Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

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Evangelism. One of our main ministries this month has been this. The first day we went out into the villages, something did not sit quite right with me. The first place we came upon consisted of three women with their children. Now, these women were beautiful and extremely inviting. The only thing is that I could not tell you anything about them because we were not given the chance to get to know them. This is how our time with these ladies went. We introduced ourselves, told them about the World Race, shared Jesus and then our translator would ask them if they wanted Jesus. Pretty logical gameplan right? Well, here is the kicker, that first day we would NEVER leave a house until the people would accept Jesus. To me, it came off as them being pressured into it. I understand the joy that comes when people accept Christ, but when it turns out to be just about the numbers…then cya later man.

My attitude became poor. I put God in a box. Limitations were in place. My mentality on evangelism has always been about building a relationship (small talk) before sharing The Gospel. Honestly, I do not know if I have ever shared The Gospel “Kenyan” style; with such an urgency. To me, it felt offensive trying to pressure people into recieving Christ. What if they rejected me? I did not want to offend them…

“I am not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God who brings salvation to everyone…” Romans 1:16.

When reading this verse, it hit me; at times, I am ashamed of sharing the Gospel. At times, I fear what others will think about me. At times, I get consumed by wanting people’s acceptance that I lose focus on what is at hand: Salvation.
 

Paul is not ashamed because he knows there is nothing that he can do to make others experience this power. He knows he cannot control others. All he can do is obey by preaching the Good News. No reservations. No need of man’s approval. NO need of man’s acceptance. No limitations.

“Am I now trying to win human approval or God’s approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

Paul is focussed on the Mission at hand. He gets it. For this season, he gets it. It is not about him. It is not about making friends-if that happens Bwana Asa Fweea (Praise God)! If he looks like a fool, more glory to God! The Holy Spirit makes things happen, not Paul. The Holy Spirit brings salvation to those who want it, not man.

“…Not by might nor by power, but my Spirit says the Lord Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6

God is in control and chooses to use us to bring The Good News. He chose you. He chose me. From the very beginning He chose us to be His hands and feet where ever we are: at home in our families, at work, school, the supermarket, or even halfway across the world. Papa has called each and every one of us to share the Gospel.

I put a restriction on The Holy Spirit’s power. I was tyring to do things on my own strength. Now, ah yes, now I get it! I understand the urgency of the Gospel. I realize that no situation can dictate the outcome of God’s infinate power. He is the one in control; not me, and not someone else. HIM. It is not about me. In the end I want to look like a fool because then and only then can more glory be given to Papa. undignified.