Today was a good day. Since the start of summer my wife, Lisa and I have wanted to try some new things together and experience our town more than we have in the past. We’ve lived here over twenty years, and really haven’t experienced a ton with the exception of Summerfest and Fourth of July fireworks.
First, we took a walk down to the Farmers Market; not the one we usually go to in Des Moines, but another several blocks from where I live on the bike trail. I was really surprised how many people were there, and how much it had grown since several years ago. It was such a beautiful day. I took some tracts with me, a bible, and headed out.
After buying some produce, and things for the backyard animals, we took a walk around trying to get into casual conversation with the locals at the market. We met a couple who had a Great Dane very similar to ours, and struck up a good conversation. I was climbing the ladder trying to swing it to the spiritual with the husband, Rick, and he mentioned that he was from California. I asked if he was familiar with Calvary Chapel out there, and started in Costa Mesa. He said he was, and thinking about going to church in the near future. We invited them to come to Calvary Chapel Des Moines, and gave him my card. We talked more about the name of this website and its catchy name — Pens and Wrenches. He is a plumber by trade. We talked about the name and what it meant. After a few minutes we parted ways and said he was going to check out the site. I hope he does.
After giving a few Got Questions cards to a few people we decided to head back and stop at the Ankeny Historical Society Museum. This place is really cool and not what you would think it would be — especially the barn. The displays are very professionally done, and knowledgeable kind staff. Inside we met two very lovely ladies, Bobbi and Lois, who are on staff with the museum. Lisa got into a spiritual conversation really quickly and opened a big door. They asked how long we’ve lived here, how we came to find Ankeny, and where we came from. Lisa blurted out, “God brought us here, and apparently keeping us here,” to which they laughed but intrigued as to how. We talked for about twenty minutes about the Lord and then took our tour.
After going through the house, we stopped to finish our conversation. Lois was busy with another couple, but Bobbi wanted to restart where we finished off. She was from a Methodist background, but left several months ago because of their liberal stance on social issues, and lack of biblical fortitude. She currently goes to a fantastic church I have done many missions trips with, First Family Church, and is in good hands. I gave her a few Got Questions cards, and introduced her to Ray Comfort and Living Waters Ministry with a gospel tract; pointing out the websites on the front like FullyFreeFilms.com. It greatly encouraged her because she wants to learn how to share her faith in the progressive care community she will be moving to very soon.
Lessons learned
This was a good lesson for me. I try to share the gospel as I go through my daily errands and such; to stop and be available for the Lord. Many times, life gets in the way and I struggle to make it happen. When I try to share the gospel in my flesh it feels forced, thus sometimes it becomes awkward. But when we pray and are willing vessels to be used for His kingdom first as we are doing our thing, the Lord connects us with people and conversations flow naturally. It was very comfortable for Lisa to engage in discussions with strangers without feeling artificial.
This was a great start. As the summer progresses, we plan to go to the Farmers Market on a regular basis to engage in discourse with our neighbors and be more involved in our local community.
Pens & Wrenches 
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