The Twin Towers and the Titanic

An Evangelistic History

I had prayed the day we saw the planes fly into the Twin Towers in New York. I have no idea why my husband was drawn to turn on the tv that morning. We never do that. At the time I was working down town LA and decided to stay home that day (I have faith in God, but only an idiot puts themselves into potential harms way) after watching what happened. I prayed there were born again Christians in the towers Twin Towers who, (through all the people’s hysterics and startling emotions knowing they each would not survive or feared they would die), would step forth, in fear and in hope, tell those around them how they could be right with God, now, before they died, explaining quickly why they needed Jesus, and encourage them to repent and trust in Christ (righ then) for they were all about to step into eternity through death’s door.

I had always wondered if there were faithful believers there who did that. But I also had thought about those who were on the Titanic in much the same way. They were told everything was fine. They could go about their business. But tragedy was just around the corner for both. I had imagined what, (in hope), these Christians would say to those around them, (if there were any) in the Towers that day. I wondered if anyone had reached out with the gospel to those around them; imagining the faces and reactions of the frantic people who became scared for their lives, before they heard the gospel. Many did not get that kind of opportunity and had died instantly or while running through the stairwells.

It is true, that most people never get the chance to grow old or die slowly and have time for reflection on life and God before they pass away. Most people die in tragic situations in which they never saw it coming. Such was the fate of those who were on the Titanic. Over 1,500 people died that night. Something like 3,000 died in the Twin Towers terrorist attacks. I know that over 160,000 die every day in the world, and it makes me wonder if there were any faithful believers who reached out to those who were around them when the tragedy struck. On the Titanic, most were not worried or freaking out about the severity of the situation until it really started creaking and they were on the deck, or were in the lifeboats and saw the ship slowly sinking into the ocean.

We will never know about any faithful witnesses in the Twin Towers, this side of eternity. But today I learned that there was one person on the Titanic who evangelized the lost while it was sinking. In fact, he was even leading bible studies onboard, during the trip, even before the tragedy. This faithful servant of Christ was called John Harper.

The Titanic tragedy happened on April 15, 1912. Four years later, at a Titanic survivors meeting in Canada, a man tearfully gave his testimony recounting how John Harper had led him to the Lord.

Let me tell you about this man John Harper and the impact he had on this one; his last convert. John was a Scottish pastor, who lived in London. He started a small Baptist church just shortly after his wife had died. He, his daughter and a nanny were headed to the Moody church in Chicago to preach for three or four months. They sailed there on a new and amazingly large boat. When the ship hit the iceberg he ran to his daughter and made sure she was put into the life raft with the women and other children. John ran back through the ship. Harper was heard shouting, "Let the women, children and the unsaved into the lifeboats." Survivors reported that Harper took off his own life jacket and gave it to another man. No one thought it was a serious situation, because they had been told that this ship was “unsinkable”. When John gave his life jacket away he said "Don't worry about me, I'm not going down, I'm going up!"

As the musicians were playing ragtime tunes, they quickly began to realize the seriousness of the situation and began playing hymns as the stood on the deck of the ship. They played “Nearer my God to thee”, as the ship started to break apart. The band went down with the ship. The last hymn they played was "Autumn," which concludes with the prayer

Hold me up in mighty waters
Keep my eyes on things above,
Righteousness, divine Atonement,
Peace, and everlasting Love.

As the ship was sinking, those who remained on the boat were tossed into the water, or went down with it. By the time the rescue ships arrived, only 6 people were still alive. One man told the story of John Harper when he was interviewed. He said John drifted over to him holding a round preserver, and gave it to him. John said “You need this more than I do.” Then he asked me “Man, are you saved?” I replied “No sir”. John said “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” And then a wave took him away. Not long after, John drifted back towards me and said “Man, are you saved yet?” I replied “No sir, not yet.” With his dying breath, John said “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” The man recalled, “Shortly after that John sunk into the ocean and drown.” [Thinking of that fateful day he then said] “I was John’s last convert - I have been saved.”

His daughter and the nanny survived, and this man, who got saved, was saved twice that day.

Scripture tells us: "Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for another..." John Harper cared about the souls of men! I hope you do too, every day…not just when tragedy strikes.

I don’t know about you…But I hope that if my life ends tragically, there are many people around in whom I can holler to about the gospel of Christ that saves. Pray to the Lord today, that you would be a more bold witness than you are today, and that he helps equip you to do it biblically and with patience, and with concern for their eternal soul.

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Answering Email from Atheists

Dear Family, Friends, and Fellow seed sowers. Here's another great witnessing encounter. I hope it encourages you to boldly share the gospel, and gives you ideas on what you could say to objections or questions you encounter as you witness for Christ.

This was an email conversation I had with an atheist last night, via a conglomerate evangelism ministry that I volunteer at. I was glad to answer their objections and hope that they would gain some understanding as to why there must be a Creator (justice and righteousness must prevail), as well as how we should have such gratitude towards such a wonderful God and Savior; for doing what He didn't need to do, and for offering something to us that we don't deserve, and not giving us what we do deserve.

Dear Ms. Sanza,

Thank you for visiting our site to investigate Jesus more. Surrendering your life to God is the most important decision anyone will ever make in their life. I am here to help you to know God better. Let me start by answering your questions and sharing some things with you to consider.

Aren’t you lying about a God who doesn’t exist?

God most certainly does exist. All you have to do is look out side and see the creation. Just as a painting has a painter, and a building has a builder, so creation has a Creator. He is the master Scientist. His amazing design weaved into creation shows a brilliant intelligent God. This is so very evident if you look into anything in creation, for example the complexity of DNA and the little microscopic like machinery that makes the tiniest parts of our being work and reproduce. God is so very evident in creation.

Where does God define marriage the "Bible?

God defined marriage when he instituted it in the beginning. See the book in the Bible called “Genesis”. This is where God created man and woman and told them to multiply and fill the earth with more people.

If there was a God he/she/it would never allow the kind of hate and things you people spread on it’s behalf anyway.

First, God does not teach us to hate others. He cares about people and that is why he sends his Christians to share the gospel of Love with everyone. Also, God clearly tells us throughout the Scriptures that He is a “He”. Jesus himself in the flesh was a male. However, the Triune God, as a spirit has no sexual gender. Only created beings do. However when Jesus came to earth he took on the masculine form. We were created in God’s image. The first human created by God was a male.

You should be ashamed of spreading lies about God, instilling fear and hate in the hearts of people...

Believers are not ashamed of “the gospel of truth” because it truly offers “truth and life”. By this, God offers us a personal relationship with Him and it is available through the Savior Lord Jesus Christ. We only share what God has said. *Note: We are not ashamed or feel guilt any longer over our sins, because God has removed our crimes against Him forever, by the work of Jesus on the cross.

God is so kind that he offers us a warning about our sins and where it will lead us. Just as a parent tells a child to stay away from the fire or they’ll get burned. Since we have sinned “one time” in our life… the decision to rebel against God, (committing a crime against Him), has caused us to be in trouble with Him. Serious trouble.

This God who created all we have, all we see and has given us the blessings in this life that are good… He deserves our respect, honor, and has every right to call us to be accountable for our lives. He has every right to govern over all that he has created and make the rules for those he created and placed into the world that he owns and rules over. The fear we have towards God is a good and useful fear, just as one who knows a cliff is up ahead on the path along a mountain trail (ie. it is good to fear going near the edge for it will end their life if they slip and fall to their death). So it is good to fear offending God and causing his wrath to abide upon us, to fear the consequences (because we know we are guilty). However, God in his love, grace and mercy has offered us a way out of this serious situation… We are criminals who will be called to the eternal court room to have justice served in our court case before God. However, we can escape this Judgment Day if we are humble and gratefully receive the free gift God offers in Jesus Christ; forgiveness of all sins, right standing with God and eternal life in Heaven. Instead of what we rightly deserve – eternal punishment in Hell for our crimes against God. What a wonderful God and Savior! We do not deserve what he is offering us. God himself came to earth to save us from himself, from his wrath and the consequences of the Law of sin and death. He is not only gracious to warn us of the punishment that is coming, and telling us what it is, but also to offer us a way of rescue and escape from that deserved fate…by the shed blood of Jesus Christ and his death on the cross, and victory that came from His resurrection.

This information alone should melt your heart towards God, and assist you to move from the realm of hating God, to having gratitude for all that God has done for you through Jesus Christ. You can have a right relationship with God, know God personally and live free from sin (by way of life and liberty and freedom) that is found only in Jesus Christ. Your sins and the guilt you have over them can be removed permanently, and so can your case before God – if you (1) repent of your sins, forsake them and stay away from sinning against God, (2) by trusting in Jesus Christ. So, Turn to Jesus and cling to him as you would a parachute…knowing the jump is near. Perfect love in Jesus Christ casts out all your fears and allows you to rejoice and thank God for all he has done for you, as he has for me too.

To learn more about you crimes against God visit http://www.needgod.com/ and see the real reason why you need Jesus Christ.

I hope this helps you in your search for the truth.

May you be blessed!

PS> If you have any other questions please feel free to email me. I will answer any reasonable and thoughtful questions you have that will assist you in your search for the truth. However, you will find many answers to your questions through the below reference materials which are available online or at local (or online) libraries. So check them all out first. They will probably answer all your questions or objections.

How to Know God Exists http://www.livingwaters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=160

Intelligent Design vs. Evolution http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?index=books&linkCode=qs&keywords=0882701665

Scientific Facts in the Bible http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?index=books&linkCode=qs&keywords=0882708791

Real Evidence and Answers http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?index=books&linkCode=qs&keywords=0882709054

Reasonable Discussion about Evolution for Grown Ups http://www.livingwaters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=163

There are no Atheists http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?index=books&linkCode=qs&keywords=0882709224

Again, I hope this helps you as you seek to find the real truth.

God tells us all that" if we will seek him with all our heart we will find Him". And His Truth will set you free!

end

Friday - An Unexpected Event!

For a few years now I have been using the biblical principles of the Way of the Master evangelism training to reach out to the lost. I think people who study the simple material will find, as I did, that it is not only biblical, but easy and do-able, and useful every day conversations too. And once they taste the good thing the Lord does through biblical evangelism in one-on-one conversations…they end up getting on fire for the Lord and sharing the gospel with strangers and those they know too. A few years ago I was a member of a street team and I longed for Friday nights so I could come out and join fellow believers in the cause of the gospel. Since then, I have joined a few other believers, and recently found some regular team mates to reach the lost on the streets at that fishing hole. We have been reaching the lost and encouraging those who attend church, we come together on one night, and sometimes draw people in, in our own way. It certainly has brought the Lord’s message to this area, and I could not imagine this area not having a Christian influence at least once a week, especially since there are so many people who come through here regularly.

Tonight I was so very tired from a very busy and hard day at work (a temp job I’m at). I was so exhausted from the last couple of days at the job, that I needed some rambunctious music to wake me up and get me to the fishing hole. I chose Toby Mac’s 20 hit remix. It helped me revive as I praised the Lord, and asked him for help tonight and guidance.

Read the rest of the story here: (http://seek180.homestead.com/Blog-Speaking.html) and listen to the recording!

💥*Link broke* old site. Will find and update as soon as I can. 

I hope this encourages you and helps you to move out of your comfort zone to reach the Lost if you havent yet as a believer, or havent done so in a while. God bless ><>

FIREPROOF (the movie) helps Prepare you to Protect your Marriage

My whole family and I went to see it together. It is great for preparing people for the struggles that can take place in a marriage; especially when a spouse becomes selfish. If you plan to get married one day, are engaged, or have been married for years...go see it. I highly recommend this movie!

I am very thankful that the movie was a positive option for families to enjoy; without the fear of blasphemous language, nudity, and things that are offensive to God and those who follow Christ. Knowing that Kirk Cameron, who met his real wife on the set of Growing Pains, came to Christ, and has a ministry that proclaims the biblical gospel… I decided to see the movie.

Kirk Cameron plays the leading role, where much of the plot was focused, his professional experience and quality acting made “Fireproof’s” overall a quality movie. Once the story line “grabbed” me… I was sucked in and enjoyed the movie and the lesson they were teaching the audience. There were several very good action scenes, and one that really shocked me. The seriousness was also broken up at the right times with some well-placed moments of humor. There were several twists and turns in the movie which made me realize in the end, that there were actually several plots taking place all along in many of the earlier scenes. This aspect makes me want to see it again so I can see those plots in more detail in the early parts of the movie.This movie hit on more serious and theological elements than other Christian movies out there. The most obvious was the scene where the gospel message was presented. Leading up to this scene, credibility was given to the gospel by having true Christian character being witnessed by others. In one previous scene, Kirk says to one firefighter, about the faith of another, “You may not agree with him, but you and I both know he is the ‘real deal’.” A comment that all Christians should hope others would say about them.

In the scene where Kirk hears the gospel - I was most impressed. The gospel was presented to him in the correct biblical way (as someone who has violated the commandments of God and is in need of redemption). In a great play on words, after hearing the gospel, Kirk vents to his dad about his wife and their problems, and the words he uses to describe his wife are the very words God uses to describe a sinner’s attitude toward God. The holiness of God and the desperation of man in need of a Savior were clearly articulated in this scene. It gave me goose-bumps to be honest. I prayed that any man in the audience who was not saved and treated his wife as Kirk’s character did, (or a man who claims to be a Christian and yet treats his wife that way), would fall to his knees before Jesus Christ in prayer repenting of his attitude and behavior towards his wife, get right with God, and without any pre-requirements he may think of for his wife… put those aside and be the husband he was created and called to be in Christ.

Another Biblical aspect of the movie that I really liked was the clear demonstration of how the gospel truly changes someone. Paul says that we are “new creations” when we are “in Christ” (2 Cor. 5:17). Contemporary evangelical Christianity often promotes the idea that Christians should behave like the world in order to be “relevant.” The attitude of “You’re cool, and I’m cool, and I like Jesus, so you probably would like Jesus too, why don’t you try Jesus and see how cool He is,” has become a common false “gospel” of our day. This often leads to professing Christians continuing in sin and being a part of the world, when in reality the Bible teaches us to be holy, forsaking sin, and be among the world but not like those in this evil world.

In “Fireproof” the message is very clear that sinners are expected to act like sinners, but that the gospel changes one’s desires from loving their sin to hating their sin, and from hating righteousness to hungering and thirsting after righteousness. It achieves this. The reality of how hard the Christian life can be comes out and brings more Biblical credibility to the story. The movie demonstrates well that “the way of the transgressor is hard” (Proverbs 13:15) and that “obeying God often prevents sinful consequences”, and it does it without insinuating that becoming a Christian will fix all the problems that person has or will have in life (as the false gospel does).

Biblical messages are highlighted throughout the movie in the wisdom of mature Christians. The Biblical idea that “love” is not a feeling or an emotion, but is a decision, is demonstrated both in the gospel presentation, as what Christ has done for us, as well as in how we should love others. Forgiveness also is demonstrated Biblically, not as simply forgetting what others have done to us, but as a decision to not hold anything against others or use the things from the past to harm the relationship; just as Christ has done for us.

“Fireproof” succeeds in showing that the gospel is powerful in killing sinful desires and wrong motives, and in saving sinners for the glory of God. While the movie adequately moved me unto the end, I felt like I had been in a Biblically-centered two-hour counseling session when I left. That may sound negative to some, but I don’t mean that in a negative way. The messages were very clear and Biblically sound and demonstrated how powerful the true gospel of Christ is in repairing relationships as well as in saving lost souls.

I would highly recommend the movie to anyone, as well as the “Love Dare” bible study materials for church study groups. Besides the new movies “The Gospel of John” and “Time Changer”, Fireproof is now one of my top favorite Christian movies. May the messages in it reach the hearts and minds of spouses in this country, and world, as well as in Christian homes –for the saving of souls and the complete transformation of personalities and mind frames within the family unit.

Seeds and Souls

Tonight started out slow, there were hardly any people around. Doug and his son began playing the guitar and singing hymns along the store front. Some friends would arrive soon and join us. I ran into some members from my old street team who came to visit at our fishing hole. It was nice to see them again. I didn’t get much time to spend with them because I was waiting for my group to arrive, and because I was tracting and starting some conversations. There would be some great one on one’s to happen this evening.

Before they all arrived, I tracted and had a couple conversations. First, I spoke some youth wearing black clothing and metal music slogans on them. One didn’t believe in what I was saying, but because of “IF”, he listened. His girlfriend seemed to be the most open in the group, and another girl who apparently goes to church several times a week was a little flippant about the things I was talking about in a “not interested” way, but still being polite, and so her friends could talk to me if they wanted to. I know it wasn’t the best conversation, but I hope the things I said 1) planted seeds and 2) wasn’t too much information for them to process.

Next I spoke with a huge group of preteen girls in the middle of the plaza. I handed each of them a YourMomentOfTruth gospel tract and started to talk with them about their ultimate moment before God. I didn’t go into it because they were all in conversation when I walked up to them, and they looked like they were about to head off somewhere. So since this tract is very thorough I knew it would do the talking for me. As I got ready to walk away, one of the girls tried to give the tract back to me, and another one said one of their friends (in the group) was a Christian. I said “that’s great, go ahead and read it anyway” in a nice way.

Then I walked over to two 20ish guys on a bench. They were into their ipod music. I handed them one of the tracts each and said I had just given some to the girls over there. I asked them if they had seen the show. We ended up talking about the good person test. One of the guys is sort of a leader among young people in their catholic church. So I was glad to be reaching out to this guy, who could have an important role in the lives of other youth. We went through the Law, they realized they were in trouble with God. We talked about the courtroom, about Heaven and Hell, about the need to Repent and only trust in Jesus. He paid the fine, and only God deserves the credit/glory for our salvation. Nothing we can do to earn it, it’s a gift.

Then I walked around looking for others and couples to talk to, but the place was pretty bare. When I did see some people they were all coming or going somewhere, so I simply handed out tracts. I think I gave out over 75 of them tonight. At one point, I had to take a break for a while and get something to eat as I had hardly ate all day today.

When others from our group arrived, I took them around with me to talk to others. I took Doug’s son with me to get a feel for personal witnessing. He hung back when I talked to people and just listened. I explained before I started how we start in the Natural and swing to the Spiritual, that we talk about the 10C and the gospel. At one point they were so candid with each other, trying to discuss something when I asked them to “think about it before you answer” and they thought and came to the conclusion that if they did not go to confession before they died they would be in trouble for those things they did. I told them that it is more serious then that, because you cant just ask a judge to forgive you and expect that you wont be held accountable for your crimes. The law must punish sin, and nothing anyone does after that crime could ever make up for what they have done. After discussing it they realized it made sense. I did get to talk about the courtroom analogy and one guy said he would be “grateful”, and I explained how that illustration showed what Christ did for us, while we were his enemies. I said in life you may find someone whom you just cant stand, you wouldn’t warn them if a truck was headed their way and the person would collide with the truck and die. But we are greater enemies towards God, always in rebellion to Him and his Law, yet God did something wonderful to us. Instead of giving us what we deserve, he offers something we don’t deserve – through Jesus.

We had a great conversation with them. We didn’t get to the full ending because his parents were calling them into the shop. They were wanting to stay and finish the conversation, but also had to go into the store to close up with their parents. So I just encouraged them to read the information I gave them, because it would tell them what to do. I also told the mother that I was holding them up, because I was, and I didn’t want them in trouble for it. She smiled at them as they walked into the door. I hope they read the tract tonight and don’t let another day pass before they turn to Jesus for salvation.

I went back to our meeting spot in the plaza and another couple from the group, who had not been on the streets in years, came along with me, and some of the others headed home for the evening. We had a time of prayer before I took off with the other couple. I explained to them, as we walked around searching people to talk to, that since they weren’t familiar with the WOTM training, I didn’t want any “well intentioned” but disastrous situations when I was witnessing… so I told them we talk about Sin and explain what it is and how it is about the Law of God, we talk about judgment and Hell and then share the gospel news of Jesus as Savior. They were used to the Evangelism Explosion methods, which are slightly different. But they were “onboard” with what I was going to say. I asked them to just hang back and let me talk, but if there was something I couldn’t answer and they could (should a question come up and I forget the answer), that they could jump in and help. It would be a blessing! We had a nice time together tonight, praise God!

Well, we walked around and finally met an asian couple, probably in their 20’s. We had a great conversation with them. I did most of the talking, they were really receptive, and seemed to understand their need for God. Even though they, also, had a catholic background. I was amazed that I was able to share some additional things with them, as well as about the court room and our need for Jesus to pay our fine. If my recording is decent quality I might upload it so you can hear it. My battery was running low so I know there was a point in the evening when it shut down, but I am sure this one was recorded. Sometimes its not close enough to the interviewees and therefore background noise overwhelms the audio. The couple with me talked a little after I was done and then I again encouraged them to not let the evening pass before they talk to God and get right with him. There was a little more conversation and then we headed out. I had hoped that all the additional information didn’t overwhelm them, I felt like we stayed too long. It seemed like they were ok with it, because when I talked to the girl before we left I basically said “I hope we didn’t take up too much of their time.” She seemed like it wasn’t a problem, and seemed glad we stopped to talk. So praise God for that!

I handed out more tracts as we walked around. We decided to look for one more group to speak to before we ended the night. We would end up leaving a little after 10pm, and I had got there around 7. I didn’t want to keep them if they were ready to head home. So we headed off, but there were not many left in the area. We walked a little further and I noticed someone waiting at the bus stop around the corner. I said, let’s go talk to them. *I didn’t even think their bus would be arriving soon, but I suppose that is because the Lord had this divine appointment set up for it to arrive after our conversation. I cant remember all that happened, but it was a great conversation…

I handed them a million dollar bill. I told them there was a gospel tract on the back of it, and asked if they had a Christian or religious background. One of them said “catholic”. I then asked them if they remember the 10 commandments, and then how many could they name. I mentioned it could be like a trivia thing. They named several. I told them that it is rare that anyone can think of that many and that they did pretty good with it. We had a candid conversation. I talked about the fact that if they were on the metro bus and some drunk driving person in a truckers rig plowed into them, and they later died in the hospital, or if they died normally sometime in life, they would end up standing before God, and asked if they would be innocent or guilty of breaking God’s law. They realized they would be guilty and in trouble. We talked about it for a while and they realized they would go to hell. We talked more, and then I asked them if they have ever repented and trusted in Christ. They said no. I asked them if they planned to, they said “yes” in a sincere tone, so I knew it was genuine because of all that took place and the looks on their faces. They said that “they agree life is short and that a metro bus accident could really happen”. They were really open and seemed humbled before the Lord. I asked them if they would consider getting right with God before the night was over. Encouraging them to “just talk to God” tonight, before they go to bed. Tell him that they had broken God’s laws, and that they want to turn from their sins and turn to trust in Jesus for their salvation. One guy said “I don’t know how to pray”, it was so sweet to see such sincerity and honesty in a vulnerable kind of way. We talked to them and said that prayer is just talking to God. I encouraged them to talk to God from their heart and encouraged them to do it before the night was over. The couple that was with me, asked if we could pray for them.

I did so, and simply asked the Lord to lead the boys to turn from their sins, give them the strength and help to not do those things again, that they want forgiveness and a right relationship with God. I asked that God help live from now on in a way that pleases God and is according to what they learn in the Bible. I said that they want to place their trust in Jesus for their salvation, in the work he did on their behalf. And mentioned that while they will grow in their faith and make mistakes sometimes as they learn how to become more like the person God wants them to be, more like Jesus, that God would be with them and help them. After the prayer, they prayed with the boys too, and afterwards mentioned to them that Satan would come after them because they are aligning themselves with Jesus. I said that is true, Jesus tells us in the Bible that the world hated him because it didn’t understand him and because they do not care if they offend God by sinning, and while their friends and family may be used by satan to try and get them to not trust in Jesus, they can simply stand strong in their faith, and seek strength from God and guidance, and he will be with them.


It seems two souls have been won to the Lord tonight, and while like Philip and the Ethiopian, we don’t do follow up with them, but do provide information for them to begin their relationship with the Lord on a good foot, as they embark on this eternal journey with the Lord. The internet is a great tool for evangelism, most youth have internet at home these days and can learn about “what now” as they start out in their new life at peace with God, and desire to know how to follow him. So we offer information online to help them get started; which also encourage them to get plugged into a church near them. If their parents are in a religion, then they have access to discipleship courses and bible studies online through our sites that will help them grow in their faith, while living under their parents’ roof.

We chatted on the way back to our cars and “rejoiced over the seeds sown and the souls won”. Imagine, what souls could have missed the gospel and better understanding of their need for Jesus had we not come out to reach souls tonight. I thank God that we all came out; tired or energized…we were there, and may the Kingdom grow because of our faithfulness in planting seeds. Glory to God!

Closing notes: It’s important to pray for good conversations when you are getting other believer’s feet wet in evangelism. Tonight, I tried to find young people who seemed nice (and probably open to talk to people they don’t know) so they could experience a good gospel conversation. I am so grateful to the Lord for the conversations tonight. I really was blessed to be part of the Lord’s work in all those young people’s lives.

It is interesting that most of the catholics I spoke to tonight made the distinction that they were catholic not Christian. You will always hear that with catholics outside of America, but in America they usually think they are Christian. The westernized version of it is pretty watered down, but influenced by Christians in some way, but still false religion with many false teachings and works. 


Thank You Lord! There were a few good conversations. And we got tracts into the hands of people who wouldn’t have been touched by God tonight had, we not been there. Please pray for all those who got tracts; that they read them and consider what is in it soberly and sincerely. That those whom we talked to have a better understanding of why they need Jesus… and pray that they will get right with God because of its clarity and their need for Jesus. Pray for the two boys (one was named Kevin and the other was Erling ?) who made professions tonight and desired to be right with God. Pray that their hearts desire was genuine and that they did indeed repent and trust in Christ. Pray for their strength as Satan comes to try and destroy their new faith, and that they will seek strength and assistance from God to get through those situations and be faithful to the Lord.

Entitled: "A Day with Youth", or, "Any good tract will do"

Friday, April 18. 2008

I love daylight saving time. The sun is up longer and I get to go out and talk to people about the Lord, whom wouldn’t be out and about if the sun was already setting. The young people are still out and it seemed I ran into them more than adults, though there were a few there; including an African woman with her children who said she was saved. And some older Jewish or Catholic people on a bench who received tracts from me.

There were people lined up by the hundreds to see a new movie, and I walked down the line handing out two different ones that I had from FellowshipTractLeague. While these fail in comparison to the artwork that pops from the Living Waters tracts, they are still useful in reaching people with the word of God. Whenever people asked me what they were, I would say “They are gospel tracts about Jesus”. Some took them and some did not, (probably thinking it was cult materials), and only a couple of them gave it back. I gave out probably a hundred or so tracts in the line. I would say “Ladies, here’s something to read while you are in line. And I’ll give you [a friend standing with them] a different one.” That seemed to help get them into people’s hands.

I finished with that and then walked down the sidewalk to the furthest light handing out tracts. Again, many people reject them because they think it is material coming from a cult, or religious people. When I got to the light I ran into three 21 year olds, who were gathered around a bench. We had a conversation based on the question on the front of the tract “Are you a good person?” We went through the gospel and spoke about a few good questions. I reiterated that they need to do two things – Repent and Trust in Jesus work on the cross. I said this a few times towards the end and encouraged them to not only think about this and read the tract, but also to do it, since we are not guaranteed another day. These guys are the typical young men in the downward spiraling current generation. Please pray that they will see their sins as God does and that they need to get right with Him - and do it now.

Ran into three small pre teen boys who were on little push scooters, as I stood next to the rose lady. I asked if he had got one of the tracts and he said no. He asked what it was about. I told him and we started a conversation into discussing about the after life. He said he was afraid of Hell and doesn’t want to go there. The one boy was very interested in what I was saying,. I was able to get some important thoughts into the kid to consider in all seriousness. He asked some good questions - bright for such a young kid. His friends were going towards an alley on their scooters (cause they couldn’t afford a rose from the lady selling them) and the other friend lost interest in what I was saying. However about a minute after the other kids had left, this kid was still there, but was starting to look like he should take off and stay with his friends. At one point during the conversation the tract I gave him had fell to the ground. He picked it up quickly and held onto it. After the friends were gone, I wrapped up what I was saying and told him the information in the tract will tell him how to get right with God and how he can get into heaven. And then told him to go catch up to his friends. *I didn’t want him to be in trouble for not sticking with his friends, and didn’t want them to pick on or tease him for talking about religious things. I believe he will read the tract. Please pray for him.


I then saw, near where the line was for the movie, three other guys (they looked very similar to the ones I just spoke to). As I got closer I realized these guys were younger and were not the same people. LOL. So I talked to them as I offered them tracts. One of the guys said He KNOWS he is a good person. That was a great entrance (to the gospel) if I ever saw one! We had a good conversation about the fact that we are not good, and that we need Jesus. He had a few questions but because the Law always does its work, there were no objections to what was being said. However, he thought he was a good person and I took him down the road to show him again that he wasn’t. When we ended the conversation I told him to not only consider these things and repent and trust in Christ, but also encouraged him to see that he isn’t good and that is why he needs Jesus. I questioned him and said “You are what?” and he seemed perplexed for a minute and then I said (to put it in his head as reality) “Your not a good person, you’re a bad person just like the rest of us.” And he had the look of ‘oh yeah, that’s true’ on his face as we parted. Please pray for him too.

I talked to a group of kids who were coming from around an alley way (in a different area than the last kids I spoke to) that leads through the open mall area. I took a leap of faith and handed one a gospel tract. The others were not really interested at the time. He stopped to ask me about it, and the other kids stopped and stayed to listen. While I did not think they would be open to talk to me, they were. This was probably one of my best conversations with young people about spiritual things. We talked about things from Creation and creator, Heaven and Hell, what Hell is really like, The universe and any possibility of life on other planets, aliens and the scene from the movie The Last Mimzy where the people unzipped themselves from alien looking outfits designed to help them breath and live on a toxic planet, how the scientists are traveling the universe. How there are 3 heavens and how interesting it would be if the reached that third one in the outerspace area and “boing” hit the wall where God is behind. A discussion about were Homosexuals that way by choice, what about scientology (the religion of those who live lives of make believe in Hollywood). We also talked about how we cant earn our way to heaven by works or making up for bad things, talks of history and archeology matching what Scripture already said, Nostradamus & false prophets, scripture and fulfilled prophecy, God’s word preserved through the ages as History, The number of manuscripts (42,000 and pieces) compared to the next best preserved piece of literature in antiquity (ancient history) which is the Illiad with a mere 600 copies. As well as a lot of other things. *Not all of this in the exact order as mentioned, but each question seemed to lead them to the next questions until they seemed to have all their questions answered.

The older boy didn’t seem too interested at first and kind of silently flippant about the conversation, but they were all pulled into the conversation (by themselves) a couple of times, and each of them had some questions that left them with thought provoking answers from God’s perspective scripturally. They asked about whether I believe Jesus is really coming back some day. I started to explain about how it will happen and how it could be any time. Some believers think in the next 50-80 years. One of them did not really know anything about the rapture and I said “really? Are you pulling my leg or do you really not know?” he said he honestly didn’t know. “I said ok, well I don’t want to explain something in a dumbed down way as if you don’t know something. So that is why I asked.” And he appreciated that I said that and felt that way. I probably gained some respect from him at that moment, but believe I had it before then anyway. It just solidified his feelings towards me at that moment.

We talked about one of the most misunderstood truth’s about judgment day – that not all people will stand before God. “Christians will not be judged, because our sins were already judged and dealt with when Jesus die don the Cross. Only those who die without Jesus (repenting and placing their faith in Jesus alone) will be the ones who stand before God on Judgment Day. So if you end up there, you know where you are “going” after you stand before Him”. They also got to hear the Law and Grace and saw their need for Christ. I encouraged them that if they all made that decision to get right with God they could all read the Bible together and help each other be the people God wants them to be. And its not like they will be religious crazy people if they become Christians, they will simply be people who don’t need to cuss, or commit the sins God says is wrong. They can live right by God because He will empower them to do what is right, by the Holy Spirit. I told them the importance of getting right today, before they go to bed, and that just as kids get killed in school shootings, by drunk drivers, or any other tragic and unexpected way, so too could each of them, as we are not guaranteed a long life on earth. So we ended the conversation and we all shook hands. One of the guys said that he “learned more today than he has in a whole year of high school.” Hopefully they all took the conversation to heart, and get right with God. I noticed that even the one older kid who didn’t really believe in God, seemed to see at the end of the conversation that God is real and he is the one in Scripture, based on the evidence in truth that I shared. And I know the gospel which has the power in itself to convict people and convert them to faith in Christ will keep this conversation in them (even as a seed) that is able to produce salvation if they repent and trust in Christ. Please pray that they do, and will grow in solid biblical faith and holiness.


I then went back through the main area and started handing out tracts. Some older high school girls were coming towards me in goth / rock and roll style clothes, and a guy friend (much older than they) was with them. He had tattoos everywhere visible. While the girls took the tract, the guy gave it back, and said he cant take it because of his belief’s. I started to inquire about that, and then he saw some security police coming towards him as he was showing me his neck and ear area (that had a tattoo what looked like a version of God or Jesus) as he proclaimed “but I do believe in God”. I was about to move into the conversation on that segue when the guards came up to him to escort him about 3 more feet away, off the property. I did not realize I was holding him up from leaving. Oops! It was by their direction he was to leave. Apparently they were going to have him arrested for smoking marijuana and causing problems down near the theater. The dark clothed girls were there slightly stunned standing in place. I asked what happened and they told me. I said in a concerned and honest way (as I gave them another tract) “well if he goes to jail he will certainly want to have this. Please give it to him.” And they emphatically said they would. I am sure they were concerned about him, but so goes our current generation of young people. No guidance, discipline, and good teachings in school or at home and laxed or changed laws lead them to be the worst rebellious generation in our nations history.

I walked away towards a small pack of friends gathered and talking, between the area I was tracting earlier and an ice cream shop. A 12 year old girl was hanging out with these who were a little older than she was. At first I thought she was a boy because of her haircut and undeveloped body. I approached the group and offered them tracts, and told them what it was about. I asked if any of them thought they were good. She did. And so began our conversation.

This young girl listened intently as I shared spiritual things with her, discussing the Law and how God sees her. I did not have any objections but she sure was taking it all in. She of all her friends, in particular, seemed quite moved by the message, and stood there firmly taking in what I was saying. And when the friends were walking away about, 4 minutes later, to go associate with some other friends (to my surprise, it happened to be the older gothic girls who were with the older boy who got into trouble a while back). She stood there wanting to continue hearing how she is not good according to the Law and that she would stand before God. She looked back to see how far her friends were from her, as they started calling her. I told her "go catch up with your friends, but read that tract to learn what else I wanted to tell you." Please pray for her as well as everyone else I spoke to, (and tracted!), tonight.

And remember, even if you don’t have the best looking gospel tracts, they can spark great conversations – just look at the ones I had tonight for proof of that. The Spirit will work with the Word of Truth to convict and convert. And the tracts can stay with them longer than we can. They serve as reminders, as do our conversations and those seeds can sprout into salvation of souls.

Have you shared a gospel tract with someone today?

*If you do not have some, you can get free ones at www.FellowshipTractLeague.org or low cost ones of YourMomentofTruth (these are popular and great tracts that will not only spark great conversations in a one on one situation, but they offer a solid and complete gospel message even if they are left holding a cash tip for a waitress, or simply handed out). Or nicely designed ones at LivingWaters

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Strange Encounter

I got hit up at a store in Down Town LA a few months ago to sign a Marriage Protection Amendment petition. How did I end up there you ask? Yes, yes, for those who know me...of course it was when I got lost and needed directions to the freeway (hehehe). The guy outside the store asked me to sign it. Well shortly after that saw another guy doing that in the area I freqent for the gospel. But since I already signed... I didnt sign twice. It wouldnt count.

However, it happened to be the night I was with an evangelism buddy and it was our "evangelism night" (Friday evenings). We talked to the guy and found out he isnt religious but he is doing the petition along with other ones that also lean towards Faith/Values voter concerns.

They guy thought he knew my evangelism buddy and he kept guessing where he might know him from. Finally we both kind of chuckled at the guy because we know he had to have seen us both here in this very location before. That is where he saw us. We hand out tracts and talk to people, lol. So, we started talking to him. During the conversation something sounded "off" about what he believed about life and creation, (we found out he had a very wacky view of life and stuff we have never encountered this kind before). I am still seeking refuting information to help me in the future should I run into someone who thinks like this guy. If you have run into some wacky stuff before just let me know and I'll see if you can assist me with this "special" case.

We did find out that he had some weird view outside of the goofyness that was about God being everything and in everything. We tried all kinds of things in the discussion to reach the guy. We just hope that the information we gave him will melt his hardened heart a little bit and perhaps the Lord's word will become truth to him one day while he is still alive.

Well,after that last conversation of the night, I was able to connect with a group in Australia via the internet. They had ran into people with this one particular thing in common. They told me what this is about and how to refute it, and get them to put up a white flag and listen to the Law and their need for the Gospel and Christ Himself. The message is important, but the Spirit is the one who works in the heart of men to convict and convert them. So, I just pray that our conversation with this older gentleman will stick in his mind and be a seed that will assist others in reaching him with the gospel and his need of Christ.
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Witnessing Encounter

I met with a buddy today to share the gospel in town. When he got there we prayed and took off. Our time was limited because we both had to get home.

After chatting for a few minutes and then beginning in prayer, we spotted some fish nearby. I had a great conversation with two younger girls; 14 and 16. They were sitting down and so when I approached them and handed them a MDB I asked if they have a Christian background. They said “no, a catholic background”; (I am surprised they knew there is a difference). I asked if they were familiar with the 10 commandments. They said yes. I asked if they could name any of them. They named about 4. I asked if they thought they were good people. They said yes. I asked if they have ever told a lie (yes), stolen (yes – after realizing cheating on a test was stealing), blasphemed (yes); I told them the seriousness of that and what God says in that commandment about it.

I also asked if they thought sexually about another person (knowing they are in the crazy modern world i said "with a boy or a girl"), and then they learned that lust is part of the adultery commandment. I also told them what the original word “Pornania” means (all kinds of sexual perversion: sexual thoughts, magazines, pictures, sex before marriage, homosexuality, affair after marriage, etc) . They learned what Jesus said about it too. They asked about homosexuality and why it was wrong. I told them it was wrong because God said so. God created us to be united as a man and a woman only. But because of our sinful natures we want to do what is against God or in rebellion to him and what is right. We want to do those things and gravitate towards them.

I then asked if they have ever hated someone. They said no, been upset but not hate. I asked even when they were younger and had a fit cause they didn’t get their way, or yelled at their parents that they hated them or any other kind of situation in life, but they couldn’t recall it. So I told them I would give them the benefit of the doubt on that one, but that they might be guilty of that. I told them that these were only some of the commandments. I asked if they thought they were good people. They said yes. Then one of the girl’s phones ran. I waited for her conversation to be over. It only took a minute. Apparently their parents would be there in a minute to get them. So I tried to fast forward the conversation as best I could.

We got back to the question. They said they were good. I said that they admitted to doing those things, and when they die and stand before God they will be guilty, (their parents were walking towards us at this time), I said (as they stood up, I kindly yet firmly said) “these are serious crimes, and I don’t want you to go to hell because of them. God did something for you so you don’t have to go…. Read the back of that (tract) and you can find out what that is” and I thanked them for their time. And they ran off. My teammate gave them a “are you a good person” in Spanish mini tract too as they were leaving.

We prayed for them and thanked the Lord for the opportunity to reach out to them.

"A Jewish lady who might be searching for the truth."

Valentines Evangelism 2008

What a valentines gift to God! I had the privilege of talking to a nice lady on the phone today about the gospel and her need for Jesus. I have been confined to my house and not far from a bed or chair for a week because my back is messed up. A nerve in my lower back got pinched and I landed on the floor last week. It has been sore and painful ever since. Today it is stiff. Anyway, I am praising God an rejoicing in a conversation I had on the phone just now.



I just spent 30 minutes on the phone with a girl who called to reach someone from our old church plant. And I am not exactly sure how or why she called our number because of the fact that after talking to her I found out she was Jewish and while not exactly interested in Jews for Jesus she was open enough for me to talk to her about the gospel message via the good person test. I was SHAKING physically the whole time I was on the phone with her, and maybe even my voice too.


"A Jewish lady who might be searching for the truth."


When she called I told her she had the wrong number, but then I remembered that my phone was listed online as the contact number to our old church. So I asked if she was trying to locate a bible study nearby between such and such towns. And she said well more towards Woodland Hills. I told her I new a lady who is a friend of mine who leads the worship music at a church in that area and gave her my friends home number. She then asked me, seeing as how I was personable on the phone, if I new of any Jewish Christians. I told her that I did and I know of a Christian who talks to Jewish people all the time and I know of an Israelite who became a Christian. She seemed confused about that and I told her that a lot of Israelites are Jews, but this one became a Christian. She asked if his wife was Jewish. I said no she is Christian too, not of Israeli descent. I told her I didn't have their phone number, but their brother in law's and if she could hang on while I got into my computer contacts I could give the email info to her. I couldn't get in so I asked her to call me back in a few minutes. So she did! I thought that incase she isn't saved and she is Jewish I would probe a little and then ask her if I can tell her what Christians believe and why people need Jesus. Well after I gave her the info and then realized she was Jewish I asked if I could tell her about that and she said sure.


I told her it would just take a couple minutes unless she had questions then its up to her how long we talk. She said ok. So I went through the good person test with her and told her that we usually look at man's standard for goodness but we need to look at the 10 commandments – God's Law. So we went through it… she didn't think that someone who said a lie in the past was a liar unless they continually lie. I told her that someone who murders another person is still a murderer and the law will catch them and they will still go to court to be punished for it. Then she said "well that is because there can be no reconciliation between them" and I agree with that but I told her that Jesus said if we hate some one we are guilty of murder in our heart. I asked her if she has stolen anything and then moved on to lust. She said she has lusted after someone at sometime as we all have, and I told her that Jesus said if we do that we have committed adultery in our heart. I said looking at pornography was the same thing – its filth and sex of the mind. She kind of understood what I was saying but because one didn't do the "act" itself she didn't think it was adultery. I asked her about Blasphemy if she has ever used God or Jesus name irreverently and she said she had in the past. I told her that is serious because you know the Law and told her what God says about blasphemers. So I told her how God sees her (I never got her name), and I told her that when she dies and stands before God he will judge her according to the Law. I asked about her guilt she said she wouldn't be. And I said we just looked at the Law and you are guilty of those things. I told her that God knows all about us our thoughts and even things we do in secret. It will all be laid out before Him and it will be a guilty verdict. I said if God is a good and Just Judge would he send you to heaven or to hell. She said she didn't know for sure. I said If you were in court for a serious crime and the evidence was there… wouldn't the judge sentence you to jail? She said yes. I said so too will God have to send sinners to hell for their crimes against Him.


So at this point she ran me down some bunny trails but I kept a mental marker of where we were so that I could get back to explaining why people need Jesus, including her. The things she talked about and asked seemed like someone who is trying to put pieces together but not really believing some of what I was saying.


During that part of the conversation we discussed things like:


She did not think Jesus was God but he was a man. I explained how he was of the God head (explained the trinity to her) and how the Word came to earth to represent God in the flesh by taking on human flesh. God wrapped himself in human flesh so that he was 100% human and 100% God. Its like us putting on a backpack and it adds to us. I explained that Jesus had to take on the flesh of man, because Adam sinned and therefore a perfect man must come and take the place of the sinful man – and Jesus did this on the cross. I explained that there must be the shedding of blood for the forgiveness of sins and that we are told this in the days of Moses and the Temple. But she asked me about David sinning and those in the time of Job where there was no shedding of blood. I took her to the Garden and explained how they did know of the animal sacrifice necessary for their sins because of the clothing God gave Adam and Eve, and Abel's sacrifice too. However she did not believe that and said that while the New Testament does say that the shedding of blood is required for the forgiveness of sins. I explained how all the blood shedding in the temple and sprinklings were all shadows and symbolic of the perfect One who was coming – the Messiah who would save us from our sins. And that is Jesus Christ.



As we talked said told me that she doesn't believe that God will judge people by His Law, and that she doesn't believe she needs to be saved from coming wrath because she doesn't believe there is any. I tried to explain that a person guilty of a crime would be punished by the judge and sentenced, and so would God for those who violate His Law. It's of high value to God and it reveals his Character and who He is. We fall short of that standard and that is why we need Jesus to forgive us of our sins and save us. I explained that Jesus went into God's courtroom and paid our fine. It's our decision to take that fine out of gratitude and because the fine would be paid, justice would be served and we can leave free. It doesn't mean we aren't guilty. She said so do you believe in human sacrifice then? I said no not in the sense you might be thinking. See Adam sinned and he was no longer perfect. He couldn't pay for his sins, Only a perfect substitute (like a kinsman redeemer) could pay her fine. The shedding of blood was only until that last Passover when all the lambs were being slain and God took his perfect lamb Jesus Christ and put him on the cross alter for mankinds sin. So a perfect substitute and its blood shed could pay for our sins, and that is what Jesus did. She asked about those who don't know Jesus and I told her that if they are not saved they will not go to heaven. If they haven't repented of their sins, turned from them unto obeying God, and asked forgiveness for all their sins, and also put their trust in Jesus Christ who was the fine payer they would be in trouble on the day of God's Wrath on Judgment day after the resurrection (Jews know about this resurrection teaching from OT times even Mary and Martha knew). I told her that no one wants to be judged by God and go to hell, but if people aren't saved they will go there. And I told her that this is the reason we warn others about it and tell them about Jesus so they don't go there.



She asked me about Christians and Nazi's and those who don't know Jesus. And she asked me about what I do as a Christian living my life. I explained about Jesus being my Master and that I cant belong to him (ie being his slave) unless I belong to him. He bought me with his blood on the cross. I cant do anything for him if I don't belong to him. When I get saved I belong to him, therefore I love him and I serve him. She asked if I have to do good deeds and tell others about Jesus, and she wanted to know how I do it. I told her that Nazi's were not Christians.
I told her the catholic religious people were involved and others too. She said no Christians were too. And I said, let me clarify something here so that you know what I am saying….There may be people who call themselves Christians but they aren't. They are false converts or fakers. For whatever reason they have they like the thought of heaven and going there so they believe in Jesus but are not saved (I defined that word again with her). I told her no true Christian would be involved in something like the holocaust. I told her many are deceived and think they can go to church or be good people or do good things and they will end up in heaven, but that is not the truth. She asked if I was a missionary. I told her no just a Christian. She seemed confused. I told her that I do the things that I do because I love God and out of gratitude. I don't do them for my salvation. I live my life growing in my faith by reading and applying God's word the Bible to my life, and I tell others about Jesus. I told her that I am not good and I don't do good things, but because I am a new creation in Christ, God is able to do good things through me. She didn't really understand that so I explained it more. And then I told her that you can spot the false converts by their fruit by their life and how they live. Eventually you will see that they are not growing in the faith and are just claiming to be a Christian. We talked about this for a few minutes and then I closed the conversation. She still thought something about works but I told her that if I have faith you will see my works and my growth in the faith will be evident because it will radiate from me. I will share the gospel with others and become more godly. But I told her that we wont know about many of the false converts until the day of Judgment when they stand before God. I told her that Christians wont stand before God on Judgment day for judgment. Because Jesus work on the cross and his blood have already paid for our sins. Only those who aren't right with God; those who didn't obeying the gospel command while they were on earth will be the ones judged. Scripture tells us that after we die there is only Judgment awaiting.



She told me that she didn't believe several things I was saying including about the blood and coming wrath and she claimed it wasn't biblical. I challenged her that it certainly was Biblical and God wrote it so it is true. And that my salvation experience is proof of it, I am a new creation and I serve my Savior. And I then told her that now she knows what we believe. I also told her that she also has the contacts she requested and can get in touch with them to find a Christian church or a Jewish temple or whatever she is looking to find and I wished her well.


It was a nice conversation and I hope she is blessed by it.


I then called the brother of the Jewish guy and left him a message about it... because I gave her his number incase she couldn't get a hold of his brother in law. And I wanted him to know what we discussed so they have an idea of what to say to her if she does call to talk more about it.


I didn't want to mess anything up and was subconsciously praying for God's help. I was shaking like a leaf the whole time and even for a time after I got off the phone with her. I wanted to share what we believe in love and be helpful and kind to her on the phone, and hoped that she would have some truth of scripture planted in her for whatever God had in store for her next or later in life that would make everything click into place and whala… salvation.


I thank the Lord for sending that young lady to me today via phone, and hope that some of the things that I said will stick with her and bud forth one day after more studies and understanding of scripture so that she can turn to Jesus and be saved.

*I am not perfect at conversations about extra things like those I had with her, but I do my best to answer the questions and the reason we are to be in the Word regularly so that we can go to verses and discuss subjects well with those seeking answers.

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UPDATE:
I have been thinking about what that lady said about blood in the OT and I ran across this information today that reaffirmed what I was saying was true. She must not have been taught the full verse or the full context of the chapter in the OT that deals with "Atonement for Sin" Here is what Leviticus says:

Leviticus 17:11 says, "For THE LIFE OF THE FLESH IS IN THE BLOOD: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for IT IS THE BLOOD THAT MAKETH AN ATONEMENT FOR THE SOUL."

GOD prescribed that the blood of an animal belonged to Him and was to be used to make atonement for sin. Sin damages the human soul by separating us from GOD. Because GOD is holy, He cannot tolerate the presence of sin. GOD established a substitutionary system in which the blood of an innocent, sacrificed animal reconciles us with Him. And it was all "temporary" until it would be fulfilled and done with by the one who would take away the sin of the world. It was all based on forward looking to the Messiah who would be the perfect and final substitute for the sin of the world and the sins of those who get saved.

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I just pray that the lady I spoke to will wonder about this and go back and read Lev 17 to see what scripture really does say about the blood. Its not just about not drinking or eating blood as she said it was. I knew it wasnt, but I just hope that she is curious enough to go and read it... so that all we spoke about will make sense to her in a miraculous way and she will come to Jesus for forgiveness and accept his blood shed on her behalf... and that she gets saved.

Creep and Cash

February 9, 2008
On my way home from a trip tonight I stopped by the local fast food place for a small dinner. As I was waiting in line an older man was placing his order. He was talking to the cashier and then after placing his order he moved away…but not too far away, in which I hesitated to step forward and begin my order. The cashier motioned towards me and then I started to give my order, as I did that the older man sort of tried to continue talking to the cashier and it was awkward. I gave him some slack because I figured he must want to confirm something about his order. But after realizing that wasn’t what was going on…there was something “wrong” with the guy, I didn’t know what it was and wasn’t wanting to be a part of it. Well, I moved forward more and the man was to my left and didn’t want to walk away. I gave my order and then stepped back to await my number. No sooner did I find a place to stand did the older man come over my direction.  He stunk of alcohol and was trying to talk to me. I thought that a million dollar bill would get him away from me and he would read it and be distracted. Well he took the tract, looked at it and I said something like it was neat and had some words on the back.

Well about that time I realized he only spoke Spanish and just a little English, and I was concerned he might think it was real money so I told him firmly “Es falso dinero, ok?” and he understood that. Then the next thing I knew he was asking me “if I wanted to go to his car”. I was very offended by that, as any decent woman would be, but also knew that most men in this world are lust filled dirt-bags and they cant help it. Like Ray says “they are like moths to the flame.” Every unsaved sinner will keep coming back to the darling sins that they love most. So I firmly told him “no”, and showed him my wedding ring and told him I was married. They workers there were watching this guy, and very shortly after that they called him for his food, and then he started to walk away but lingered for a minute. I thought “oh great, now I have to watch my back on the way to the car, this guy is going to try and follow me.” 

Right after that my order was up. I got to the counter and told the guys there “I thought I could get rid of him by giving him one of these to distract him, but didn’t seem to work on that guy.” And I then offered one to them and they took one. As I was rolling the bag down to carry as to go they both said (in stereo, LOL) “Can I have another one?” They really liked them. And wanted to give one to their friends in the back cooking area. I said “Sure” and as I pulled out the rest of my small wad and handed them to the guys, I told them that they also make good bookmarks. Not that they might be avid readers or anything, but it’s a nice tip (ha-ha, pun intended).

I ate some food inside to make sure the guy left. Well he didn’t leave yet and tried to talk to me on the way to my car. I ignored him but kept an eye out for how fast he was coming towards me and what direction he was walking. He was in his vehicle but started to get out of it to try and get me to his vehicle. I got in my car and drove away a different direction from my house (towards police station?) to ensure he wasn’t following me, and that I would “lose him” before proceeding home. My hubby wasn’t home yet and I didn’t want any problems when I parked.

A day in the life of a female in a fallen world 😔.

Well, I was able to hand out tracts to everyone behind the counter at that place. That is great because most of the time only a cashier and a couple people near the door get tracts. This time the whole staff got one. And the manager was one of the two guys asking for more.

Praise God for this opportunity to get the gospel into their hearts. I also hope the older man read the tract after he was sobered up, and hope that they all get saved.

Side note: This situation is another reason why I don’t believe women should be out at dark-thirty without another person accompanying them whether it is for evangelism or not. We should be in pairs for evangelism for our teammates safety, and while I know this seems hard for a lot of guys to grasp and consistently ensure… its most necessary for a woman’s safety. It’s a main reason I wont go witnessing without a partner. It’s an evil and wicked world out there and there is no sense in putting yourself in harms way. The buddy system was established in the Bible for a reason.