Battle Log

• Battle Log
• Page 120

Christchurch (NZ) Team

The school holidays have started in New Zealand.  And the first Gospel conversation, on Tuesday, was with five teens enjoying their break in Riccarton.  The conversation was facilitated with the flip chart.

Later, to my surprise, a Muslim lady, with her two young sons was keen to give the flip chart a try.  They took their religion seriously and so they were very engaged in the conversation.  The eldest of the boys (who I estimate was about seven or eight years old) asked some very challenging questions.  I was able to present the law and the Gospel, with a focus on how Jesus resolved both justice and mercy at the cross, and that we are saved by faith alone, and not by works.

Another conversation with a very engaged teenager was interrupted by a driver saying out their window: “don’t listen to him”.  This is very encouraging to me - that I’m becoming so well known in the area, that people feel the need to make a comment like that!  The young teen ignored the advice and stayed to hear the law and the Gospel, then ask questions.

Wednesday saw a change to the usual plan, I decided to join Kim of OAC in some door to door outreach in Kaiapoi (north of Christchurch).

Most of our time was spent at some retirement villas.  Evangelists often say that the older people are, the harder they are to reach (or the more closed they are).  In some ways, that might be true.  But all people are “dead in their trespasses and sins” and God can save the hardest people, through the power of the Gospel.  It’s our job to share the Gospel with all.

And we had some wonderful conversations, and were able to challenge some hard hearts.  One lady resisted the simple concept of creation being evidence of a creator.  Another couldn’t stand the concept of justice, insisting that God is only “love”.  Both happily received tracts to ponder in their own time.

And we had a real encouragement, a wonderful Baptist lady was very encouraged to know that we were going door to door, she almost started “preaching” at us at how important it was for Christians to share the Gospel message.  She was certainly preaching to the choir! Later we saw her again outside at a street crossing (pictured: she is crossing the road) - she gladly received tracts to distribute to those she came across.  If she can do it, so can you! :)

The final conversation of the outreach was not at a retirement villa, and a young lady was very open to a conversation.  But even after hearing of the law (that brings the knowledge of sin), and the Gospel, checking questions showed she had not grasped the concepts.  We did our best to continue to explain, but it just shows - young or old, all need God to open their eyes to see the glorious Gospel!
 

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With everything that is happening in the media and God's Word being attacked we are not surprised at all. The battle for truth is real. We know that the Gospel needs to be proclaimed and God's Word is the instruction manual to life not only for the short time here on earth but most importantly for Eternal life.

Without faith in the righteousness of Jesus we face God's just punishment in hell for eternity. Those who have been given a way of escape through the perfect work of Jesus are by faith in Jesus made righteous. Out of great love from God we then love Him and are thankful and we love others, God makes an appeal through us towards others to come to Him. We need to humble ourselves in admitting we are sinners in desperate need of God's grace then come into the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord and all He has done for us. Praise God our Father who draws us by His Spirit and is Sovereign. It is all His work and all Glory belongs to Him now and forever.

At Warwick this last week we saw God doing His work in many ways. People taking tracts and happy to receive them.

The conversations we have are very good and as we share what God's Word says we know that seeds are planted.

A lady stopped and was supportive of what we are doing. She said if people followed the 10 commandments we would have a better world. She is right in that but we know this would never happen because of sin. No one can keep God's law but God. It was a great opportunity for a good fruitful conversation with her. She was stirred in her heart about life and she had many questions that both Rick and myself were able to answer through what the Bible teaches, and also with some of her questions we admitted to be difficult for us too, but we trust God is good and will always do right.

We explained we trust that God is in control even when we can't fully understand why some things happen the way they do. God's ways are not our ways. He is God we are not. God is always good, kind and compassionate. His ways are always to do a good work in us to bring us and others to salvation. We explained that sin is the issue and we all are separated from God. We focused on her salvation and how important it is for her personally. This lady was so open and teachable, we gave her a booklet " Why is there death and suffering" a Gospel tract and also the booklet of John. She was challenged to read Ephesians 2 and Romans 8 and the book of John to get to know Jesus in repentance and faith. She has a Bible at home. Please pray for J.

God is softening hearts and doing amazing things by His Spirit through us. What a great privilege to be a part of God's ministry.

Another chat happened with a guy who received a gospel tract and as we talked with him he was explaining that his brother-in-law was moderator of a church and had just recently passed away. We asked if he was to die today would God let him into heaven? His reply was all wrapped up in his being a good person and told us about some of the good things he has done in his life. While doing good things for people we said was the right thing to do, and we should do good, we still have a sin problem that must be delt with here on earth, before we die.

We all will stand before our Creator to give an account. Only trust in the perfect work of Jesus to cleanse us from sin and to receive His righteousness will matter on that day. Jesus is who we need most. We had to stress a few times that good works will not get us into heaven and that Jesus is the only way. Please pray for J to read the tract we gave him and that the Holy Spirit would open his eyes to see and believe that salvation is in Christ alone. Thank you for praying to all who do pray, you are a blessing to the kingdom.

All Glory to our great God

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On Saturday morning in Capalaba the team of three had a whole host of conversations. Over the course of the morning the rain was on and off and keeping people under the covers.

Some early conversations took place and one stand out, short conversation was with Francis. She didn't want to put at stake in the ground for whether or not there is a God, rather she liked the ambiguity because it meant she didn't have to discuss it with people. She was pushed a little bit on this and was shown how we know God exists but then she showed her hand. She didn't want to believe that. She wanted to not believe in God because that means she can live how she sees fit without accountability. As this was all established she was shown God's law and her guilt but her bus arrived before the conversation could go further.

There was another short engagement that was very telling but hopefully is a challenge to you, the reader. There was a lady who sat down and was approached and was asked the usual question,"What do you think happens to us after we die?" She then went on to explain that she already has her own religion so she didn't want to talk. This was met with the simple question, "Oh, what type of Church do you go to?" to which she responded, "A Baptist Church". When it was mentioned that, the one speaking to her also is a baptist she was so surprised. The conversation didn't last for much longer as her bus arrived.

How telling is it, that the Christians in our culture are surprised when another Christian is sharing the gospel? It is more common to expect a knock on the door or to be approached in the street by someone sharing a false gospel than to run into someone preaching the good news that Jesus died for sinners and all those who trust in Him alone for salvation are forgiven.

Why not find some time yourself to share this message? You, Christian, have the greatest news in the universe, are accompanied by the Holy Spirit with the greatest power and have the greatest motivation. You a sinner deserving of Hell has been forgiven by God and will eternally be in Heaven on the basis of your faith in Jesus' life, death and resurrection.

There were a few conversations with people who knew the gospel from previous conversations, including Keenan and Henry and both were once again challenged with what they will do with it. Storing information in your brain will now cause you to inherit eternal life.

May you be encouraged this week to give up some of your comfort and take the great news that you have and share it with those with whom God has allowed you to meet.

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At Sunnybank a team of six were out again this afternoon and the results were conversations on both sides of the road, quite consistently over the course of the afternoon. It is really exciting to see that even in a location where it can often be hard to start conversations the team is still able to find people to chat with.

One stand out conversation was with Kaitlyn who had attended a Catholic school and knew a little of God but couldn't really formulate it. Over the course of a short fifteen minute conversation she came to understand the simple message of how a sinner can be forgiven and how that free gift of forgiveness will always result in a sinner wanting to honour Christ with their life.

There was also a young couple who were approached and the guy started to chat while his girlfriend took selfies. Sadly he was sure this his obedience would be required for his entrance into Heaven. He was shown that a gift cannot be accepted by works but by faith alone. He came to understand what Jesus had taught and was even able to explain it back but was adamant that he was going to be earning in part his entrance into Heaven. He was warned of the foolishness of believing in something different to what Jesus has to teach.

There were two final conversations with Alan and Andy who both came to understand the gospel. Andy was defiant saying that he wasn't willing to trust in Jesus because his family doesn't. He was challenged to consider the seriousness of this decision.

On the other hand Alan was very interested and accepted a gospel of John saying he would read it this week and that he wanted to trust in Christ today.

Please keep those who heard in your prayers.

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On Wednesday afternoon in Brisbane there was a team of seven out, due to some people being on holidays and being able to spare the time where they'd usually be at other commitments. This allowed for many conversations to take place over the course of the afternoon.

An early conversation took place with Kaychill, a young man who near the team was busking and during a break he was approached and asked what he thought would happen to him after he dies. He said his mother is Catholic and that he therefore thinks there is a Heaven and Hell and he said he'd probably be headed to Heaven. Over the course of the afternoon over three conversations he came to understand the beauty of the simple gospel, where God remains just and yet sinners are forgiven.

He at first was trying to defend himself from being a sinner, hoping that God would still let him into Heaven but he was challenged to be honest about his life as God won't be over looking our sin, as it must be punished. Then he was quickly shown the good news but went back to busking.

In the next conversation he came to understand the good news, that trust in Christ's death on the cross is enough to make a sinner right before God. He said it was the first time he'd ever heard that and said that he would trust in Christ today! He was encouraged to start reading his Bible and to start attending a local Christian Church.

Later in the afternoon there was a sad conversation with a middle aged man. He seemed open at first and was asked what he thinks will happen to us after we die. He said, "I'm not convinced there is anything". When asked what had lead him to that conclusion he said, "Because there is no evidence to the contrary". He was then asked if there was a God and he said, "Absolutely not!" When asked how the universe got here then he said, "It all came from nothing". When challenged on that, he was asked, "What evidence do you have that it all came from nothing?" He again simply said, "There is no evidence that it was created." At this point he was asked, "What about the seat you're sitting on, how did it get here?"

He seemed to understand instantly. Of course things with a beginning have a Creator. Upon this realisation he said, "Go away stop talking to me!" He was left with a final challenge, "If your entire worldview can be dismantled to the point that you have no answers in just a few questions, maybe you should reconsider it". He said he didn't want to and just wanted to live his own way, so he was left to consider it all.

The afternoon then finished with a wonderful chat with Larko and Tamati, two Kiwi young men. They thought it was likely that God exists and said therefore that they would be in trouble before God. In the end they came to understand the good news and said that they would strongly consider it and were thankful for the chat.

Please keep these people in your prayer as they head away from this afternoon considering what God has said the way to Heaven.

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Showers of blessings marked our approach to the Point. With umbrellas on standby, we prayed and headed for the pier/jetty. The precipitation ceased as we began our outreach. Mainly, it seemed to be a day for heralding the truth and praying that an imperishable word, James 1:21, had been planted by the Holy Spirit. Continue to pray with us if you can:

     - for Luke, a man seeking to study the Scriptures who has present concerns about the 'here & now' such as 'what about those so many who have never heard God's good news?' - that he may be given the grace to believe and to learn to submit to the authority of Scriptures.

     - for Wayne who admits that the gospel makes sense but says he is not convinced - that the Lord would stir him to check it out.

     - for Jason, a Chinese man who was pleased to see our web address as he wants more information after hearing the good news - that God would grant him this and the gift of faith.  

     - for Andrea - that she will be restless until she finds her rest in Christ now that she knows she is not good and understands the gospel.

     - for Tom and Mikala that the Father would draw them to the Son.

     - give thanks to God for His Great Commission, Mt. 28:18-20, and that He would lead any converts to a Bible-believing Church for ongoing training in discipleship.

Glory to God in the highest! 

 

    

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Christchurch (NZ) Team

The weekend of outreach for the Christchurch (NZ) saw wet weather on Saturday, but a return to clear skies and winter sun on Sunday.

The outreach was difficult on Saturday, although it started with a wonderful initial Gospel conversation, I only ended up having one more conversation in two and a half hours I was in the city.  So I ended up ending the outreach slightly early and heading to the letterboxes instead.  I don’t think the weather helped, as rain showers passed through often.  And yet, maybe that one conversation will be pivotal in bringing glory to God through salvation?

It started only after the guy had passed a first time and accepted a tract.  When he came back past, I asked if he had read it, and a conversation got started.  It turns out we had both lived in a small city called Timaru and the mutual connection was fuel to a warm conversation.  He was a bhudist.  Eventually I had an opportunity to share the law and the Gospel with him.  He genuinely seemed impacted, and more than once said he had something to think about - which was very encouraging.  But I made it clear there was an urgency to respond.  The Gospel message is clear, and we may not have another opportunity.

The reason he was in the city was for a rugby match on later in the evening.  Many supporters were walking through, but none, except this guy, seemed interested in discussing the important questions of life.

The one other conversation I had was a bit discouraging.  The person seemed completely blind to the serious nature of sin, and the amazing grace of Jesus - the worries of this life seemed more important.

I delivered tracts to letterboxes in the rain with prayer.

As discouraging as Saturday’s outreach seemed - I’m not discouraged.  We worship God who is in control of everything, I have confidence in Him no matter what comes.

Sunday’s outreach had a team of four - Andy’s son, Josiah, managed five Gospel tracts today - not beating his record, but still a wonderful effort.  Well done! :)

Tracts were received, conversations were had.  And I open air preached - although I had to battle a loud speaker playing music nearby.

God is good all glory to Him!
 

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When you head off to an outreach, you never know what to expect. This is what makes street evangelism both nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time.  The last three months have given our Toowoomba team plenty of practice in expecting the unexpected, as well as seeing God use ordinary people to make a simple difference in our city.

For example, two of our team members (Adro and Tim) had an encounter with J-, a young man who walked up to Adro and Tim and asked them to pray for him. J- began to explain his story and shared how he had faced a number of significant relational and financial challenges in the last couple of months. A tradie by profession, J- had been struggling with work and also in his relationship with his partner.

He had a Church background and was quite upset and so, at his request, Tim and Adro prayed together with him on that bustling street. After some significant pastoral conversation, the three of them parted on good terms and J- is still very much our prayers as he navigates the road ahead. We genuinely hope to see him again sometime and journey with him further.

Another encounter we had was with a different J- and his partner C-. These two (and their cat) were sleeping on Margaret street and had taken up shelter in the doorway of a building. To the best of my knowledge, all of their possessions were in that doorway, including mattresses, blankets and pillows.

C- was heavily pregnant and only had 8 weeks before their child was due. J- and C- were worried that if their baby came before they had permanent accommodation then they would have their child taken from them by the Department of Child Services. Tim and I (Doug) spoke to them and spoke to them about a number of services available in Toowoomba for people who were living on the streets. Both C- and J- seemed quite familiar with these services but, as their circumstances are unique, these services were only of limited value to them.

After purchasing a food voucher for them from the local Woolies, we left J- and C- with the promise that we would keep our eyes open for accommodation that would suit their growing family.

If you, dear reader, know of anyone who would be willing to help house this couple, please contact me through Facebook or through the contact details listed on this website.

Along with our “usual” ministry of handing out Gospel tracts and striking up conversations with people, we have begun building relationships with the Jehovah’s Witnesses who man an information booth each Saturday in the CBD. This well-known cult often put Christians to shame with their zeal and dedication, yet the fact remains that their destructive message must be engaged by Christians committed to loving these people in the long-term and sharing the Gospel with them.

Over the last few months we have met a number of their group who have been rostered on to a particular Saturday. Many of them are older and we have focussed on sharing the foundational Christian truth that justification (being declared righteous by God) is through faith alone and through a process of trial and error I’ve chosen my “go-to” text as Romans 4:1-11 and the example of Abraham. I’m looking forward to walking some of our JW acquaintances through the text and ask them what they think it means in the next outreach.

None of the discussion above is designed to be done as a “once-off”. People are people and tend to discuss issues best in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect over an extended period of time. Thus we are seeking to build our friendship and discuss these crucial issues with people in general and our JW friends in particular. Regardless of the outcome (because people aren’t projects) we want to continue loving and caring for every person we meet, regardless of whether or not they agree with us.

So that’s the wraps for the last three months of outreach in Toowoomba. Many more encounters have occurred and a number of other interesting dialogues have taken place through the team’s ministry, but, as usual, we only have so much time to write reports and share with you all.

 Please keep us in prayer as we enter into the second half of 2019!



 

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Christchurch (NZ) Team

Thursday saw the team back at the bus stops: first at Northlands, and then at Eastgate.

At Northlands, I re-encountered some of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  I was talking to them about how effective the question: “Do you ever think about what happens after life?” is.  At that moment, a young man was walking past, and so I asked him that exact question to demonstrate.  The response was, “Yeah, I think about that a lot.''!  He then engaged me in a Gospel conversation - right in front of the Jehovah’s Witnesses - so they all heard the Gospel.  I praise God for that.

In the morning, I had been praying for the salvation of one particular young man I often encounter at the Eastgate bus stops.  Well, as I arrived this afternoon, the very first person I encounter is this young man!  I had two minutes to chat with him about the Gospel before his bus arrived.  He took a type of tract he hasn’t received before.

Pretty much all the interactions with people at the beginning of the Eastgate outreach was with people I have already shared the Gospel with at some point in the past.  I feel a bit like a bus stop chaplain!  But with the stops constantly refreshing with people waiting for buses - there are always many opportunities for sharing with new people.

Friday saw a turn in the weather.  It was wet.  We proceeded with our Gospel + abortion outreach outside the hospital in the morning.  But the rain was heavy, and mixed with the cold it made sense to end the outreach early.  But in the time we were there, we showed how serious we are about this very important issue.  We had one person stop to talk with us.  We also had a few people show their opposition by firing some choice words at us as they hurried past.  We continue to pray that God would use our feeble efforts for His glory.

In the afternoon, I reverted to letterbox dropping, until the rain finally stopped.  This gave us an opportunity for outreach in the evening in the city.  A team of four gathered.

In spite of the cold, and a lack of people about, we still managed to have many opportunities to share the love of Christ.  Hereford street was a very fruitful place of ministry.

I engaged with a young homeless guy, who upon learning I was a Christian, disengaged expressing an alligance to Islam.  But to my surprise, he came back five minutes later and apologised, and wanted to know what I had to say.  It was wonderful being able to share of the grace of Christ - that our salvation is not dependent on our works.

We also had some fruitful ministry time at the bus exchange.  By this stage, the heavens had opened up again.  So we ended up venturing inside (as well as outside) to spark up Gospel conversations.

One of my conversations ended up being with a guy who Andy had shared the Gospel with at Eastgate the previous day.  Christchurch is small enough that this kind of thing happens all the time.

I thank God for the support He is providing through you to enable the Christchurch team to have so many wonderful opportunities to share His love.  I thank you also.  Join us!  Till the nets are full.
 

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Christchurch (NZ) Team

On Tuesday, in Riccarton, I had some competition.  Unicef were out in force working to get “sign ups” (pictured).  Apparently they need to get two a day to keep their job.  If I needed to get two converts a day, I would have been fired a long time ago.  Either that, or I would have started compromising the truth of the Gospel and start manipulating people to get “decisions”.  I’m glad I don’t have that pressure.  It’s God who saves, it’s our job to faithfully share His Gospel.

In spite of the competition, I still had a fruitful time of ministry, handing out many Gospel tracts, and having some very timely conversations…

My first was with a political science major from the university.  It was a respectful clash of worldviews.  I succeeded in sharing the law and the Gospel.  And it was wonderful having one of the Unicef team listening in as well.

My last was a heated exchange with a young man and his friends who had gone past me (back and forth) four times during the outreach - not showing any interest.  But eventually his girlfriend decided she wanted to talk, and listened to the Gospel.  This drew him in for the heated exchange - there seemed to be a bitterness towards what I would call hypocrites.  Similar to last week, the outreach went overtime by fifteen minutes as we sparred.  I would love to talk to him again, without the heat.

During the outreach, I had many responses similar to: “all the time”, to my question of: “do you think about the afterlife?”.  I’m finding this a wonderful lead in to conversations.  I even had one lady say: “well, it’s about time I started thinking about it” - and gladly took my tract - thanking me.  She didn’t stay for a chat, so I hope she means it and reads it!

Wednesday (today) was unseasonably warm.  In the morning I was in Cathedral Square.  I didn’t bother setting up my flip chart and used tracts to start conversations.  I had some wonderful conversations with people with Christian backgrounds who weren’t Christians.

The highlight was with a young man who was thinking very seriously about the things of God.  He expressed remorse for his sin (his words), but didn’t think he had repented and trusted Christ for forgiveness yet.  Although he asked good questions around this area.  He is connected to a good local church, although not going regularly.  I encouraged him to read Mark and Romans in the New Testament.  And, with Biblical authority, commanded him to repent and believe the Gospel today - he might not have another!

Before lunch I open air preached.  I was interrupted half way through as I recognised someone walking past whom I ended up talking to one to one.  It turns out he had recently been in a bad car accident and so the discussion about the Gospel was timely!

Once I got back to preaching, I ended up having three people come, sit down, and listen.  I was able to follow up with all three afterwards!

After lunch, I headed to Ara, but it was strangely quiet there - I wonder if the students are on holiday?  But I ended up having a good conversation on my way there.

I moved back to the city, and ended the days outreach in Cathedral Square with a Gospel conversation there.

I’m very encouraged by encountering all the people who are thinking about the afterlife.  Oh that God would raise up preachers (you) to bring the law and the Gospel - and to turn that thinking into conviction and salvation.  All for His glory alone!  Join me.
 

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