Battle Log
Wednesday, 24 March, 2021
Posted 24 March 2021, 2:43 PM by Glen Richards. Permalink
Tuesday I was back in Riccarton - but I went in the morning so I could join the team online in the afternoon. I brought my flip chart along.
I got straight into a chat with a young man who was quickly engaged in a deep conversation. But as he heard the law he started to disengage, sadly. He heard the gospel but had to get going. It wasn’t good news for him. Later he came past again - briskly, without acknowledging me.
Next up a man from Southland came past and he was curious about the flip chart. It was funny, because soon into the chat he said, “you are just like my work mate”. Sounds like his work mate has been engaging him with the reality of God, the law and the gospel - well done!
A rich farmer was next to stop. An atheist, living for the now, because nothing comes after (apparently). Sadly, it quickly became apparent that this guy was racist as well. He heard the proof that God exists, and that there must be judgement after. He heard the law, and then disengaged. Interestingly, he considered me a good man (not true). He refused a tract as he left.
I had two more interesting interactions during the outreach. Both with Christians not part of a church.
The first was a lovely elderly man who described himself as pentecostal, and who had a sound understanding of the gospel. It turns out he had pastored a church for a while. But there was a frustration in him in regard to disagreement with other believers that he didn’t elaborate on. I felt sad for him, understanding the frustration myself, but not wishing him to be out of fellowship. I found out what area he lives in, and pointed him to a church that may be a good fit. Not surprisingly he wasn’t interested. I then invited him to my own fellowship. It was a lovely chat. I hope I get to see him again and follow up our conversation.
The last was with a young lady who had just moved to Christchurch. It turns out she lives close to where my church fellowship meets, so I invited her along.
Afternoon’s chat’s online went really well. Ryan has built new features into our tools that let us know how long we talk to people, and where in the world those people come from. Pictured is a summary taken near the end of the outreach. The visualisation is very encouraging!
The guy in Norway was actually from Colombia and was very open to the gospel.
The chat with the guy in Algeria (pictured) was fascinating! He is a Muslim and he was typically resistant. But he stayed and heard the gospel (with the assistance of Google Translate). Although we disagreed, we parted on good terms - thumbs up each way!
But the best chat was probably the one with the guy in Lima, Peru. He was wearing a horse mask, and would respond via typing. He believed in God and heaven, but he thought everyone would eventually get to heaven. Eventually, this guy became so engaged in the conversation, that he pulled off the mask so I could see his face, and started talking directly to me - so much quicker! He also heard the gospel, but really struggled on why God isn’t ALL merciful. I had to get pretty blunt with him near the end. His questions were so good, I could tell he was really wrestling with what we were talking about. I pleaded with him to get in touch so that we could continue the conversation (as he had to go). I have no choice but to leave him in God’s hands.
I spent all my time online on Wednesday. A bit of a blur. I’m so grateful for the ability to share the law and gospel with so many across the world! Thank you for your support, esp. the prayer - without God our labour is in vain!
