Waking in the morning knowing that the day would be a day for street evangelism was always quietly exciting. People are God's creation made to reflect His Image. In Eastern Europe, we knew that many people would stop and recognize our efforts. They might not linger for long, but we almost always had an audience.
It takes a measure of determination to preach on the street, but always we would return home refreshed and encouraged by meeting and talking with at least one.
Late night sketch-board to reach the late crowd in Budapest or on the boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland, could generate conversations with curious young people. Prayer, a prepared heart, courage, a little technique and faith with one or two others can result in one soul that causes the angels to rejoice.
During the 1990s in Hungary, we found street preaching our primary method of meeting people and getting out the message. We calculated that between 4,000 and 10,000 people were evangelized in one month.
Jonathan Wesley's diary of his work in England was a handbook of inspiration for us. What great stories of preaching in villages and towns! "Why not now?" we would ask ourselves. What is the difference between 18th century England and 21st century Europe? God must anoint us with His love, His thoughts, and His heart. He loves people through the Gospel. Imagine, the answer for our greatest fear - death.
Churches are planted and grow and people are trained in ministry by going to the streets. God said simply "open your mouth wide and I will fill it" (Psalm 82:10).
Let us pay attention to God's heart to reach the lost. Street preaching does work.
No comments:
Post a Comment