When most people hear the word “evangelism” they begin to get a little nervous.  While the thought of sharing your faith with others can seem a bit awkward, we have prayerfully  endeavored to provide opportunities for mission teams that makes it easy to step out of their shell and talk about Christ.

With activities like prayer-walking we lay the foundation for sharing.  After all, without prayer, all of our efforts are mere vanity.  We learn to see people as did Jesus the woman at the well.  He spent time on the relationship, knowing that it would be the foundation for her eventual conversion.  She was so impacted not by what He did for her, and not by what He offered her, but by the fact that He knew her and still wanted to offer her living water.  This impact led her to return to her village and tell all about this man who surely must be God.

When we set out, whether for hospitality services at the Dragon, or to a block party where we help connect a local church to their neighborhood, or going door to door helping a local church complete a needs survey, we set out to build relationships.  Our goal is to focus on people and wait on the Lord to provide opportunities to share.

An example of how easy this can be is illustrated by a trip to the Dragon.  Before leaving camp we prepare a kit that includes water, chap stick, some face wipes, and maybe a small treat bag – we also take small Bibles to hand out to those who express an interest.  As we assemble the bags we ask the Lord to use these items to allow the Holy Spirit a chance to work in the recipient’s heart.  We load everything up and set out.  On the way we relax and view the scenery as we climb the twisty curves up to the overlook about Calderwood Dam.

Once there we just sit and take in God’s creation.  If there aren’t any people there when we stop, it isn’t but a moment or two before others begin showing up to take in the view.   Some of these are bikers and some are in sports cars, while a few are in full-sized motorhomes barely able to fit in the turnoff.  What happens then is nothing short of amazing.  People begin to talk, we ask people about their bikes or cars, or families, and the conversation begins.  “By the way, we have some water if you’d like…”  Before long they are asking us about what we believe and why we are here handing out free stuff asking nothing in return.  People can’t believe we just want to make friends.

Our friend Pato in the picture above was one who we met and had good conversation with.  He stayed for over an hour and before he left he allowed Elizabeth to pray with him.  They both had tears in their eyes.  She was a part of a mission team who came to visit us not too long ago.   Right is a group shot of Pato and the team, taken just before he continued on his trip across America!  He was headed from Hawaii to DC, riding for the wall.  That’s Elizabeth in red.

As it turns out, Pato is pretty well known in his circle of veteran bikers riding in the annual Run for the Wall tour across the States.  He carries a letter in his pocket written by an eight year old thanking him for his service to our country.  His eyes readily well up as he talks about what this country means to him and finally sees its people recognizing the veterans of an unpopular war.  Pato says that for the last nine years he has participated in Run for the Wall, some of his strongest memories are signing autographs for children and then meeting the same children years later, grown, but still in awe.  Imagine if the Lord uses Elizabeth’s brief encounter with Pato to lead him to Christ.  What an impact he could have on those who know and respect him.  Here’s one last shot of Pato participating in a ceremony in Hawaii, honoring his fellow veterans.

Of course the Dragon is not our only servant evangelism ministry, we serve in local schools, at baptist centers, under bridges, at trail-heads in the national park, as a part of local events, and anywhere else people are to be found.  Regardless, our focus is on glorifying God and building relationships that last an eternity.  If you want to bring your team out of their shell and enable them to recognize sharing opportunities, we’ll be happy to partner with you.  As always, one of our goals is to keep a local church involved so that those drawn to Christ find a family of believers they can worship and grow with.

So often it is this ministry that causes team members to dedicate their lives as missionaries.  As you feel the Holy Spirit working through you He leaves an impression on your heart that is difficult to shake.