Don’t ever tell me my God doesn’t answer prayers! If I ever doubted this, last night has made me a believer for life! Wednesday’s evangelism efforts focused on Riverside, a community clearly rampant with drugs, alcohol, gang activity and a plethora of other demonic forces. It is almost unfathomable for this kid, having grown up in “God’s Country” and never having seen ANYTHING remotely similar to this, to register that just a few hours from home there is so much negativity, so much filth and so much need for Jesus. But if I were really truthful, that need is very much a part of my hometown as well, just in varying forms.
While I never truly feared for my safety last night, there were moments when I was definitely uncomfortable. We prayed for a hedge of safety around us and I know God provided. Riverside had much more traffic than either of our previous sites; Rebecca (from Branch, Arkansas) and I observed one man who continually patrolled the area (both on foot and in his car.) Lori (from Bellview) later talked with this same man and got the same vibe we did; he clearly “controlled” the area and was very threatened by the presence of 60+ Christians trying to talk with people in his neighborhood. I guess he doesn’t know that God is in control of EVERY situation, and God definitely took over last night!
As we began the evening’s activity, several of us had made a venture down Farrington St., observing what we later learned to be Crip gang members shooting dice, taking note of drug deals underway, and being followed by a drunken man who claimed to be “preaching” from “his pulpit.” Rebecca felt convicted to pray for the activity on that street, asking God to removed distractions and to SEND SOMEONE who had a need to hear the Gospel, and so she grabbed Sister Tameka (from Memphis) and myself, along with Lydia, Colby and Ben, and we did just that. We begged God to use us, to make us available to the right person, to multiply our talents through Him, to take over, and to SEND SOMEONE that was ready to hear the plan of salvation!
Within 5 minutes, Rebecca and I stood on the corner of the street where we were showing the film, and a young man walked by, obviously trying to disguise his interest in what was going on, but unable to keep his eyes straight ahead on his venture. I felt God saying, “Here’s your answer!” and luckily, He left in me no hesitation. I caught up to the young man and began talking, inviting him to sit down with us to watch the movie and have a snow cone. He told me about his 7-month old baby girl asleep at home and that he was in a hurry to get back to her and his wife before things got bad on the street. Fair enough! But when God needs a work done, we’re on His time schedule. The man introduced himself as Marcus, and Rebecca and I began sharing with him, asking him “The Big Question” – If you died right now, do you know where you would spend eternity?
Marcus said he hoped he would go to Heaven. He’d spent time in church with his aunt growing up, and while he had quit going just due to life’s crazy schedule, he was trying his best to live a good life, to be true to his wife and take care of his children, go to work and be a honest man. He explained that he had so many bad influences around him that he just tried to stay at home when he could to keep from getting sucked back into things that he had once done. He kept saying he wanted to be real with us. Bro. Mike, another of our mission team, felt compelled to join our group’s conversation. His background is very similar to what Marcus was describing; Bro. Mike is a recovered drug addict, he’s done time in prison and he knows all about life on the streets. He shared with Marcus how God had changed him, how He had provided great friends who really cared about him and how He had made him want to be a better man! He then asked Marcus if he would like to have the assurance of salvation. And with conviction clear in his eyes, Marcus said yes! He prayed a very simple sinner’s prayer and he knew that God had saved him right then and there!
How awesome is our God!?!?! He can take three Christians from three different backgrounds, three different parts of the world and three different sets of talents, band them together for His sake and use them to win one more soul! I’ve never felt more empowered, and it’s through nothing I’ve done, and totally through God! Like Rebecca was telling me, she is NOT comfortable just striking up a conversation with someone (I’m good there) and I’m NOT comfortable diving into witnessing, so for both of us to be able to do those things, it’s without a doubt God speaking through us! I hope He continues to do all the talking!!!
On a side note, only two days until I’m at Training Camp with Squad J, meeting the people who are going to be so much a part of my life for the next year! I’m thrilled to get there! I know that when God’s people come together, praying in unison for whatever needs there are to be met, God will answer in a mighty, mighty way! If you have a moment today, please pray for traveling mercies as people venture all across the US to convene in Georgia this weekend!
Time for Bible study!
Be Blessed,
Ashlee
