Evangelism was never something I thought highly of, or ever had the desire to participate in. My experiences with evangelists in the past have not been pleasant or encouraging. I have had the misfortune of being approached by those who were quick to judge and point out flaws rather than be examples of what Gods joy has done in their lives.
This month in Australia evangelism was a huge part of our ministry. We went out at least 3 times a week to share worship and dramas in the outdoor malls. Approaching people in Perth was very similar to how it is at home in the states. Most people are content with their lives and have all the material things to be comfortable. These are the hardest people to approach and to really get to open up. These are the times when we have to have faith that God is working and that he has prepared the hearts of those that we have conversations with.
Sometimes it takes something that may seem crazy to really get peoples attention and to wonder, “Why did that dude just do that?” One of the guys at the YWAM base that was also my room mate, is currently in the second level school of evangelism. I really learned a lot from him this month and God used him to speak to me and to teach me about how to reach out to people. Somehow he convinced me to do a “public proclamation” and give my testimony out in the middle of an outdoor mall in the middle of the city. This is so far outside of my normal character that I still have a hard time believing I did this. It was a bit scary and embarrassing, but afterwards I got to talk to 3 guys from Ireland that were in Perth playing rugby. I got to share more about my testimony with them and where I found the courage to speak out like that.
God showed me how to step out of my comfort zone and to boldly speak the truth to people. He knew that by being paired up with James that I would be influenced and learn from him. I felt that tug in my heart to step up and do it. Hearing God is one thing but really obeying him when he speaks to you is another. A lot of the times when he speaks to me it is always to do something I am either afraid of or that I do not want to do, but by doing what God asks it has built my faith stronger. By obeying God my days continue to be more and more blessed.
