How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share the gospel.
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How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share the... - 4/5/2008 12:49:13 PM
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lil_gringa
Posts: 738
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Last weekend we had such a victory here. My Spanish ladies commented to me on Wednesday of what a miracle we had Saturday night. God gave me a platform in a prime location in the city where the city put up the concert lights, gave us their sound system and 300 seats. It was a testimony to the Christians around here because they watched with amazement. How could another Christian do this? I had to think outside of my religious box. I didn't march into the city building and say, "I'm a Christian and I want to do a concert here." Nope, presenting myself as such would have closed the door. Christians are persecuted here. I befriended an employee one day. He didn't know that I was a Christian but probably liked my blond hair. I told him I wanted to sing there and he said to ask for him and I'd get a permit. So, I went to the city and said this person told me I could get a permit there. I also told them that I'd sang on live Catholic tv and radio Maria, which is the truth. That's what opened the door. Then, I told them we were missionaries and would like to have a concert with a message of hope and love for the people. It was a cultural concert.
Recently, when I joined this forum, someone wanted to know what the office of evangelist was for? Let this fall into that category. Teaching others how to evangelize. Encouraging others to evangelize.
A sweet friend of mine, retired pastor's wife and now traveling evangelist, shares part of her life story as testimony of God's will to reach the lost. Lona Robertson was given a job in a US government office in California. She was told that although she's a Christian and a pastor's wife, she was not allowed to bring a Bible or have any Christian symbols around her desk. She said, "Alright, I can do that." She has the light living inside of her and as God would have it, by the end of her time there over 30 had come to the Lord and she was leading a weekly Bible study in that office.
Often we look and focus on what we don't have instead of what we do have!
I'd love to hear your stories of evangelism and how God gave you a unique idea to win the lost; that we may spur one another on in Him!
< Message edited by funny_girl -- 4/5/2008 2:14:48 PM >
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RE: How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share... - 4/5/2008 1:10:52 PM
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mvic
Posts: 474
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Hi,
Congratulations on your success. It is not always easy to evangelize, but I believe God sends each person an opportunity commensurate with their skills and talents.
Sometimes we evangelize by the very way we live. Let our lives be an example for others at home, at work, at school and so on.
I wish you great success for the future.
God bless.
_____________________________
http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
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RE: How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share... - 4/5/2008 4:05:18 PM
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walkin2e
Posts: 172
Joined: 7/4/2005
From: Blackshear, Georgia
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Psalm 75. 6,7 "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another."
I evangelized at this school where I was working.
I was seeking the Lord for the right job He wanted me to have. I had submitted many applications, but had not had an interview. Those of you who have been through a period of unemployment can understand the frustration of this, especially with the bills piling up. However, when trusting God, we understand the value of waiting for God's timing.
As I rode by the local shopping mall, a vacant buidling nearby would draw me. Several times, I pulled up to this building and the Lord spoke to me and said, "This building is where I want you to work." I had no idea of what kind of work I'd be doing. The Lord was silent on that subject.
About two weeks later, I saw a job advertisement in the local paper. The job was for an instructor of retail sales at a small vocational school. The applications were being accepted at---you guessed it---that vacant building near the mall.
I submitted the application, was interviewed and offered the job. At the same time, I was offered a state job with more money and benefits. I did not hestitate when the Lord spoke to me and said "Take the instructor position."
Each morning before class, I would read a verse of scripture. A few students objected at first but some of those later volunteered to read the scripture for the day. After I'd been teaching for several weeks, the Lord spoke to me and said, "I want you to go to the Bahamas." I replied, "I don't have the money to go." The Lord replied, "I'll make the way to go, just be prepared to go." About two months later, the Lord spoke to me and said, "Irvin, I want you to be the head administrator of this school. Your time in this position will be short, so don't even put your name over the door." A couple of weeks later, the head administrator resigned so I assumed I'd be promoted to the job like the Lord spoke. Lo and behold, another person from corporate headquarters came to take the position. I immediately prayed and asked the Lord about this..The Lord spoke to me and said "Have faith." Three days later, the other person was gone, and I was promoted to head administrator. As part of the promotion, I received a free cruise to the Bahamas where the Lord used me in a special way - but that is another story! I held this job for a few months and then the Lord moved me on to another mission.
Daniel 2.21 "And he changeth the times and the seasons; he removeth Kings, and setteth up Kings; he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding."
Footnote....Several of my students were saved at this school, and many asked me for prayer.
Irvin L. Rozier, Captain (Retired) US Army, still serving as a soldier in God's Army aka walkin2e
_____________________________
"And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him." Gen 5.24 http://www.myspace.com/wwwmyspacecomwalkin2e
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RE: How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share... - 4/5/2008 5:46:05 PM
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lil_gringa
Posts: 738
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Thank you Irvin, your photo reminds me so much of Smith Wigglesworth! Thank you for sharing about the swift changes and being led by His spirit. I don't know if you noticed in my other forum that I've been sensing a change coming and I want to know when and where or if we'll stay. Our home is for sale in Guadalajara and although I like it, I'm willing to move. My husband told me this afternoon that I'm not to ask any more. He's leaning towards a certain direction but won't tell me until he's made a decision. This is complete torture to a wife!
I felt the Lord tell me almost 2 years ago that I'd be the next worship leader in a certain church, I'm not even close. However, the worship leader that was there was quickly removed. I told my husband what I had sensed the Lord speak to me and he said to go and talk with the pastor there. That pastor didn't even consider me as an option. Funny how sometimes we miss it or perhaps the pastor missed it. Either way, I'm ministering here now with my husband and hour away from our home. That church has had unrest in the worship department ever since. Perhaps I didn't miss it but I did my part by talking with the pastor.
< Message edited by funny_girl -- 4/5/2008 5:52:17 PM >
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RE: How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share... - 4/6/2008 6:57:33 AM
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walkin2e
Posts: 172
Joined: 7/4/2005
From: Blackshear, Georgia
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quote:
Thank you Irvin, your photo reminds me so much of Smith Wigglesworth!
Hey, others have said that, also. I used to go to our local Christian bookstore, pick up a copy of Wigglesworth book, take it to the owner, hold it up with his picture showing, and say, "Now you know, we're twins". Ole Travis would always get a kick out of that...even though I did it a dozen times.
Seriously, though, I pray that the Lord would clearly reveal to you and your husband the next step he has planned for you. Until He opens the door, we need to remain where we are. He will provide opportunities for us to evangelize.
Bro Irvin
_____________________________
"And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him." Gen 5.24 http://www.myspace.com/wwwmyspacecomwalkin2e
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RE: How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share... - 4/10/2008 4:12:50 AM
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deech373
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Hi I also moved into a new area and i asked the Lord how do i tell people about you when most of the people dont even come out of their homes and I dont even know any of them? Instantly He said " start up a neighourhood watch" I was blown away as i was a failrly new shy christian at that time and it took 3 weeks for me to obey and as i went and knocked on all the doors in my street, most of hte neighbors said "Good on you , I have been thinking about this for years but never got round to it and so they all camr to my tiny flat and from there God hooked me up with those that were ready for the gospel and i had the priviledge of leading several to the LOrd over a number of years I might mention though.
Every area i have moved in since then i have asked the LOrd how to reach the lost where i live and everytime He has shown me different ways and they have never been the same.
He is very clear on saying "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men"
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RE: How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share... - 4/10/2008 8:09:58 PM
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lil_gringa
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deech,
That is so cool! Hearing your story is exactly what I was looking for when I started this thread! That's awesome! So many need to think outside of their religious box! You were a new Christian and didn't know any better than to follow God's lead which is where we need to be to reach the people! I'm excited to hear what you did!
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RE: How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share... - 4/12/2008 10:02:36 AM
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LoveYourEnemies
Posts: 67
Joined: 3/15/2008
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It's always good to read such wonderful stories. I'll share a snapshot of my life.
I used to feel very frustrated with what I saw happening in my Christian walk. I love people, I love to talk to people, and if you put me in a line at the grocery store or elsewhere, I'll strike up a conversation with anybody within reach...my goal is to always leave others with a smile on their face and a glimpse of the love of God.
My frustration was always with the fact that I always had such "brief" encounters. I desired more, and asked God about it. It took some time to get an answer but it came one day while in conversation with someone at Church.
This person shared with me how the spreading of the gospel is like planting of the fields. One person may till the ground, another may plant the seeds, another yet will water the seeds, and another yet will gather in the harvest. I came to realize in this conversation that a major part of my gifts is that of planting seeds.
As much as I enjoy my task, I did ask the Lord if I might have the chance to water once in awhile. My prayer was answered and I was "put" in charge of a small group Bible Study. I wasn't a new Christian at the time, but I was still a bit young, and at first this scared me. After a few sessions, I came to love it. I also had the joy of being reunited with an old friend (whom I had prayed about) and was a huge part of bringing him to the Lord.
The Lord has seen fit to keep me in my position of planting seeds, which I now do with joy. Every once in awhile, I get to do a little watering. Whatever is placed before, that I do.
I used to shoot pool on league teams before becoming a Christian. In those days my mouth was worse than 3 sailors. Boy did the Lord change my life. But then I had a huge problem with hearing foul language, so I asked God how I could witness in this environment and what I could do about my problem with the language. Almost immediately the answer popped into my head.
A few days later I was at the state fair grounds for a business event where vendors set up to share with the public what they do. I met a guy who makes t-shirts. Talk about timing...the Lord had given me a message to put on t-shirts.
I had two shirts made and wore them on league nights. The message was on the back of the shirt so people could read it while I was taking my turn at the table. And I want to tell everyone that this was one awesome message...it stops people from cussing. I wore the shirt every league night and from that moment forward, I almost never heard foul language anymore. Even better, people would continually come up to me and ask about the shirt, some were wanting to know where to get one. This kept happening, so I had 4 dozen made and started selling them to people who asked.
In the business world, I am self-employed. I am involved in the baby business and go around from location to location asking to leave my cards in waiting areas. I tried doing this while looking professional, but people see you as a sales person when you walk in the door and immediately become very closed. It's hard to talk to people when they shut down the moment you walk in the door.
I became impressed that I needed to get past this issue of looking professional. I had recently made a half dozen shirts with the message on both sides and wore one of these with blue jeans. Wow...what a difference. I walked in the door with a smile on my face and a t-shirt on my back. People welcomed me with a smile. Wow...what a difference once again that simple little shirt had made. I wore it so much my wife got tired of seeing it.
This message has even given me the opportunity to give an occasional Bible study while going business to business. I spent a whole hour one day giving a study without any interruption at all. Just as we were finishing up, someone came in the door.
So day after day, I go off planting seeds whenever I can. There is so much more I could add to this, but then I would have to write a book and this posting is way too long now.
I would offer a link to my t-shirt, but in my few weeks on this site I've noticed that the TOS prevents such actions and would probably get me booted. I'm not eve sure if I can offer an email address. All I feel I can say is that t-shirt is just awesome. If a mod tells me I can post the link, I will.
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RE: How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share... - 4/12/2008 11:15:20 AM
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lil_gringa
Posts: 738
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T-shirt man, I'm assuming you're a man!
You're one cool guy! Evangelist to evangelist here! We can scare people because we are so friendly, but God made us this way so that we can reach the multitudes! I'd love to see your link the t-shirt place!
God is doing a marvelous work around the world! He's raising up his bride to think like Him! He doesn't want us to be 'religious'! He wants us to be real, like Him! He wants us to be ourselves. To not have a form of godliness but denying it's power!
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RE: How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share... - 4/12/2008 11:16:25 AM
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lil_gringa
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I love it that you recognized that people didn't want to speak to a professional! That's awesome! I'm in the same line of thinking here. I dress in jeans, normally, when I minister. There is so much religiosity here in Mexico that it angers me because the people block the message! The message is far too important to wear only what they think 'religious' people should wear. I'm mostly talking of the women. It angers me when they show up at a street crusade in their Sunday dresses! I'm thinking, oh my, come on people...get real! I'll put pink streaks in my hair to get their attention. We have dancing concert lights. Anything to get their attention so we can share the love and acceptance of Jesus!
Keep up the good work people!
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RE: How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share... - 4/12/2008 4:11:31 PM
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LoveYourEnemies
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Hi funny girl...sent you a pm with the link, and sent a friend request to your myspace page! Great voice! Only got to listen to that first song (4 yr. old demanding lots of time!!!) but loved it! I'll be back to listen to more.
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RE: How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share... - 4/12/2008 6:46:36 PM
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manwe
Posts: 288
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somewhat related: check out www.wayofthemaster.com it is among the most effective means of evangelizing (if done right).
Hope this helps.
_____________________________
Zephaniah 3:17 reads, "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
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RE: How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share... - 4/12/2008 9:50:04 PM
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lil_gringa
Posts: 738
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manwe, thanks for the link but I'm looking for personal testimonies of how people are out there evangelizing!
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RE: How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share... - 4/12/2008 11:48:09 PM
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ClintonPI
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Right on, Manwe! WOTM is the best.
As an aside, there's a whole website dedicated just to people sharing their witnessing encounters:
www.adventuresinchristianity.com
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RE: How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share... - 4/13/2008 9:57:27 PM
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scottmcc1
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OK you guys have had some success so I'll ask a question.
I work downtown and I see a street sweeper now and then. I have talked to him a little and gave him a Chick tract. After that he seemed to avoid me for awhile.
Friday I ran into him and asked how he was doing. He told me about his ex and how he was going to take her to court for moving and not telling him where. I asked if he believed in prayer. He said he did but not on this issue. I then again offered him a Chick tract but he did not want to take it.
I have prayed for him that his heart would be open to the gospel.
Most of the times I have talked to him he has mentioned his ex-wife.
Do you have any suggestions on sharing the gospel with a person like this?
Thanks
_____________________________
(My Bible study web page)
http://www.freewebs.com/wftr/index.htm
(comments on nature)
http://www.verde33.blogspot.com
Thoughts on my Christan walk
http://www.verde34.blogspot.com
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RE: How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share... - 4/13/2008 10:09:27 PM
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lil_gringa
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Search for specific scriptures that could minister to him. What the word of God says about a marriage and how God desires to help him reconcile his marriage. God cares about him and his marriage. You don't need to preach at him but approach him, ask him how he is and tell him that you've been praying for him and search the Bible for words of encouragement for his situation. He'll be interested in seeing what you found. Be Jesus to this individual by helping him with his problem. He opened up to you sharing the most intimate problem in his life. That's a sign that he's searching and watching you. He doesn't want a piece of paper to read, he wants and needs flesh and blood right now. Good question and good job for making the most of every opportunity. Just listen and let it happen as you develop a friendship.
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RE: How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share... - 4/14/2008 12:22:19 AM
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LoveYourEnemies
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There is no magic wand one can wave where you just say the right word and suddenly a guy who isn't interested in Christ becomes a Christian. Sometimes, a person just isn't ready yet. This guy doesn't sound like he is ready yet.
I've come to compare Christianity as being a bit similar to being a salesman. A good salesman talks to his client, asks leading questions to find out where his client stands, then formulates a plan based on the facts before him. This takes good listening skills, and knowing when to talk, and when to be quiet. Don't think about what you want...find out what he wants and see if you can give it to him.
Quite often I have seen the Christian mentality being that of the trashcan approach...I'll push my foot down on the pedal, when the lid opens, I'll shove Jesus down their throats. It never works. Why? This is what you want.
This man needs someone to listen to him, he wants to talk, he needs to get his pain out, he needs to release it...he needs someone to be his friend. Be his friend first. He knows where you stand as a Christian, he doesn't need Jesus pushed in his face, he needs the love of Christ, not the preaching of Christ.
Outside of the Bible, one of the best books I have read is "How To Win Friends & Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. I always thought the title sounded a bit manipulative until I read the book. It's all about finding out what the other person wants, then giving it to them. Everyone is selfish, they want what they want and care very little about what the other person wants. When someone comes along who shows that they care, doors are opened. Sometimes I think this book should be required reading for all Christians. The principles for dealing with people are so awesome.
I've been where this guy is, and he just wants someone to listen to him. He needs to know that he is important to someone else. He needs someone to show that they care....without an agenda. If your agenda is to shove Jesus down his throat the first chance you get, chances are you'll never lead him to Christ. Let your agenda follow the 2 Great Commandments...Love God, Love Your Neighbor. When he looks at you and he can Jesus he may want what you have.
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RE: How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share... - 4/16/2008 6:29:16 AM
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BibleL7
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Not an evangelist but would say that tracts mostly just get thrown in trash cans when they are not asked for. Even though I design and print many tracts for our church if it does not have something that the person wants to know about out it will go. Before becoming a Christian I never looked at tracts people handed out. However listening to people is great and why we have two ears and one mouth. But you do need to let them know that you are a Christian and if you can offer testimony of how Jesus helped you or what you have learned from the Bible, people are likely to listen. Oh and I would recommend tracts that tell about your church when a person is interested let them know where it is and when they can get fed the Word. But always let people know you are believer being a silent witness only doesnt work if they think it is just you and not the Lord in you.
Just one word on the dressing up in Sunday dresses, you may find that joining them once in a while might get them to listen. Paul said to those under the law he became as one under the law and to those not under the law as one not under the law. Just a thought.
Sorry cant really say much towards evangelistic experience I am way too anxious to talk to people usually, I am very much the quiet person nobody knows has a voice. Have actually had some people shocked when they heard a word out of my mouth. And not just something that I will get over with it is physically draining for me to talk other than one on one with people I know. Then I am a man of very few words.
Just the opinion of a small town preacher
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RE: How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share... - 4/19/2008 12:08:30 AM
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LoveYourEnemies
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Bible7...great point in regards to what Paul said about becoming to them what they are. This is how we reach people.
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RE: How can I evangelize? Teaching others how to share... - 4/19/2008 12:19:24 AM
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lil_gringa
Posts: 738
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Paul said he became all things to all men. I wear what the people are wearing when I'm ministering. Some churches I have to wear a dress, I ask if I can wear pants, most of the time it’s not on issue but occasionally it is. In the street people wear pants for the most part and that is acceptable. I'm not against dresses, I'm against looking religious.
I agree, my comfort certainly isn't more important than the message!
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