Friday Night Notes

still trucking along...


I went out preaching earlier than normal today. Pastor Tim and I usually have our night of street preaching from 8pm to 11pm, but I knew that just wouldn't happen tonight; there is no way I was going to last 'till 11pm! I have learned several ways to manage my sometimes grievous health problems over the last few weeks, and one of those ways is to be in bed at a decent hour to get good quality rest/sleep. So I went downtown right after work (around 6pm) and with a Bible sign in hand, distributed Gospel tracts for a good hour.

I gave out a fair number of tracts during this hour, and lots of souls saw and read my Bible sign. I was very pleased with how things were going until a woman approached me and said: "is your last name XXXXXX?" I told her it was, but I hadn't the foggiest idea who this woman was. Turns out, this woman is my sister's neighbour; apparently, my sister told this woman about my Friday night activities. Anyway, this woman was extremely difficult to deal with: she tried very hard to get me to agree with some of her ecumenical, new age and downright heathen concepts. She kept using the words "universe" and "God" interchangeably and spoke of concepts like "good energy" and "bad energy". Oh my... what a mess. I tried, on several occasions, to end our conversation with a "let's just agree to disagree", but the woman would have none of that.

I was preparing to just walk away when a man drew nigh to hear something of what I had to say. This man was far more rational, and somewhat interested in the Bible. His name was Jeff and Jeff confessed that while he didn't have much time for God in his life, he was pretty sure there was a God in the universe, and he was also quite sure that he would be judged by him some day. Now that's someone a preacher can work with! LOL! So both Jeff and I spoke of biblical matters, desperately trying to tune out the frequent objections of my sister's neighbour. I spoke to him of the judgment that is to come, the righteousness that we must attain to but are unable to attain to, the salvation of the Lord, and the eternal state. I went through all these pretty superficially, so I encouraged Jeff to study the Bible for himself. Before leaving, he asked me if he could talk with me again... I, of course agreed. I told him where to find me on Friday nights, he thanked me and went on his way. Fearing having to deal with ecumenical/new age/pop psychology woman again, I took off as well, and took over preaching duties from pastor Tim.

While I was preaching, two young ladies stopped to listen for a few minutes. One of them eventually came by and asked me a couple of strange questions. I wasn't sure at first if they just wanted to make fun of me, but after a couple of minutes I realized that they weren't mocking, they were just totally ignorant as far as the Bible is concerned; and I mean seriously ignorant. We spoke for a few minutes and I think my knowledge of Scripture both surprised and intrigued them. I gave them a couple of Bible tracts and encouraged them to study God's Word. I don't think the Lord was dealing with them at that particular moment, but who knows what the Lord will do tonight... tomorrow... next week... etc.

The night wasn't all rosy with rational, logical conversations. I was called an idiot numerous times, twice I was told I would die a virgin (made me laugh both times...), and a myriad of sinners wagged their heads and cursed as they heard my preaching or beheld my Bible sign. Many would used the Lord's Name in vain as they walked by me. How wretched.

I prayed alot tonight. I thank the Lord for working in me to remain in fellowship with him as I went about proclaiming His Gospel. It's shocking how easy it is to evangelize by the flesh. I didn't want that tonight; I knew I needed the Lord to keep me on my feet physically, and to give me wisdom in my evangelistic effort. So I got focused, and prayed every moment I could. It was good... real good.


Now it's time for bed. Thanks again, dear readers, for keeping up with my Friday night adventures.

The LORD bless you, and keep you:
The LORD make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

(Numbers 6:24-26)


Rand

Labels: Friday evangelism