Whenever I hear the words “door-to-door evangelism,” I cringe a little. I am not proud to admit this, but it has been years since I’ve made a habit of sharing the gospel with people. Sadly, it has become something that I feel apprehensive about rather than eager.
Upon finding out that one of our tasks this month would be door-to-door evangelism with the youth, training them to do it, I began to panic. How on earth am I supposed to model evangelism when I am largely uncomfortable and unpracticed in it myself?
On one of our first days in the Philippines, our host dismissed the American, rapport-building evangelism method as unnecessary in this culture (and probably a little overkill in America, too). He instructed us to walk right up to a stranger, introduce ourselves, explain that we are Christian missionaries from America, and proceed to share the gospel.
I did a bit of a double-take. You want us to do what, now?
As uncomfortable as this makes me, it is a reality that in the Philippines (particularly in Bulacan, where we are some of the first Americans this community has seen), we are perceived as celebrities. The first time we went to Zumba at the Plaza, we were swarmed by mom-aged women who wanted pictures with us. They even wanted more pictures at the end, when we were drenched and dripping with salty sweat! We hold a unique position of influence here.
In any case, there is no need to spend three weeks “building rapport” before sharing the gospel in the Philippines. Building relationship first, while valid at times, tends to become an excuse to delay the scary prospect of offending someone with the gospel. Frankly, this very reason is what makes American evangelism more appealing to me.
Yes, evangelism makes my knees knock together. Yes, I am adept at making excuses to avoid it at all costs.
But, I cannot recall a time where I have regretted sharing the best news this world has ever received, once I actually step out to do it.
It was this thought, as well as the reminder that I am on the World Race to share about Jesus wherever my feet wander, that got me excited for what Jesus might do when it came time to evangelize in Bulacan. Plus, I was honestly excited to be in an environment where it is acceptable to practice just waltzing up to a stranger and preaching the gospel (hold the small talk and frills).
The day finally came. Time to spread the word with a handful of the youth about the upcoming VBS and about Jesus Christ. I was all nerves and excitement and apprehension.
I sensed Jesus calming my heart. Be bold, Ash. Be faithful, and I will be there in your weakness, making you strong.
After passing out a few home-made flyers and one failed attempt to share Jesus with a woman in passing, we meandered back a little alleyway. There were two children sitting on the cement ground, and we invited them to VBS. Before I realized what was going on, we were invited to visit at someone’s house. A woman sat in a porched area, surrounded by several children. She had a small frame, like most Filipino women, and looked to be in her thirties or forties. Jet black hair framed her face and fell to her shoulders. Her name was Irene.
I felt my stomach churn with nerves. I instantly knew this was a God-given opportunity that I could not pass up.
As our host, Dave, had instructed, I proceeded to share my name, as well as the fact that I was a missionary from America and was hoping to talk to her.
Irene invited me to sit beside her on the red cushioned couch. I glanced nervously at my companions and, smiling, situated myself beside Irene.
Through a couple of introductory questions, I learned that Irene was Catholic. I inquired what she liked about it, and she shared that she grew up Catholic. She attends Mass every Sunday, and is devout in prayer. In her words, she is not very committed when it comes to faith, but she is content.
I asked if she knew Jesus personally, and she seemed to flounder a bit for an answer (I had some difficulty ascertaining her receptivity to my questions and explanations, for Jocelyn, one of the youth, had to translate for me). I proceeded to ask questions that would hopefully illuminate to her that good deeds are not a strong enough basis to get to heaven, and that she was a sinner in need of a Savior.
Now, I have never really engaged a practicing Catholic in conversation about the differences between their beliefs and those of Evangelical Christians. I was really only concerned that she did not seem to have a personal relationship with Jesus. I was desperately relying on the Spirit to give me the words to say. I wanted my new friend to see not only her need for a Savior, but the beauty in the relationship and freedom that Christ offers us.
At one point, the conversation took a bit of a turn, and I could feel Jesus guiding me.
“She wants to know if there is just one way to pray. A protestant told her that there is, and she wants to know what you think,” said Jocelyn.
I turned to Irene and asked if she was married.
“Yes.”
“Do you love your husband?” I asked.
“Of course!” she replied, not waiting for Jocelyn to translate.
“Do you like talking to him?” I continued to press in. Irene explained that her husband is not home very often, but she consented that she does like talking to him.
“You see, that is why a personal relationship with Jesus is so beautiful. Once you understand your need for Him and accept Him as your Savior, you also get to have a relationship with Him, where you want to talk to Him because you enjoy it. It’s just like talking to your husband. There is no specific way to do it. You’re just talking to someone you love,” I explained.
It was truly a beautiful moment. I was thankful Jesus had given me that analogy to share!
Throughout the conversation, I kept returning to the idea of freedom. I longed to show her that Jesus has so much more for her than what she was settling for.
At the end, I explained what she must do if she ever decides to seek a personal relationship with Jesus. I prayed with her for an upcoming surgery she must endure (she is having her third kidney stone removed.) I honestly don’t even remember exactly what else I prayed, but I know it had to do with her eventually knowing Jesus personally.
As I wrapped up with an “Amen” and opened my eyes, I saw Irene cover her eyes with her hands. She was crying. She remained frozen in that position for several long seconds. Not knowing what else to do, I rubbed her back gently. Then, she removed her hands and began swiping tears away from her eyes.
I have absolutely no idea what was going through Irene’s mind in that moment, but I do know that the Lord was stirring her heart in a significant way.
She allowed me to hug her, and I promised to visit again.
I am so thankful to Jesus for this encounter that reminded me just how beautiful it is to be able to share the Good News with someone. I have such an incredible opportunity this year to be able to look someone in the eyes and tell them about Jesus, having traveled halfway across the world and raising $16,500 just to have this conversation.
I got to visit Irene again last evening, and her first words after inviting us to sit down were, “You actually came back!” Please keep Irene in your prayers, for she had a check up today for that surgery. She will be finding out when the surgery is to take place. I am praying that Jesus uses this in her life to draw her to Him! I plan to visit at least one more time before we leave next week. I will update you once I visit her again!
All my love,
Ash
