Battle Log

Although there was morning fog, there was no rain so the regular Gospel + abortion outreach was able to go ahead today.  A team of six.

As always, our stand for life outside the hospital, where abortions in Christchurch are performed, is polorising.  We had some support: cars tooting and those in them waving; some people smiling or giving a thumbs up as they walked past.  We also have opposition: people winding down their car windows to yell at us; some walking past who shake their heads in disgust; we even had a cyclist voice his opinion - yelling directly in Andy’s ear as he sped past.

As per the photo’s, we had opportunities for interaction: talking to people about the sin of murder, abortion, and the hope of forgiveness found only in Jesus.

Sadly, near the end of the outreach, a young lady walked past who said “You guys are trash”.  I looked straight at her, and words of response passed through my mind - but I decided not to let them pass out my mouth.  She must have been irritated that we didn’t respond, so she threw her nearly empty can of drink at us.  It went just past my head, and I got sprayed with some of the liquid.  She kept walking, but I noticed that she had her phone up and was obviously recording the incident (no idea why).

I went and got the can, and put it in the trash (pictured).  It’s not good for the environment to litter after all.

Nothing brings out the depravity of man, like the issue of abortion.  Oh how desperately the hope found in the Gospel is needed!

After the Gospel + abortion outreach, we moved into the city to start our afternoon outreach - which began with open air preaching in Cathedral Square.  Andy preached first, and immediately one of our regular hecklers turned up in opposition, who tried to drown out what Andy was saying pretty much the whole time.  Thankfully Ari, one of the city wizards, turned up and took the attention of the heckler away so Andy could preach in peace.  The preaching did attract some attention from passers by, and tracts were distributed.  I had a wonderful follow up conversation with a young man who had sat down to listen.

A team of four then gathered in Cashel Mall for an afternoon of flip chart outreach.

One conversation deeply impacted me.

Two young ladies were attracted by the flip chart and walked up to it wanting to give it a try.  I ended up starting the conversation by establishing the basis for truth, which led to some deep discussion.  One of the girls was more quiet than the other, but suddenly she wanted to ask a question.  It was related to an essay she was writing, and the question was about God and suffering.  So we discussed this, and I also gave her a leaflet: Why Does God Allow Suffering?

I was able to bring the conversation to the law, and talk about the serious nature of sin.  I was then able to share about the amazing grace of Jesus paying the fine for sin, so God’s justice could be served, and yet he could offer us mercy.  I explained that we are justified by faith alone, and not by works.  Salvation is a gift!  At this point, the quieter girl’s face was beaming.  They seemed to be understanding the gospel, and they were maybe picking up on some of my passion.

But this caused me to think about the cost of following Jesus (a paradox).  And so I explained that the other side of the coin of faith is repentance: a change of mind, will and emotions, away from sin and to God that will lead to good works.  If we place our faith in Christ, we will also repent - we will have a heart change, and we will no longer want to live our lives our way, but God’s way.  We won’t become perfect, but our desires will change that lead to a change of actions.

I highlighted this, but talking about abortion - that we will come to understand that life is precious from the pre-born to the elderly.  And instantly, the demeanor of these girls changed.  They were not willing to give up their pro choice position on this, and started to argue with me.  I then decided to double highlight my point by turning to the subject of homosexuality.  I explained that I don’t hate homosexuals, I actually genuinely love them, but that God’s position was that it was sinful.  We would need to change our minds on this issue.  Well, it turned out these two girls were gay (I had no idea).

The cost of the gift of Jesus was great indeed.  They understood the logic, they saw Christ’s love, through me.  But they rejected Him, and walked away.  I called out to them, and asked if they would accept one more thing from me.  They stopped and turned, and I was able to give them “After Life” tracts each.

We parted on good terms, but I felt devastated.  As I write this, I feel devastated.  I know salvation is of the Lord.  I know the Gospel is the power of God to salvation.  I know I need to leave results in God’s hands.  But oh, God, please, please: have mercy.  This is my heart cry.  Reader, Is it not your cry too?  I look at my life, at my sin.  I know what I deserve.  God’s justice in hell for eternity.  And I’m not getting what I deserve because of Jesus’ sacrifice for me.  We must go and share of this hope.  We must pray - for in the futility of prayer God moves.  The Bible tells us so.  Oh God, please receive glory in saving sinners by Your great sacrifice on the cross, rather than through giving people the justice they deserve in hell.  But not my will, but your will be done.  God, please change the hearts of these two girls - for your glory.

This report is way longer than it should be, and I need to get back on the streets.  But Andy and I also headed out to the Eastgate and Northlands bus stops on Thursday afternoon.  Many Gospel conversations were had, as always.  We leave all results in God’s hands.  All glory to Him.
 

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