Battle Log

It’s been 7 years since I started getting supported by Operation 513 in evangelism.  It’s been hard work, but it’s been wonderful work.  Those first couple of years were tough - pure street work.  Now I have the ability to work online too, which brings some balance.  And also, in the early days, we spent 2 years bringing the gospel to the issue of abortion outside Christchurch Hospital on Friday mornings.  That attracted a lot of hate and tension, and I really struggled with it, yet I don’t regret it.  Sin is serious; God’s grace is amazing.

 

I’m so aware of how feeble my efforts have been.  I’m trusting that God has and will continue to show his strength through my weakness.  Who knows what the future will bring.  God knows.  And I’m trusting he will guide my path.  I’m holding everything lightly in my hands; may His kingdom come and His will be done.

 

If it be his will, I want to continue what I’m doing till I’m 96, pushing my walking frame down Colombo Street to the corner of Cashel Street, and telling the young people about Jesus.  (He is worthy!  Right?)  “Excuse me young man, can I ask you a question?  What do you think happens after life?”  But if it be His will that I do something else, so be it.  Even better, may Jesus return today!

 

So, what happened in the month of November?  We had a special outreach!  The 3 day Canterbury A&P Show Outreach.  It was great having Mike Ryan sorting the organisation this year - really appreciated that bro!  We had a solid team working shifts running a site where we set up our gazebo, a table with tracts and Bibles, and gospel flipcharts.  We were right across from the carnival this year.

 

The weather wasn’t so good on the first day, and yet, I still had some very special gospel chats.  I can still clearly see the face of one young lady, who believed in God but thought she was good enough for heaven.  Her face beamed as the logic of the gospel clicked in her thinking, in light of the law showing her her sin.

 

The weather was great on the 2nd day, which was the busiest day anyway.  The morning and early afternoon of the 3rd day was great too, but then an intense  thunder / hail storm hit.  It killed the rest of the afternoon, as everyone left, running for their cars.  We were huddling under our gazebo, when a kid ducked in for cover too.  He was right in front of me, and so I asked, “hey man, can I ask, what do you think happens after life?”.  “Nothing”.  “So, you don’t believe in God?”  “No”.  “But, if I told you the ferries wheel made itself would you believe me?”  “No”.  “Right, so, wouldn’t this universe have to have a maker too?”.  He stared at me and then he bolted.  Haha, he’d rather face the storm than stay in shelter with me talking about the true God of justice  he knows exists!

 

Of course, all the other usual street and online outreaches have been happening.  I’m going to have to let the pictures do the talking.

 

Thank you to all those who have actually read these reports over the years.  I hope they have been an encouragement to you for the evangelism opportunities in your own life.  May we all continue to grow in this.  Also, thank you for the financial and prayer support that you have been making to enable me to do this.  I’m looking forward to us being able to cast our crowns at the feet of Jesus.  Only He is worthy.  All glory to God alone!

 

(In loving memory of John Charles Mallett, 24th Jan 1963 - 31st October 2025)

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