What a motley crew. A Pastor, Evangelist, Dog Groomer, Med Student from California, Writer, retired business owner, brand new believer, and two introverted ladies took to the streets to share the gospel. But, wasn’t Jesus’ twelve as well? People of all backgrounds and personalities brought together in one common goal — to reach the lost.
This was such an amazing night. My wife, Lisa and I were totally blessed all around, and it was exactly what the doctor ordered. By the time I got home at the end of the night I was twired (tired but wired).
Bombarded by spiritual warfare
From the moment I got up this morning it was a constant battle with spiritual warfare. All day thoughts of past conversations loomed in my mind. Thoughts of inadequacy, disappointment, and unworthiness just to name a few. It’s just Frank seemed to be a theme that popped up every so often. I was discouraged and didn’t want to go talk to anyone about anything. I just wanted to stay in my pool and drown my sorrows.
But when you are in a mode like this, you have to look past yourself, and think of others. I mean, there were about 10,000 people at this event literally right at the backdoor of my church, and I couldn’t stay home. Each person there either needed to hear the gospel, or be encouraged as a believer to press on. Regardless, people needed me.
Hitting the streets
We met our friends at 5:30 pm at the State Capitol, prayed, and got situated. Pastor Shawn Barr gave out tracts, free water, and ice pops to kids passing by. The rest of us passed out tracts to strike up spiritual conversations quickly. With this many people to reach (and we couldn’t reach them all) we had to get to the point relatively fast.
Tim
Tim, the Med Student from Cali, pulled up some trivia about Independance Day to get people talking and then transitioned to the gospel and their spiritual condition before God; using tracts at the end to bring to remembrance the things they talked about. It worked extremely well for him, as we kept seeing him talking to different individuals throughout the evening. About the experience he said, “It worked really well and I had a blast. By the end of the trivia people were already invested into the conversation and figured — why stop now?”
Michelle
Michelle, the ultra-introvert who’s behind the phone taking the main picture, went with Cathy and Tony. She had never done anything like this before, and was terrified of the whole process; yet, she came out and trusted Tony and Cathy to help her. The very first tract she gives out was to an Atheist who knows Ray Comfort (CEO of Living Waters Ministry). I don’t know what he said to her, but even though it jarred her nerves a little, it was not enough to stop her. A huge win for sure. Not only do we share the gospel for others, and for our Lord, but for ourselves as well; helping us to press on and launch us out of our comfort zones.
Dylan
Fuzzy-haired Dylan is a new believer who wanted to come with us and share his faith. Last year, Tony shared the gospel to him and led him to the Lord. He’s been attending Grace Fellowship Church ever since; being discipled by Tony and Pastor Shawn Barr. It’s really cool to see new believers share their faith and put it into action by obeying the command by our Lord to “go out into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
Bill
Bill, former business owner and fellow Gideon serving in my camp, came out despite serious health issues of skin cancer and Multiple Sclerosis. Not being able to walk far, or stand long, he stayed back with the chairs, cooler, and extra tracts to keep an eye on things. In God’s economy serving in this capacity is equal to being on the front lines of the battle, for I am reminded of 1 Samuel 30 where David and 600 men went out to battle against the Amalekites who destroyed their camp and took their wives and children. 200 men that were weary and could not fight were left behind to watch over the camp. In the end, the 600 men defeated their oppressors and returned with wives, children, and the spoils of war. The 600 complained and with a wicked heart refused to give any of their treasure to the 200 who guarded the camp.
But David said, “My brethren, you shall not do so with what the LORD has given us, who has preserved us and delivered into our hand the troop that came against us. “For who will heed you in this matter? But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.”
1 Samuel 30:23-24 NKJV
Praise God that He knows what we can do based on our infirmities. Over the years I have joined evangelist friends who were quadriplegic, blind, deaf, and cripple to share Jesus. Though each of them could only do so much, they will be equally blessed in the bounty of the Lord as those who are healthy and fit to serve.
Lisa and I: amazing conversations
Lisa and I did really well together. She prayed in her head while I shared the gospel with people. We started at the furthest part of the festival so as not to cross paths with the rest of the group.
We had some amazing conversations with people out at the festival, and met so many people — believers and unbelievers alike. Our first conversation was with an older fellow and his lady friend. I approached with a tract in hand, and he gave me one of his. This has probably only happened to me three times in my life. It was encouraging for all of us, introducing us to other Christians they shared the gospel to earlier. We shared out testimonies and the amazing things God has done. For George, God spared his life through major heart surgery, and talked about how he didn’t want his life wasted in the years he had left. Praise the Lord.
After the rest of his family arrived, we left to share the gospel to young man named, Phoenix, wearing a boot and sitting with crutches after bunion surgery. I gave him a million-dollar bill and asked if he was good enough to go to heaven. He had never heard the gospel, but goes to a church where I know one of the Elders. Well, today he heard it loud and clear, and wants to ask more questions through Got Questions before he makes a full commitment to Christ. We prayed for him and that the Lord would not only heal his foot, but heal his soul and restore him to the Father.
Through the night we shared the gospel with many others, and had many encouraging conversations with solid believers. We even met two couples who are pastors from Kenya. I gave them my card in hopes of meeting for coffee and fellowship.
This evening reminds me of the very purpose of Pens and Wrenches and why I created it: Restoring Sinners & Equipping Saints. There are so many opportunities in the field:
Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
Luke 10:2 NKJV
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