My team walks up to a small house in the middle of the Indian forest. There is a following of children walking closely behind us, as our translator Abraham asks the women outside if we can talk with them.
They give a sideways head bob that looks like "NO" to me, but apparently means "YES" in India.
Abraham nods at me and says, "Go ahead. Share the Gospel."
HA! WHAT? I mean, I know this stuff, but where do I even begin. If I was warned, I could have prepared a nice 3-point speech or something.
I stammered some introduction out and shot up a quick prayer, "Lord, give me the words."
This is our ministry this month. I like to call it Straight Up Evangelism. We travel to a different village each day, gather as much of a crowd as possible and GO FOR IT!
There is no messing around. No small talk over coffee. Just a pressing message that needs to reach as many people as possible.
What happened to the relational aspect of evangelism? Aren't I supposed to get to know their mother's aunt's dog's maiden name before actually sharing the Gospel with someone?
Our pastor explained the people of India are so hungry for what we have to share. They actually listen to us and seem genuinely interested.
After I was done sharing, the Lord brought a verse to mind:
"As the rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making bud and flourish, so that it yeilds seed for the sower and bread for the eater. So is my WORD that goes out from my mouth, it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:10-11
The Gospel is like a fire. When you speak it out, even in the simplest form, it starts a spark and like Isaiah says, God will be faithful to see its growth.
Doesn't that make you want to shout it from the rooftop? Get the word out to as many people as possible? Start a lot of sparks?
If you only had 5 minutes with someone, what would you say? Prepare it! NOW!
Straight Up Evangelism keeps my team on our toes. We feel completely inadequate with this responsibility. Consequently, we've studied and prepared a little harder. Prayed a LOT more. Trusted that God will bring to completion what He has allowed us to share.
"I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness." Isaiah 42:6-7
