates at the school canteen. She was reading the New Paper - it was 1 April 1998 I remember. Sooo... I prayed, asked God whether to approach her. Didn't sense any objection, so I went ahead. Opening line: "Hey (name)!"

"Oh hi!"

"What're you doing now?"

"Oh just reading the newspapers."

"Ok... hmm... btw I have a question for you."

"Okay...."

"If you were to die today, where do you think you'll go to?"

"... hmm... I'm not sure actually."

"Oh! Ok...." So I shared the gospel with her... and she responded immediately. Could just sense childlike faith in her heart... she's a Catholic actually, but I think she was seeking in her heart after God - just not sure whether she was genuinely saved or not.

So we prayed a prayer together. Then... we looked at each other.

I was thinking, "Okayyyy... what do we do next?"

She looked happy... and then a bit puzzled.

"Uh... do read your Bible every day k?"

She nodded.

"Hmm... pray too!"

She nodded again.

"Go to church!"

Haha... I guess you get my drift here. It was before I learnt anything about following up or discipleship... thank God for my church, which has taught me a lot... haha.

Well, as a wise Christian once said, "Share your faith, and if necessary, use words!" ;)

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