New York is Hungry to Spread the Gospel
Michelle and I have returned from one of the most wonderful weekends we have ever spent in evangelism. We were blessed to be invited to come to Waymart, PA for an evangelism seminar hosted by the Westchester church of Christ from White Plains NY. Brethren from Queens, Harlem, Bronx, Hollis, Mt. Vernon and of course Westchester attended and what a total thrill it was. Their annual retreat was the reason for the event and we were humbled to have been invited to come. My wife met Dick Boyd, one of their elders in Louisville, at the L2L convention this year. I had received food poisoning and spent the Saturday in the hotel room while Michelle stayed at our booth. This was the first contact we had with the Westchester congregation and I am so happy Michelle "woman-ed" the booth in my absence, a task that is not something she desires to do alone. But seeing the need she stepped up and handled it very well.
Upon arrival on Friday afternoon, it was obvious that we were going to be in for an exciting weekend by the delightful demeanor and welcome we received by the brethren. The different congregations brought a total of about 100 brethren and, to be honest about it, I can remember about 10 who were from the Westchester congregation but could not tell you who was from where beyond that. Every single person was so kind to us that most would think they were all from the same location! This is how the spiritual family is supposed to be and the New York brethren shined the light of Jesus in all they did—just spectacular!
Although I went intending to share the Biblical model of evangelism as best I could, I have become wise enough through the years to understand that I am always a perpetual student of Biblical evangelism. Though I went to teach, I learned so much from these brethren. Probably the best lesson I learned is even though our nation is removing itself from God there are so many Christians that still believe there is a God in Heaven who is very much alive. These brethren reassured me that a true thirst for lost souls has not disappeared from their sight.
Outlining the model of evangelism and focusing on the "bringers" area was the 1st class on Saturday morning. I begin with this portion at the seminars because it breaks down the "punched in the gut" feeling many have when they are told they need to be teachers to be effective in evangelism. When using the Scriptures to lay out that bringing is critical, (and you don't to be the teacher, but, rather, lead the one you brought to a teacher) there seems to be a huge sigh of relief. Then we share the Biblical description of the territory Jesus and the Holy Spirit are sending us into, and why a "no" response is NOT a failure. Many came up and were excited about the explanation.
The next 3 sessions on Saturday were designed to lay out the timeline of the Bible that we have spoken about in the "Bring Teach Keep" book. This too was exciting, sharing many Christian evidences that weave the Bible narrative into a powerful, understandable account. We find it to be a continual "eye opener" here at Waterford as well.
Then, Saturday night happened. What an absolute blast we had by the talent show that was put on! Michelle and I roared at the different humorous presentations, the joy over a few who sang so beautifully, the children who got up and displayed their different talents, to Peter who was the emcee of emcees and finally to Henry who brought the house down with his harmonica talent. We went back to our room with side aches from the show. What we enjoyed was the support given to each other. About 20 in attendance were from the Hispanic brethren who attended and although there wasn't the greatest communication in words between us and them, Michelle and I saw the love that communicated the genuine, heartfelt feelings for each other. What a beautiful lesson they taught all by being lights to the world.
Indeed, we were not the only ones at the retreat for the weekend. We shared the complex with a lovely group of ladies who were sewing different crafts for the weekend. I spoke to them a few times and at one point on Sunday during the meal, I stopped to chat with a table of these ladies and they remarked how wonderful the children behaved. One said, "We are retired school teachers and we don't have the greatest view of children as a whole but these children are so respectful and their behavior is outstanding!" I told the ladies that the majority of these children are from the Westchester church of Christ in New York, while certainly some from other congregations in that area. I assured them I would pass this on to them. All of those times that the parents spent disciplining and instructing these children paid huge dividends for the representation of the church to these ladies.
Our hope and prayer is that we are able to spend a month with these brethren in 2017 and help them to get their evangelism model up and running with God's blessings. We have only known them in person for a couple of days but it seems a solid bond has been established for eternity!
To Dick and Sharon, Barry, Charlie, Peter, Joanna, Beverly, Allissandra, Michael and Sunny, Samuel and Karen, (thanks for letting me pick on you, Samuel), Leroy, Steve, Jennifer, (the man who needs no introduction) Henry, Tiffany, Jennifer, Crystal, and all the rest who uplifted us with your special spirit, we send a debt of gratitude for your Godly spirit! To Seth I say "Go Jets!" Little Zoe and Dilan and Kea, thanks for such a sweet spirit. Cassandra, you are such a doll! Nelson, you are inspiring!
Godspeed to all, including the names my memory fails to bring to the surface!