Battle Log
Friday, 9 April, 2021
Posted 10 April 2021, 7:58 AM by Glen Richards. Permalink
A very busy couple of days of outreach in Christchurch. On Thursday I was online in the morning, and then at the Eastgate bus stops with Andy in the afternoon. Friday saw the gospel + abortion outreach outside the hospital, and then outreach in the central city, including many opportunities to talk with climate change activists. The day ended with a wonderful conversation online.
From Thursday morning I remember the conversations being difficult - a lot of resistance.
I had an 81 minute conversation with a young man from Germany! He was either playing me along the whole time, or he was genuinely contemplating the gospel, or maybe both. But after counting the cost he ended up doubling down and saying “god is fake bud”. Sadly, It seems sex with his girlfriend was more important to him than God and eternal life.
Later I had a difficult chat with a guy from Slovakia. There was a language barrier, and yet he seemed to be comprehending the things I was saying. He was very thoughtful. At one point he said: “I believe that the universe came into being out of nowhere” - I was quick to point out how illogical that is, and he didn’t argue.
Many wonderful chats at the Eastgate bus stops. It’s been a while since we’ve been there and so the fishing hole felt fresh.
I had a great chat with a guy who had just been to a church for the first time with a friend the week prior! After the chat, he seemed to be articulating the good news well and seemed very appreciative of the information.
Later I approached a lady sitting in one of the bus shelters. She said, “Are you Glen or Andy?” It turns out she had talked to Andy before, and she had prayed for him. She greatly encouraged me by saying she was praying for us everyday! How wonderful is that. Thank you Heather!
The gospel + abortion outreach on Friday morning went really well (team of seven). No counter protesters today. I fell into a long conversation with a man who had recently come out of a Christian cult (3 years ago). He wasn’t certain on where he should land spiritually, he has been on a journey! He is leaning towards Greek Orthodox. We spent a long time talking about soteriology (the theology of salvation). We are now in text and email contact - he has been sending me valuable information about the cult he was involved with. I intend to continue our chat about how we are saved!
Andy had a wonderful chat with two girls who have Christian upbringing but had deep questions about it. They came to understand the gospel!
We didn’t do any open air preaching in Cathedral Square as a climate change rally was on. We headed to Cashel Mall instead. Praise God, Andy and I had two wonderful follow up chats with people where the gospel seems to be taking root! I got a Bible onto the phone of one; he works on Sunday, but he is going to see if he can change his schedule so he can come along to church.
During those chats, a climate change march went through. Andy handed out tracts to those walking past (pictured).
We ended up down at the Bridge of Remembrance where Roger joined us. We had a very busy afternoon of outreach. Many wonderful opportunities to talk to the kids involved with the climate change rally / march! Roger had people queuing to do his flip chat! It was a non stop day for him. Andy had a super long conversation with a guy (pictured). The outreach ended and Roger and I went for a hot chocolate, even after that Andy’s conversation was still going!
A highlight chat was one Roger (and later I joined it later) had with the owner of SoYo in Riccarton. This guy is Muslim and often talks to Roger when we are in Riccarton. He seems very challenged by the gospel. The conversation will hopefully continue when we are in Riccarton next.
The last conversation of the day was online. With a guy from Brazil. He has a Christian background but is gay. He believes in God and wants to be a Christian, but is deeply struggling with his sin - he had even tried suicide, but said that God had rescued him from it. He was subtly misunderstanding the gospel, and he had also reconciled his homosexuality by declaring that it wasn’t a sin. It was a very difficult chat, with a language barrier where I had to get him to understand the gospel, and that homosexuality is sinful. An 80 minute conversation! At times he was tearful. He was very thankful for the conversation by the end of it. He had instructions for Bible passages to start working through, and I pointed him to a local church. He is also in touch with the needGod.net team via Instagram. Oh Lord, only you can change hearts by your grace and help us in the battle with our flesh. Lord, you have the power to save, and the power to sanctify us. Thank you for your grace, Lord, your sacrifice covers all our sins!
