Friday Night Notes

more snow...

We've had three days of near constant snow... a heavy snowfall on Wednesday, followed by two days of gentle flurries.  I don't the mind the snow.  The way I see it, if it's going to be cold, might as well have some snow.  On a night of street evangelism, the gentle snow fall was a welcome distraction from the sad ungodliness which fills every street of the marketplace.

I was surprised at the steady flow of people walking the streets of the market tonight.  I was sure the snow would keep alot of people at home, but I seem to have underestimated the determination of my fellow countrymen.  Many souls were out and about, especially between 7:00pm and 9:00pm.  We easily ministered the Gospel to hundreds and hundreds of souls during those two hours.  The Lord use our work as He sees fit.

It was a night of old acquaintances.  While handing out Gospel literature, I saw a familiar face walking towards me.  Sebastien, a fellow I went to high school was out with his wife and daughter.  Sebastien and I were never friends per se; in high school, Seb and his best friend Karl, was in the cool crowd, and neither had much time for me.  In 2000, my first year of street evangelism, Sebastien, Karl and a group of their friends actually walked by me and mocked me, making a spectacle of me before their friends.  Four to five years later, I saw Karl and Seb walking across the street from our preaching spot and I made it a point to speak to them... if for no other reason than to make it clear that I wasn't holding any grudges.  We actually had a civil, good conversation, with both men expressing some admiration when it came to "my devotion to my cause".

Tonight, Sebastien was downright friendly.  We had a nice, though short conversation.  I was quickly introduced to his wife and daughter and I got a chance to ask about Karl and how he was doing.  Sebastien told me he had seen me a number of times through the years, Bible sign in hand, preaching the Gospel.  He said: "You are really dedicated to your faith, Rand."  He then wished me well and went on his way.  I hope the Lord will use this encounter to save Sebastien and his family.

Pastor Tim also had a blast from his past.  A young woman named Bianca came by and took a Bible tract from Pastor Tim.  It had been years since the two had seen each other; they needed to introduce themselves to confirm each other identities.  After that, it was warm embraces and expressions of joy at seeing each other.  Bianca had gone through a lot of problems in her youth, and Pastor Tim and his wife counselled and helped her find her way.  Shortly after, Bianca moved away.

Well, now she's back to our city and she told Pastor Tim that things are much better in her life.  She said that now that she knew Pastor Tim was still ministering downtown, she would come to our church service on the Lord's Day.  We both truly hope she does.

Pastor Tim had a few other good conversations with lost sinners, but no signs of repentance or any serious interest in looking further into the Gospel.  He did have a long conversation with one of the attendants that works in the parking garage right behind our preaching spot.  Turns out the man is a believer (a Pentecostal though) and he is very favourable to our work.  The Lord bless him... perhaps we could be used of God to help this man's poor doctrine/theology.

After three hours of evangelism, we called it a night and made our way home.  We were both happy with how the night went, overall.  We got to share the Gospel with lots of people.  There weren't too many mockers, and the persecution wasn't too grievous.  All and all, a good night of evangelism.

To God be the glory!


Rand