Battle Log

Tuesday, 15 January, 2019

Posted 15 January 2019, 3:07 PM by Glen Richards. Permalink

Day 7 of 10 of the Christchurch (NZ) summer mission.

No rain today, but it was overcast, so we decided to go to Cathedral Square (instead of heading to the beach).  Before heading out, we prayed together as a team and read some Proverbs.  15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  And 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.  Little did we know that those verses would need to be applied today - but God did.

On our way to the Square, we ended up having some great walk up conversations with workers on breaks.  But once we made it to the Square, it was a bit slow - esp. at our usual spot at the southern Colombo St entrance.

Some of the team decided to move into Speaker's Corner, in front of the Cathedral.  And this became a very fruitful spot for gospel conversations.

But sadly, to our shock and surprise, we had one of the local coffee stall owners abruptly pull down one of our flip charts (see photo) and try to put a stop to what we were doing!  We refused to be intimidated, and so continued to use our flip charts to have gospel conversations with those that were interested - even with the stall owner continually coming back and trying to stop us.  Those verses from the book of Proverbs were put to good use.

It's nothing like the book of Acts, but praise God we were counted worthy to face opposition, may it cause the gospel to prosper!

And today the gospel certainly prospered!  The team headed home, clicking our heels, due to all the wonderful conversations that were had.  A lot more gospel booklets (something we only give out to people that respond positively to the message shared) were given out today than usual.

Because of what happened today, it also provided opportunity to get to know some of the other stall owners that witnessed what happened and gave us the opportunity to start building good relationships with them.  God uses all things for the good of those that love Him.

Tonight we will be having our weekly team prayer meeting - we have much to pray about after today.  Please be praying for the team as we head into the last few days of our summer mission.  May the lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering!