Battle Log

Thursday was even more encouraging than Wednesday.

Both Andy & I were out, and we had a wonderful time of ministry in Cathedral Square.  In fact, things were going so well, we didn’t even leave to go to the Eastgate bus stops.

I always carry a Bible to give away, and Gospel booklets - but I rarely give them away now - relying more on the wonderful Operation 513 tracts (you can now buy these in NZ via the new web store).  Well today, in just my second conversation, I had a wonderful follow up opportunity with a young lady who declared she wanted to trust in Christ!

I didn’t know what to do.  I never get into this situation!  But what a wonderful situation to be in.  So I took her through the law and Gospel again, to make sure she understood it, to make sure her motivations were right, and that she had counted the cost.  She took a Bible and a Gospel booklet, and a contact card for my local church.  Her salvation is in God’s hands.  If she is trusting Christ, I hope to see her again soon.

As I was recovering from that conversation, a young man approached - he seemed familiar and it turns out we had talked to him on Sumner beach during our summer mission, and also at the Sparks in the Park outreach.  It was great to see him again, and to see that he had really been wrestling with the Gospel.  He too took a contact card for my church, and also a Gospel booklet.

Straight after that, a man who gets very angry at us every time he sees us came past.  He started spewing his usual hatred, but I had an unusual calmness (I guess I’m just getting used to it) and love for this guy.  I took the effort to simply listen to him, and acknowledge what he said.  At one point I had to qualify that when I said “ok” it didn’t mean I agreed, just that I was acknowledging that I was listening.  I was so encouraged to see him soften ever so slightly.  And I started to get an appreciation for what motivated his hatred.  He didn’t stay too long.  But I’m hoping the next time he will stay longer, and that we would eventually be able to start dialoguing.

I was on a roll, and feeling bold.  I saw a young man sitting in the corner of The Square reading.  So I decided to approach and offer a tract.  Well, that young man was very keen to discuss the Gospel.  He followed, and even anticipated, the logic of the existence of God, conscience, justice, the law, the heart of the law, and the Gospel.  And then he said, “I want to start reading the Bible”.  I rarely give away a Bible, but today I had two opportunities to do so!  Andy came to my rescue, and was able to give the young man the one he carries to give away.  He also took a Gospel booklet.

It was at this point that Andy & I decided to open air preach.

By this stage, it was starting to get dark, and the outreach would soon be drawing to a close.  But Gospel opportunities kept presenting themselves.  I was bounding with energy and feeling unstoppable.

About six high school students walked into The Square, and I asked them: “May I ask you a question, it’s a deep question… will you go to heaven when you die?”.  They were keen to discuss.  And it turned into quite a captivating conversation.  I was sharing the Gospel, and they were quietly soaking it in.  I’d finish, and they were just staring at me, and so I would go through it again, in a slightly different way, and then again.  At this point I said.  Guys, I’m not going to stop until you leave.  So I just kept sharing the law and the Gospel, and calling them to trust in Christ.  Eventually, one of them broke the spell and said, “is this the point where we leave?”.  I smiled, shook their hands and gave them all tracts.  They all seemed appreciative.  Oh Lord, bring Yourself glory in saving their souls!

Friday saw a damp day -- it wasn’t raining, but there was a fine mist about.  A team of three faithfully stood outside the hospital making a stand for those that can’t save themselves: the unborn.  Andy had at least one solid Gospel conversation (the guy took a booklet).

We also had a situation where a young couple walked past, and we noticed them looking back.  The look on her face spoke volumes.  Andy tried to initiate a conversation, but they weren’t interested, and walked away.  I was holding the sign that starts with “There is hope”.  And I want them to know it.

After preaching in Cathedral Square, Andy and I decided to move outside the Ara campus on the south east corner of the central city.  The boldness from the day before was still with me, and I was handing out tracts to everyone that passed as we went.  And many people took those tracts.  Four ladies who were leaving a building took one, and it was wonderful hearing them start to discuss the tract as we moved on.

As soon as we got to Ara, I boldly started approaching people, and I couldn’t believe how receptive these young people were.  In about an hour and half, I reckon I had about 8 sets of Gospel conversations.  Andy had one long conversation - and the young man expressed a desire to visit our church.

Oh, may what’s happening continue to happen!  Thank you for praying.  Please keep praying!  And join us.  While we share with people, so many more walk past that we can’t talk to.  And we want to reach as many people as we can with the precious Gospel message - don’t we?

Till the nets are full! :)

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