Battle Log
Tuesday, 9 March, 2021
Posted 9 March 2021, 3:01 PM by Glen Richards. Permalink
New Zealand Mission - Week Two - Christchurch - Day Two
Today a team of four were at Northlands in the morning and then in New Brighton in the afternoon.
The bus stops weren’t busy - four evangelists was a bit much saturation! So a couple of us stayed at the bus stops, while the other two went searching down Papanui Road.
One encounter was quite interesting. Andy was talking to someone about the gospel while an elderly lady was listening from a distance. After his chat, he approached the lady - she didn’t want to talk, but accepted a tract and said she would read it when she got home - fair enough.
Well, soon after I was talking to Andy and we noticed some new people gathering near the elderly lady. I went over to engage them, but was told by Andy he had already approached her. One of the guys took a tract, the other was willing to engage for a short time before his bus arrived and he had to go. But I was using different tracts to Andy and the elderly lady noticed. She asked if she could have a copy of my one too! She still didn’t want to talk, but was happy to take tracts. I gave her two kinds, so she had three in total. People are interested!
But by eleven o’clock, we decided it would be more fruitful at New Brighton, so we made the move early.
Before lunch we had some great chats. I offered a tract to a guy at the car park - who accepted it. Soon after, Sophie came across him again on the Pier and she had a wonderful gospel chat with him!
After lunch I had a VERY long chat with two people who were drinking alcohol. It wasn’t your usual gospel chat, I had to be patient, and listen as there was real openness and yet real resistance. It was like a spiritual battle. We talked about many things, but multiple times I was able to go over the law and the gospel. I could see understanding in one of them, but hopelessness at the same time. It was like it was impossible for them - and it is, but not for God! There was a moment when I said, “It’s not try, but trust…” something clicked and one pulled out their notebook and wrote it down! I hope they don’t misunderstand. I used checking questions at the end. When I finally moved on, we had some deep hugs. I could tell they were impacted. Oh God, I can’t save them, only you can. Only you can change our hearts, and break these evil addictions. I leave these precious people in your hands!
After this the team focused on the mall area - there weren’t many people, but enough to keep us busy. Many heard the gospel - including a pirate! Glory to God alone. Give us strength to continue in this mission Lord.
