Battle Log

Thursday afternoon was a wonderful time of gospel ministry out at the bus stops.

For me, the outreach started with a friendly chat with my two JW friends who I often see with their stand at Northlands bus stop.  The last time I talked to them, it was declared that we were only to talk about “the weather”.  But today, they couldn’t resist and had a go at me (politely) about the trinity.  We discussed this for a few minutes, me having the opportunity to touch on the gospel and why Jesus had to be man and God, before parting ways.  I continue to pray for the salvation of this lovely couple.

My next encounter was a follow up with a man I first talked to at Eastgate (I can’t remember how long ago).  He said he had been reading the tract I gave him.  So I asked him a checking question, and sadly his answer was that we needed to “be good” to go to heaven.  I was able to explain why that was the wrong answer, but his friend turned up, and he had to leave, so sadly I didn’t get an opportunity to explain the gospel fully.  God willing I will see him again - or maybe you will have an opportunity to share with him?

My next conversation was amazing.  It was with a deep thinking young man who declared himself to be an Atheist.  But he seemed genuinely interested in the truth.  The conversation didn’t follow the usual pattern, instead it was driven by his questions.  But throughout the conversation I was able to touch on all the key concepts of the gospel.

Half way through the conversation his bus came.  He looked up, thought for a second, and then said, it’s ok, I’ll get the next one.  How encouraging!  At one point he said, “you won’t be able to convince me in ten or twenty minutes”, but by the end of the conversation I could tell he was challenged.  I made sure he knew how to get in contact with me if he had further questions.  Oh Lord, save him for Your glory!

My next conversation was also amazing.  The young man had been involved with talking to the dead, etc. so this time I followed my usual pattern for sharing the gospel.  He was deeply challenged to understand the standard for entry to heaven, and he understood the cost of trusting in Jesus.  He didn’t see the joy of the gift of Jesus - yet anyway.

We moved to Northlands, and the outreach only got better!

I approached a young man, who was a bit overwhelmed by my deep initial question.  He decided he didn’t want to talk about it - which was fine, but he was happy to take a gospel tract.

There was an older lady who had watched this exchange, and I approached her next.  It turns out she was a Christian from a sound local church.  She was very encouraged by what I was doing - she said she had already received one of our tracts.  I was able to encourage her in return.

I had a number of other good gospel conversations - mainly with high school students.  I also had a brief follow up opportunity with a lady who first heard about us through a letterbox drop!

But my last three conversations were outstanding.

A young high school student accepted a tract from me and was keen to chat (pictured).  He said he had talked to me two years ago, and has seen me around the streets since then.  He said the kids at school talk about us - and it’s not very nice what they say.  He was intimidated by this, but at the same time he was very open to the gospel.

I took him through the gospel again, and I left him considering the amazing good news, but also the cost - which he has first hand experience of (considering his friends at school).  He took a copy of every type of tract I have, plus a New Testament plus Psalms & Proverbs.  He said he would start reading it.

While this conversation was happening, I realised that I was speaking directly into a taxi parked on the curb.  The driver had the passenger side window wound down and would have heard every word I said.

After finishing with the high school student, I crossed the road and had a wonderful conversation with a Christian - about high school age.  He couldn’t clearly articulate the gospel, so I went over it with him - he seemed impacted and appreciative.  I started giving him Bible verses to look up, and he pulled out a pen and started writing them on his hand.  He seemed very encouraged.  Praise God.

I then crossed back over the road to see if I could get a final conversation before heading home, and as I walked past the taxi, the driver who had listened to me earlier, came out of his car to ask for one of my tracts!

He had an eastern religious background (Sikh) and was actually quite resistant, but he said his wife had two people coming to talk about spiritual things.  I think he heard me talking about the many Christian cults that teach that good works are required for salvation - and this intrigued him.  I also gave him a “Which One?” tract before we parted with a hand shake (pictured - perfect timing Andy!).  A very encouraging end to the outreach!  
 

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