THIS BLOG WAS WRITTEN BY MY TEAMMATE SHANDA DODD. I really enjoyed our time of street evangelism and worship and got to have an in depth conversation with a man who was totally searching. He kept walking around in circles and watching us from different places and at the end I tracked him down with Stefi, one of our translators. And, you don’t see me in any of the pictures because I was taking most of them. Ok, read on to hear Shanda’s thoughts of the day.
Evenafter months of it, I’m still not fond of street evangelism. I’m
generally under the opinion that it does more harm than good. People
walk by, stare, and think what are these crazy Christians doing?
Most people don’t take the time to ask what’s actually going on, they
make a snap judgment and continue on their way. So, as we headed out
for a night of street evangelism, I wasn’t the most excited person. I
know God can move whenever and whe
reverhe wants, regardless of the setting or the people involved, yet I
wasn’t expecting much from our few hours on the street. But, as usual,
because He’s simple amazing, God surprised me.
It started out like I expected. We set up downtown in front of the
theater and began singing worships songs. Our plan was to praise our
Lord and Saviour and then see where He guided us. At first people just
walked by, giving us strange looks but not curious enough to approach
us. One man even threw a rock at us from across the plaza. I wasn’t
surprised. But as we continued on, a few people took seats, some right
next to us, others as far away as possible within ear shot. And then
things began to change…
theater and began singing worships songs. Our plan was to praise our
Lord and Saviour and then see where He guided us. At first people just
walked by, giving us strange looks but not curious enough to approach
us. One man even threw a rock at us from across the plaza. I wasn’t
surprised. But as we continued on, a few people took seats, some right
next to us, others as far away as possible within ear shot. And then
things began to change…
Daniella spotted us from across the plaza and walked straight up
to us asking “What are you doing?” We explained that we were worshiping
God. She didn’t ask many questions but simply joined in clapping,
dancing, and even trying to sing along. We found that she’s an eighteen
year old Hungarian, Gypsy who’s had a very hard life.
But in that moment she seemed to let her worries
go and relaxed in God’s presence.
to us asking “What are you doing?” We explained that we were worshiping
God. She didn’t ask many questions but simply joined in clapping,
dancing, and even trying to sing along. We found that she’s an eighteen
year old Hungarian, Gypsy who’s had a very hard life.
But in that moment she seemed to let her worries
go and relaxed in God’s presence.
Gary sat down with some friends and listened to our music. When we
finished his friends walked away, but he stayed back. Josh and Feri
approached him and began talking. They were able to encourage him to
reconnect with his family and challenge him to come back to God.
finished his friends walked away, but he stayed back. Josh and Feri
approached him and began talking. They were able to encourage him to
reconnect with his family and challenge him to come back to God.
Moni and Andrada sat halfway across the plaza whispering to each
other. When Feri noticed that they were singing along he beckoned them
over. They excitedly sat down and continued to clap and sin
g
with us. After we finished, I approached them and found out that they
were Christians and both attended a church in town. I have never met
young girls so on fire for Christ. They’re passion and excitement
bubbled over as they expressed their surprise at hearing Christian
songs sung in their town square. It was such an encouragement to hear
them talk about God transforming their lives and hoping that their
fathers w
ould also come to know Jesus.
Julia slowly approached us and sat down nearby. She didn’t ask
many questions, but just wanted to listen and enjoy the music. She has
a religious background but isn’t walking with the Lord right now. Kara
and Tara were able to talk to, encourage, and pray for her.
many questions, but just wanted to listen and enjoy the music. She has
a religious background but isn’t walking with the Lord right now. Kara
and Tara were able to talk to, encourage, and pray for her.
While some of us were talking to those who’d chosen to sit nearby,
the rest of our group walked around handing out tracks and inviting
people to a Friday night coffee house. Some good conversations were had
and people were challenged to reevaluate their thoughts on God.
the rest of our group walked around handing out tracks and inviting
people to a Friday night coffee house. Some good conversations were had
and people were challenged to reevaluate their thoughts on God.
I began that evening with very little joy or excitement and not
really sure what to expect. I thought maybe we’d have one of two good
conversations, but I was wrong. God showed up in a big way, moving in
the hearts of the people both young and old. We were encouraged and in
return were able to encourage those around us. Overall it was a
wonderful experience and one I’m actually looking forward to repeating
again in a few days. Please pray for our next night out on the streets
of Targu Mures. Pray for open minds and hearts as well as willing
spirits on out side. Pray that our preconceived ideas of street
evangelism won’t get in the way of God working in miraculous and
surprising ways.
really sure what to expect. I thought maybe we’d have one of two good
conversations, but I was wrong. God showed up in a big way, moving in
the hearts of the people both young and old. We were encouraged and in
return were able to encourage those around us. Overall it was a
wonderful experience and one I’m actually looking forward to repeating
again in a few days. Please pray for our next night out on the streets
of Targu Mures. Pray for open minds and hearts as well as willing
spirits on out side. Pray that our preconceived ideas of street
evangelism won’t get in the way of God working in miraculous and
surprising ways.
