Friday, January 23, 2004
Christian,
Over the years I have noticed that there are people that feel drawn to participate in evangelism but the hesitate or do not continue. Often this is because they do not believe they know enough about the subject in case they get involved in a difficult conversation with an unbeliever. That is understandable. I have been there and done that. I have taken various evangelism training over the years. I still have more to learn.
Evangelism training is a wonderful subject that I will have many links on a future web site. But let me share the following essay about the testimony of what God has done in my life over the years.
If you like this and if you know others that may benefit for it then you can forward this email or send this link where it is published on the web.
Easy Evangelism as a web site
http://www.osuonline.org/files/Prod_JSO_essays/Easy_Evangelism.htm
Easy Evangelism as a PDF file
http://www.osuonline.org/files/Prod_JSO_essays/Easy_Evangelism.pdf
I welcome your comments, suggestions and questions by reply email.
John Literature Evangelism is Easy
You Can Do It Too
Begun 1-18-04 and last revised 1-18-04
I had a job downtown. I was eating my sack lunch and praying. I felt led to walk back to work the long way. I met a man that was giving away New Testaments. He had a card table with a small sign. He talked with those who would stop. This thrilled me. He purchased the paperback New Testaments by the case for about 50 cents each. I told him about the source of free gospels of John I had been using.
That was several years ago. That man and I have passed thousands of copies of the gospel of John both together and alone.
I have found that when I just hold out the booklet like those who offer free samples of products, then about eighty percent take it as they pass. They do not slow down or stop usually. During the lunch hour about an hundred an hour is the average. About a third of those are in Spanish in Dallas.
My main objective is to distribute as many as possible while on the sidewalk. The version I give out has evangelistic notes. They are going from one place to another. I am quietly inviting them to read the Bible for themselves. The Holy Spirit will use the printed page to make the gospel message clear. If they become born again then the first thing I would give them is the gospel of John anyway.
Some people that I have worked with over the years are very concerned about putting the name of their church in the publication. It is okay. That costs them some time and energy. Personally I trust that the Good Shepherd can lead His sheep to the right church.
Some people also insert their favorite tract. They feel that many Americans are too busy to read the whole gospel. That is how God is leading them.
It is very encouraging when a stranger takes a booklet and then turns around and asks for more copies for their relatives, coworkers and friends. I always tell them about the web site where I request the cases of 100 www.livingwater.org
My friend likes to read the Bible to those passing on the sidewalk. He reminds me that we are not to neglect the public reading of scripture. That is how he came to faith. A dear saint was reading the Bible aloud and giving out New Testaments in a public park.
My style is to be quiet. I do not want the person approaching me to be recalling unpleasant memories about religion. I want this unit in their hand. That person may read it at lunch or another day. It may go into their car and then their home. It may be left in the company break room. After it is gone from me the Holy Spirit and angels can use that beacon of light amidst the spiritual darkness.
Those who go to church often or grew up in the church do not understand that not everyone hears the Bible read, taught and preached every week. There are those who are members of churches that do not believe that the Bible is true. There is a large percent of the population that have no clue about what the Bible says. And the gospel of John is often used on the mission field as an introduction to the rest of the Bible.
You do not need to have any training to just hand out the gospel of John in public. You do not need to be skillful in personal evangelism nor have deep theological understanding. As I hold out one booklet I just say “This is free.” Or “This is for you, it is free.” As the people see that I am not there to ask for money or debate, they take it. Over the years I have had less than a dozen negative reactions. And most of those were from drunks.
If you wish to participate in literature evangelism then go to the web site for Living Water gospel of John www.livingwater.org . Request a case or two and give it a try. There is no charge for the publications or shipping.
Possible places to distribute include public parks, public sidewalks, bus stops, door-to-door and along the beach. My favorite distribution opportunity is during a parade. Another option is after a sports event or concert. Be careful to distribute from the public sidewalk and not on private property. Some people have had success at some malls.
The Bible says that if you sow bountifully then you will reap bountifully.
As a footnote I carry a box of English and Spanish in my car. I am amazed at when and where God has used me to pass these along to other believers who will have other opportunities.
If you wish to buy a case of New Testaments then here are some sources
Bible League www.bibleleague.org
American Bible Society www.americanbible.org/
International Bible Society www.gospelcom.net/ibs/
Some other evangelism web sites include
www.readcarryshare.org
www.freeword.org
www.evangecube.org
Feel free to forward this to others.
(c) 2004 John S. Oliver
John 7:41 AM
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
TUESDAY BRIEFING - belated
1-20-04
ALL glory to God in Jesus Name!
May you learn how to simplify your life.
May you move outside your Comfort Zones as Jesus directs you.
May God surround you with loving friends.
Amen?
COMPLETED
1. The clicking in the car mysteriously stopped. Thank God.
2. Progress on forgiving from my heart. Praise the Lord.
3. Still no pain in my teeth.
4. Depression and despair have paid frequent visits.
5. The home office is getting into good order.
6. Finally developing a way to keep up with the many tasks in the computer.
7. Often had a joyful grin on my face as the many notes have gone into mind maps. I have seen the Big Picture from several views for the first time. It like the tiles of the mosaic have come together and the beauty of what God has been working in my soul for decades can be enjoyed at long last. I have found a way to visually present to those who do not like to read my many words.
8. Started about 30 mind maps. Half are for internal administrative use. Maybe 10 will go on the web soon as part of the prayer support and fund raising.
9. Experienced technical troubles getting the mind maps on the web.
CURRENT
A. Need to complete a few mind maps and solve the technical troubles very soon.
B. Need to FOCUS on doing the homework for the Boot Camp at the end of this month 30 and 31.
C. Need to believe God for funds and ask for help to pay some bills.
UPCOMING
i. May the mind maps get on the web very soon.
ii. Doing the Boot Camp homework includes Bible studies, budget, answering many questions.
iii. Asked to send in 100 dollars this week for the registration and then the rest on Friday the 30th.
iv. This two day intensive will train me in making brief face to face presentations and keeping track of the records. By two weeks from now I will finally be ready to go out to show, tell and ask. I will then slay the giants that have been in my way. The training emphasizes getting monthly supporters so that there are not cash flow pinches like I have had recently.
v. Various fund raising seminars have taught that people give to passion for a vision. They do not give to meet a need. May that guide my steps.
vi. Still not sure how God will provide the rent for February. But then He has faithfully made that provision right-on-time for years.
vii. For the first time in years I will be going to a food bank this week to get groceries. I am thankful that such a service is available.
viii. If you have ever considered giving money to help me in a rough time, then this is it. Email or cal me.
IMAGES
It is like I have lived in a cabin on the edge of a canyon.
I have been here years.
A big chunk just slipped into the valley.
Suddenly I am closer to the edge.
Been acting on a plan to relocate to a safer place.
Jesus will make a way.
FAITH LESSONS
The Holy Spirit has been leading me into three kinds of prayer recently.
Each one is important and the three work together.
This is part of my yearlong focus on improving and increasing my prayer life.
One way is to just call upon the name of the Lord.
Ask for grace, mercy, help and what He knows is best.
God knows better then me what my needs are.
He already wants me to know and do His will.
He has been working in me and around me for years.
This set of circumstances did not surprise God nor is He overwhelmed.
Yet humbling myself and asking sets Him free to act.
Another way is praying over the projects, tasks and needs as they come to mind.
Asking specifically in faith is another thread of faith.
I have been reminded of the woman that pestered the judge.
He gave in due to her importunity.
Jesus said that is related to prayer.
The help with the dentist, car and forgiving from my heart is like that.
A third way is there are moments when by faith I see and feel that I have victory.
I am no longer on this side of the impossible challenge of launching the ministry.
I have been transported in my imagination to where the vision is a reality.
I thank and praise God for what He has done by faith.
I confess out loud the images in my mind.
This anchors my hope and faith.
This encourages me and builds confidence amidst the difficulties.
RESOURCES
Free clip art online by the Discovery Channel http://school.discovery.com/clipart/
Biographies of men and women of prayer
http://www.watchword.org/articles/portraits.html
Here are some very well written articles http://clarityministries.org/archives/trumpet/
Time Design free online slide show about the practical lessons about time management including overcoming procrastination
http://www.timedesign.com/Training/index.html
If you are a pastor, missionary or one that receives donations then look at these three resources on Generous Giving
http://www.generousgiving.org/page.asp?sec=9&page=172
http://www.generousgiving.org/page.asp?sec=90&page=240
http://www.generousgiving.org/page.asp?sec=9&page=282
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John 11:51 AM
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