Battle Log

Tuesday, 16 October, 2018

Posted 16 October 2018, 9:03 AM by Matthew Andersen. Permalink

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!