Battle Log

On Thursday at Sunnybank the team had the wonderful opportunity to witness to locals. What made it even more exciting than usual was that twelve local Christians came out to share the Gospel! What a joy it is to see local Christians seeking to share the Gospel with the people God has placed around them!

An early conversation was had with Sonu a young lady who at first said she had never willingly done anything wrong. In response to this she was shown God's law and very quickly she came to understand that she had done many things that God must punish. She had seen her guilt. In God's timing, that was all she got to hear in person as she was given a tract as her bus arrived.

This conversation was soon followed by a catholic lady. This conversation was far harder. The catholic lady wasn't hearing the Gospel. She heard the law but when she heard the Gospel it was as if it was going through a translator. She could not comprehend that what was being explained to her was justification by faith. What was so unusual, was that she wasn't arguing against it, it was just that she couldn't understand that was being explained.

She was so caught up in her works based salvation that the Gospel was not even computing. She too took a tract. Please pray that God would use this silent evangelist to explain the gospel to her and that she may come to trust in Christ alone for her salvation.

Another conversation was with Astrey. This lady began by sharing that she didn't really believe anything. She said she had Hindu parents but wasn't really fussed about it all and therefore had no real beliefs. What was unsurprising but interesting was that she then vehemently argued that God doesn't exist, that if He does exist He isn't good, that she isn't bad, that the Bible isn't reliable, that Jesus didn't rise from the death and a few other things.

She seemed to push back at every point of the discussion, after declaring that she didn't believe anything, it instead became clear that she would believe anything that enabled her to hold onto the idea that she could live how she wanted and that there is no judgement. This was sad to see but after hearing the law and the Gospel, despite many side-tracks she took a tract. Sadly there was no time for checking questions to see if she had understood.

Please be praying that she would come to understand the Gospel and would see the foolishness of pursuing sin.

Lastly was a conversation with Kevin. He had no push backs. He said and understood what was being said and often would ask a question that followed or show that he was understanding by repeating what was said back in a different way.

Kevin saw that God must have created this world. He saw that God had expectations of His creation and that we as a part of this world would be held accountable to God. He then saw how he had failed God's standards and had willfully rebelled and saw that sin deserves Hell. When he was asked, "How can you sin be forgiven so you can go to Heaven?" his bus arrived and he took a tract.

Please be praying that he would read it and come to a saving knowledge of the truth.

You can also take this opportunity to praise God for his wonderful salvation, provided through feeble humans. Please also prayerfully consider how you can share God's Gospel with someone this week!

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Sunnybank on Thursday was a collection of short, conversations whilst buses came and left.

Caleb a young Christian man from a local Church was encouraged to evangelise as he knew the Gospel.

David a man who thought there was a higher power but didn't want to believe that God would judge, was shown that because God is good He must judge.

Oliver was shown that creation shows us that there must be a Creator and therefore we are accountable to Him for the way we have lived.

Oscar said he didn't know what happened after we died and was happy to listen to the law and Gospel until his bus arrived.

Suri an Indian man tried to hold onto both the idea that there is no God whilst declaring that if God exists he is very good and definitely going to Heaven.

There was also an older gentleman who loved his own ideas, he believed many conspiracy theories, predominantly about how the "evil" Jews controlled the whole world and on this basis because Jesus was a Jew he rejected any offer of salvation that Jesus could provide.

Lastly a young man named Anthony was spoken to, he had a pretty good understanding of the Gospel but was struggling with his assurance. He heard the beautiful implications of the Gospel and why we can have full assurance of our salvation because we are saved on the basis of Christ's perfect work, not anything we can do!

Please be praying for these short and sharp conversations, that God would use them to be another step in the process of bringing them to himself.

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At Sunnybank the conversations are often short and sharp so there isn't much time to "waste". Thankfully due to the seriousness of the question people are often willing to engage.

A few quick conversations were had with Lai, an African lady and Catherine.

Lai, acknowledged after the building, builder analogy that there is a God but he said he didn't know what came after death. Sadly his bus arrived and he left with the tract.

An African lady said that she "was" a Christian back in her home country but when she came to Australia didn't want to be religious anymore so she has just started living however she wants.

Catherine an older lady believed that God exists but seemed to use her lack of knowledge of what came after as an excuse for her actions.

One extremely sad conversation was with a man named Josh, he was on some sort of drugs and was struggling to converse well. He also had a girlfriend with him who really wanted to leave. He spoke with the team for a short while about how monks, who had great control over their body proved they had "super"-natural power. Ironically, the very fact that they had achieved it by their own effort, showed that it was just natural power.

Josh was shown the mirror of the law and left with the very serious consequences of breaking it. Sadly at this point his girlfriend dragged him away.

On the other hand two Asian ladies, Eden and Maria, by accident missed two busses! Firstly at the beginning of the conversation they missed a bus and then were able to talk. Just as they heard the law and the penalty for breaking it another bus they could have hopped on, drop by without stopping and so they got to hear God's offer of hope.

It was pointed out that God had kept them at the bus stop long enough to hear the peril that they were in and the solution to it. They were thankful to hear and took tracts, hoping on their bus on the third attempt.

Please be praying for those who heard small amounts, those who had lengthy conversations and those who came to intellectually understand the Gospel for the first time. Please be praying that God would use the conversations and the tracts to save many!

 

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On Thursday in Sunnybank the team sought to again stick to the shady areas so that they could have longer conversations with people. As the place is at a local bus stop conversations are usually kept around ten minutes due to the arrival and departure of buses. This does also mean lots of shorter conversations take place.

An early conversation was had with an Indian man, Haymanshure. He didn't believe in God but still wanted to hold onto the idea that he was a good guy. It was pointed out that good only exists, if there is a standard by which we can compare.

He then saw his sinfulness in comparison to God's law and was given a simple apologetic about God's existence. He understood the apologetic but was getting stuck on the idea of being "born in sin". He claimed that people were not that bad but it was point out through a range of examples, how clearly we can see the sinful state of humanity.

His bus arrived and he headed off. Please be praying that the law and the understanding of it will lead him to seek out the salvation that only Christ offers.

Soon after this a conversation was had with Kelly. She too didn't believe in God but karma. When asked who was in charge of karma, she said, everyone is individually. It was shown to her how foolish this was, not only because it was exactly the temptation Satan had bought to Adam and Eve but also because that would mean everyone could live however they wanted and as long as they felt okay about it, that would be rewarded.

She then went on to explain how good she was yet at the same time shared that all she wanted to do was live her way, without anyone to question her decisions.

Two more quick conversations were had with Edgar and Sam.

Edgar has spoken to another team member and was still struggling to comprehend the idea of faith alone. It was re-explained to him, with another analogy and this time it seemed to make sense.

He was asked, "If you were to stand before God on judgement day and he was to say to you, 'Why should I let you into heaven?' what would be a good answer?" He struggled with this question a bit but then when asked, "What would be a bad answer?" He said, "me and my good works".

This time he understood. It was explained once more that the difference between heaven and hell is as simple as the difference between trusting in Christ alone or ourselves. He said this made sense and hopped on his bus.

Sam, unlike everyone else was not hopping on a bus. She had hopped off and was waiting for some friends to pick her up. She didn't really believe in God but as the Gospel was preached said she it made sense. Point after point she engaged with things God has said and heard them and asked questions. But in the end she was still against believing in God.

Sadly as the conversation came to a close, she had to head off quickly. She took a tract and left. Please be praying that she will never again be the same, instead of being reserved toward God, that she would realise her sinfulness and surrender to Him, trusting in Him alone as the only reason she is forgiven.

Please also pray for Edgar, that his new understanding of grace would lead him to trust in Christ alone.

Please also pray for all those who the team were able to speak with today, that God would use these simple conversations as life changing events.

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On Thursday afternoon at Sunnybank the team were blessed with many conversations. One noticeable mention is that often older men are scared to talk about eternal matters. Many will acknowledge that they have thought about it but rarely will they be willing to hear God's truth. They will often try and pass off the conversation, through humour, arrogance or anger. This plays out in all locations but was just noticed this past Thursday.

That being said there were some wonderful conversations. One man Frank declared that it was his adherence to the ten commandments that was getting him to Heaven. This was scary to hear as he said he went to a local Church. Frank heard the Gospel and God's real offer of salvation and was challenged to stop trying to convince himself, that he will be okay based on his own actions.

A sad conversation was had with Joan, she was an older lady who was a little hesitant to talk because she said that religion was all about power and fear. This was interesting to hear but she couldn't really explain why she thought that. Although she did say that she would never want to worship a God who had power over her. It was explained to her that God's laws aren't for the purpose of oppression rather, true freedom and liberty is found in the flourishing that God's design brings.

Her bus arrived and she had to leave. But please be praying for Joan that she is stripped of her pride, thinking she knows better than God and is bought to submission to Him.

One encouraging conversation was had with Jesse. He heard the Gospel for the first time, without any arguments and said he would consider it. Please be praying that Jesse searches out the scriptures and is bought to a knowledge of the truth.

Among other conversations Sia a lady who goes to an SDA Church and had been let into some confusion by what they taught, heard the Gospel and of imputation. It has been noted that in America, there is often a strong emphasis on repentance being a "turning from sin". Where as in Australia, this leads people often into confusion. It must be clearly stated that repentance isn't just "turning from sin... and trying to be good". Rather it is turning from sin, to trust God. And that will result in a changed life.

In Australia, legalism seems to be a far more common vice, than anti-nomianism.

Lastly an encouraging conversation was had with Stephanie. She knew about Heaven and Hell and had heard the name Jesus but that was about the limit of her understanding. God as Creator, Holy, Judge and Saviour was explained alongside sin, judgement and righteousness and she was left to ponder, would she turn and trust in Christ, or continue living in sin.

Please be praying for all those who heard the Good News, that they would repent and believe. Praise God for allowing conversations to flow and for bringing people along to hear His glorious Gospel!

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On Thursday at Sunnybank, the afternoon for most team members progressed as usual. They had normal conversations and were able to engage in Gospel proclamation. On the other hand for some it was a tougher afternoon, there are just some days when you feel less bold in sharing the Gospel.

One of the team members often wears shirts with Gospel focused questions on it, for example, "Where will you spend Eternity, Heaven or Hell?" Yesterday at a number of occasions throughout the afternoon, people in passing by traffic actually called out answers as a result of reading the shirt.

Please be praying that many people will have read it, but especially pray for the few who verbally responded, that they would have to ponder the question.

A conversation was had with a man named David. He had some ideas about the afterlife but his predominant belief was that it doesn't matter. He said he was focusing on this life and that whatever happened would happen. This was scary as it was emphasised that because God is good, He will hold us accountable for our sin.

David, heard this, brushed it off and was about to respond with another point when his bus arrived. He took a tract and said he would have a read. Please be praying that David's apathetic attitude toward eternity would not last any longer but that the tract would lead him to the Saviour.

Another conversation was had with Melanie. She similarly said she didn't think there was an afterlife because she had done some "science". A small discussion was had regarding what science can tell us about the afterlife and the conclusion was come to, that it could not tell us a single thing.

Melanie then said she didn't believe in God because she didn't think there was any evidence. It was pointed out to her, that by observation we can see that everything else in this universe, that isn't nature, that has a beginning and a purpose had an intelligent designer. It was then pointed out that the most logical conclusion about nature itself, would be the same, that it too had an intelligent designer.

It was then pointed out, that the creator of an object, determines its purpose. So God, as the Creator of humans, designed us to bring Him glory by obeying Him. Melanie said that made sense and was left with the challenge, "The reason we don't want there to be a God, isn't intellectual or based on evidence rather, we know that if God exists, we are in big trouble, so we try and convince ourselves, either that we're not in trouble or that God doesn't exist."

Melanie's bus arrived at this time and she took a tract. Please be praying that this conversation will lead her away from rebellion, to surrender and trust in Jesus!

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On Thursday afternoon in Sunnybank the team was limited to undercover areas as the rain decided to stick around into the afternoon. This did also mean that people came to the team as they too desired shelter from the storm. This was the perfect opportunity to share with them the only shelter that can protect a person from God's wrath against sin.

One encouraging conversation was with a lady that had returned from the previous week to ask more questions. She had even gone along to a local Church the previous Sunday, as she was encouraged to. Praise God for the work He is doing in her life. May God be using these conversations and interactions to bring her to a knowledge of the truth.

As usual with the bus timetable many conversations are limited to ten or fifteen minutes. This was the case with the conversations had with John, Roy, and Shaun. They each heard of God as Creator and Judge. And were confronted by the expectations God has upon us and each were left to get on their bus as the question was posed, "How can a sinner who deserves God's judgement in Hell, be forgiven?". Each took a tract and said they would read it.

Please pray that they understood the clear explanation the tract gave and that it would lead them to trust in Jesus alone and to open their Bibles and start reading.

Another conversation was had with Latitia a young lady who goes to a local Church but didn't really understand the Gospel. She happily engaged, answered questions as best as she could and was slowly lead through the story of the Bible from front to back, so that she understood God's story of redemption. She said it was the first time she had heard it that way but was encouraged by it and was interested in knowing more. She too was encouraged to pick up her Bible and start reading it as well.

Please be praying for Latitia and her journey to knowing God. Please pray it is swift, so that even as she returns to Church this weekend, she desire to know God more.

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As the outreach began at Sunnybank yesterday, the worst of the rain ceased. Which allowed for the team to spread out as they usually do. The afternoon was filled with a range of conversations some were short and simple, others lengthy and encouraging, a few that were heart breaking and one particularly hostile one that ended surprisingly well.

There were three men, Saleh, Wayne and Jack, who all heard about why we can know there is a God and why that is a problem for us and sadly each had to leave before the conversation progressed too far. Please be praying that these men, heed the seriousness of the problem and don't just leave it there but seek out in God's Word the solution.

One longer conversation was had with Christany, she had a lutheran past but had left school and decided that she preferred "science" more. The conversation touched on God's Creation, God's purpose for humanity, our desperate state of rebellion and the question was posed, "What is the solution? How can a sinner be forgiven?"

Sadly even despite a lengthier conversation, her bus still arrived before it could progress further. She did not that she appreciated the conversation and would have to think more about the topic.

Lastly a conversation that was saddening and encouraging at the same was with a man who has come past before and was equally angry. Without going into all the details, he was very angry that people could be on the streets promoting and talking to the public about God.

He had a lot of arguments against Christianity, from the evils in the Church, to the age of the Bible and even was angry about hypocrisy in the Church. After some diagnostic questions, this man declared that there is no God "because there is no evidence". When provided with evidence, he declared that it wasn't good enough.

After some more questions, despite his anger it was pointed out that his arguments against God weren't based on intellect. It wasn't that he learnt things that had changed his mind about God, rather they were emotional, he was angry with God and therefore didn't want Him to exist.

He didn't disagree with this statement but kept on his attack. At one point he called the council (same as last time) to get us removed but during the conversation quietly walked off as he was told we were allowed to be there.

After talking to another guy, with a great desire to see this man come to a knowledge of the truth, he was carefully and gently approached again. He was asked, "What do you think the team comes here for? What do you think the purpose of Christianity is?"

As usual he was sure that it was all about trying to force people to live a certain way and follow rules so that God would "love" them. Unsurprisingly, he was extremely confused as the Gospel was explained, not as rules to follow to get forgiven but rather a gift of salvation for the guilty.

This was fleshed out a little for him and he was taken a back but still trying to be frustrated. Lastly just before his bus arrived he asked, "Well if you're already saved, what are you doing out here sharing with other people?"

To which the response was given, "We come out here, willing to be mocked, scorned, disrespected by people, in the hope that they will hear and understand God's offer of salvation and message of hope, because your eternity is far more important to me that my dignity".

This man was so confused, all he could do was make mocking noises as he hopped on his bus. Please be praying that this man's understanding of the Gospel and understanding that we care about him and his eternity would cause him to turn from his hatred toward God but rather that he would respond in repentance and faith.

Please be praying for all those spoken to, that they would heed God's command to turn from sin, to Him!
 

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Today Sunnybank was a hive of conversations. With the usual school traffic not around, the team thought there may not be as many people but much to their delight, more people than usual were using the bus stations and as a result many heard the Gospel.

An early conversation was had with Jacob. This was an unusual conversation because he was European and yet still believed in God. The vast majority of European's that the team speaks to are atheistic. It was interesting to find that Jacob was not against the idea of God but was just happily living in sin.

The law of God was bought to bear on his life and conscience and Jacob said that it worried him that, if he died tonight, he would end up in Hell. When asked how that could be solved, Jacob sadly had no idea. As the very beginnings of the Gospel were explained his bus arrived and he had to leave.

He took a tract and said he would read it. Please be praying that he would come to a saving knowledge of the truth!

Another conversation was had with two SDA girls. They sadly had been taught that God had no wrath, that Jesus wasn't suffering God's judgement on the cross and that sin is dealt with simply by death.

When asked about specifics regarding how people are saved, the girls knew very little. It was sad to hear that they had so little understanding of the Gospel. Over the course of a short discussion and explanation and with many questions asked, they seemed to begin to understand but it was hard to help them see a life to of mis-truths they had been sewn.

Thankfully they took tracts and were happy to have spoken with the team.

A young man who was on a quick break from work spoke to the team. He had heard of Jesus and knew a little about Him but didn't understand the significance of what Christ did at the cross. This was explained, the response we are to have was explained and Nick headed back inside to work, with new information about Christ.

Nick didn't seem overly excited or phased but please be praying that this glorious truth would leave more than an intellectual mark but would be the very thing that leads Nick to trust in Jesus alone as His Lord and Saviour.

One other exciting conversation was with Chloe. She is at the bus stop at the same time every week but sadly over previous weeks had not been interested to talk. This week she did engage and was happy to interact as the introduction to the Gospel was given.

God's existence was explained, His purpose for humanity and this world was explained and the dire problem of sin and its consequence of Hell was articulated. Chloe acknowledged that it made sense but that she wasn't really phased because she had decided (on the basis of her upbringing) that God didn't really exist.

Please be praying that Chloe not only reads the tract that she was given but that her life will be forever changed as she doesn't just acknowledge that God exists but that she too would turn to Him as her only hope before a Holy God.

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This afternoon in Sunnybank the team got a little rained on but thankfully nothing too severe. There did seem to be fewer people around than usual though as people were less interested in waiting for their bus in the wind and rain. But despite this the team had a range of lengthy and important conversations.

Two guys the team has spoken to before at different points in the afternoon dropped past. The first named Mitchell. He is having a really tough time with some things but has recently headed back to Church. Sadly he is still struggling to understand that we are saved by the work of Christ alone, not based on anything we can do.

He was reminded of the Gospel and its call to repent and believe and was encouraged to dwell on that truth and rely on Christ alone. He was also encouraged that God in His absolute sovereign authority doesn't leave us alone. Mitchell is having some troubles with his living situation and past friends and was wondering why God would let him suffer like he is.

It was explained, with compassion that God's plan for our lives may be harder than we desire but better than we had hoped. God's plan for His children is not for them to have a worry free life and rarely rely on Him. Rather He often places us in circumstances and situations in which our only hope is to cling to Him, teaching us that through it all, He is a only true hope! 

He was also encouraged with the wonderful promise of Romans 8:28-29, that God plans all things for the Christ-likeness of those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose!

Another conversation was with a JW, Darnell. He had spoken to another team member a week earlier but was having a real struggle understanding. The same this week. The reason wasn't because of his English ability. Rather, he had been sown seeds to falsehood and he had been mis-taught theological words. For instance, "Salvation is simply deliverance from danger or destruction, and often specifically referring to deliverance from sin".

This poor understanding of salvation cuts the heart out of the Gospel message. Equally a misunderstanding of who punish Jesus on the cross, God's judgement for sin and many other things were missing. It was a scary conversation with a man who is "very religious" and even reads the Bible but has little to no understanding of what it actually is!

A final conversation and one that was lengthy and encouraging was had with a woman named Beth. She at first when asked, "Where do you think you will go after you die, Heaven or Hell?" declared, "Definitely Hell". She said she was too bad, too sinful to be forgiven.

This is a relatively uncommon response to the Christian message so the team were interested to hear why. We engaged with her in discussion for almost an hour. Answer questions about Noah's Ark, The Tablets, Heaven, Hell and many other topics. 

At one point she declared that some Jehovah's Witnesses had been visiting her mother and saying there was no such thing as Hell. She then said, this doesn't make any sense and she thinks that they are wrong.

This was encouraging to hear and also good to know that she wasn't just looking for any false hope or false religion. With a lengthy conversation coming to a close, the team once again reiterated the simple beauty of the Gospel, the command it has upon our lives, to repent and believe and the offer of forgiveness it brings.

Beth left with a Bible, a tract, an encouragement that this conversation didn't happen for no reason and was encouraged to read her Bible.

Please be praying for Mitchell that he will come to understand the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice and trust in Him alone for salvation. Please pray that Darnell will see the glaring issues with JW teaching and doctrine and instead will seek to understand what the scriptures say. Please be praying that Beth will understand how deeply she has sinned but instead of wallowing in guilt will be able to rejoice with great joy that there is a God who loves to save the most despicable sinners.

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