Breaking the Silence

After an extended hiatus I have returned to add more stuff to your Inbox and/or blog feed. This summer has given Cindy and me several opportunities for personal and ministerial enrichment. One of the highlights was attending the Billy Graham School of Evangelism in Tacoma, Washington the week after Ruth Bell Graham went to be with the Lord. Sensing a greater need for evangelism, Cindy and I were not disappointed. I have come away with a stronger sense of our calling with useful tools to win souls for the kingdom of heaven. As I have given myself to the Lord for this purpose, I have felt His quickening power when I preach. I am enthusiastic for what the Lord has planned for our fellowship as we seek to impact our community for Christ.

If you're like me, evangelism is a scary prospect. I don't always know what to say or when to say it. While I make the effort to share Christ with strangers, I can't say that I've seen much fruit from this. The success I have personally experienced in bringing people to Christ, and observed in the efforts of others, has been through relationships--specifically believers having friendships with unbelievers. Admitedly, this is a painfully slow process, making it possible to have only one, two or perhaps three such friendships at a time. The advantage of such a method is that it is something every Christian can do with amazing and lasting results. Do you know how to be a friend? Then you have what it takes, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to be successful in sharing your faith with a lost soul.

There's a world of people who are needy and perishing, without hope and without God. Jesus has shown His light upon us so that we can reflect it to others. Will you join me in prayer that God would use us to show His loving concern and salvation to those around us who don't know Him?

Pastor Daryl