Battle Log

Sunday, 23 February, 2020

Posted 24 February 2020, 8:40 AM by Glen Richards. Permalink

Sunday’s outreach to Cashel Mall was also the second “Outreach Sunday” for Redemption Church.  Over half of the church membership made it to this outreach - including all the Elders and Deacons.  It was so wonderful approaching people who had already been approached!  Because of this, the gospel was being shared with many.  What joy to the heart of an evangelist!

Some were boldly sharing for the first time.  Others were gaining confidence, bubbling about the opportunities they had, and wanting to know when the next outreach would be.

The two hours went really fast for me.  There were periods where I wasn’t in a gospel conversation - because there were so many evangelists out!  But that time was used in encouraging those around me.

Andy excitedly told me about the conversation he had with two ladies.  “It was better than any of the conversations in Myanmar” - and that is saying a lot!

I had two stand out conversations.  The first was with a young Christian who said he had to be a good person to go to heaven.  So I asked if he would like to try the good person test - he was keen.

Eventually he came to realise that his good works would not save him, so I challenged him on what God had done so we could be saved.  He then realised the answer was not good works, but Jesus.

In the checking questions, he got the “crossing the road” one wrong - very concerning, so I went back to explain the gospel again, and to clarify that if we are trusting the sacrifice of Jesus to pay the fine for our sins - that includes our future sins as well.  I then balanced that with the “fireman” question, explaining that there would be repentance that came with faith, and that would lead to good works - but the good works don’t save us.

I’m not sure how impacted he was by the conversation, but he took a tract, and I encouraged him to talk to his parents and pastor about this - it’s so important.

My second conversation is pictured, it was with two perceptive young people.  The lady made a profound statement: “how can God deal with bad stuff and still let people into heaven” (or something like that) - I said, that is a wonderful question, can I explain?  They were keen to talk.

But they struggled with the idea that they, themselves, were bad people, I had to spend some time labouring with them in that.

Eventually the lady received a phone call and had to go.  But they wanted to hear the good news, so allowed me some time to share - which I did.  They took tracts.

So, a very encouraging afternoon of outreach.  Thanks to all those from Redemption Church that joined us!  Keep it up!  Looking forward to having you with us again next month. :)

And to the other churches in Christchurch, a challenge to set up your own monthly outreach.  Operation 513 would love to help you with this - feel free to get in touch to discuss.