Battle Log

• Battle Log
• Page 139

Monday at Capalaba was an exciting day filled with a range of catch up conversations and some new people hearing the Gospel. It started with a short conversation with a lady named Amy.

She said she believed in reincarnation and was challenged on that. She was shown that there must be a God, with the building builder analogy and saw that because there is a God there is accountability for our actions. She began to hear God's law but her bus arrived so she took a tract.

An exciting beginning to a conversation was with Glenis and her daughter Kiana. They had once been apart of the JW religion but around ten years earlier they had been disfellowshipped for something that Glenis did wrong. This meant that her family didn't want to talk with her or have anything to do with her and therefore was left alone separated from her family. This began a conversation showing them what Jesus had really said about eternity and they came to understand and were being shown through God's law as their bus arrived.

They were encouraged to read John's Gospel and were given tracts each. They were interested in talking more in the future and said they will come back to talk!

Next to hear was Amber who had spoken to the team before and spoke to two team members today. She was challenged strongly in the Gospel. Most notably was the challenge to not just acknowledge it is true but to actually trust Jesus. As she seemed to know the Gospel but just wasn't trusting in Jesus.

Another conversation was had with Aidan who has spoken to the team quite a number of times now. He acknowledges that that Bible is true that God exists and that Jesus alone can save but he just seems to be finding different excuses or things so that he "can't" trust Jesus. This week it was about God being Jealous and he said, "Isn't it a sin for God to be jealous?" A discussion was started explaining this and he was once again challenged to consider what God has said, not just to acknowledge it as true but to ponder how seriously it will affect his eternity.

A young couple were approached. Will and Tabitha were their names. They at first said they didn't know if God exists and were shown the building builder analogy and said it made sense. They were then shown why God will hold those in His world accountable and as they heard God's law they realised very quickly their guilt. In God's timing their bus arrived and they had to leave but they said they would stop to chat if we saw them again!

There was a quickly re-engaged conversation with Rachel who was talking about "god" being unconditional love. That it is love itself that is the god. This was touched on and she was shown why God must be personal and it was pointed out what problems arose if God was impersonal and just a force. She seemed to struggle to understand but was happy to be challenged.

She was unsure about how justice in this world worked as she was talking about karma and the law of cause and effect but saw that it wasn't sufficient to deal with sin. Her bus arrived as well and she was encouraged to read a tract and she too said she would be interested in talking with the team again.

The last conversation of the afternoon was with Damien. He overheard another conversation and when asked he mentioned that he had spoken to another team member. He said that he didn't think he could believe in God because of all the evil in this world. He was shown the two fold problem with such a statement. Firstly, that we only know what evil is because God created the world to be good and secondly, that it is humanity who is guilty for the evil. It is our fault that this world is a mess.

This made sense to him and he was challenged to strongly re-consider the Gospel in light of this, that he too was apart of the problem of evil in this world and that one day he would have to stand before his creator. He was reminded that his only hope is if Jesus has paid his debt on the cross.

Please be praying for those who spoke to the team and were happy to engage. Praise God that so many conversations were had. Please also be praying that God would seek to enable continued conversations with those who were willing to hear more, so that they may come to a fuller understanding of who God is and what He has done to save sinners.

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Christchurch (NZ) Team

Saturday saw an eventful outreach in Cathedral Square for the Christchurch (NZ) team.

A group, whom I have encountered before, that sadly believe water baptism and speaking in tongues is required for salvation, were also out sharing.  Discussions were had with a few of them refuting this, and explaining justification by faith alone.  Considering all my interaction with people from this group, their passion for what they believe is overbearing and forceful and a reminder to me of how not to talk to people when I'm sharing about Jesus.

But tracts were distributed and some good conversations were had.  A highlight conversation was with a young Christian man who was keen to go through the flip chart, and was very impressed with the way the law was used before presenting the good news of Christ.  He left with a Paul Washer booklet: The Gospel of Jesus Christ, and encouragement to watch The Shocking Youth Message on You Tube.

After this, a huge crowd protesting water bottling companies came and presented a wonderful opportunity for tract distribution - I ended up giving away all my tracts.  :)

Later on Saturday, I did some more letterbox dropping.  Doing a few hours a day, I've nearly covered a whole suburb in a week.

Sunday brought rain again - but not enough to stop the afternoon outreach!  With the markets not running due to the weather, the only entertainment in Cathedral Square was the wonderful busking of Kelvin, and some Christians (us) out sharing about Christ.

People from South Africa, Israel and German were open to gospel conversations.

The 2 German tourists (with excellent English) stopped at the flip chart keen for a conversation.  They easily followed the logic of the gospel presentation I gave them, and then hung around to discuss it further.  It turns out that another Christian had been sharing the same message with them when they were down in Wanaka.  I pleaded with them that today was the day of salvation: to repent and trust in Christ - they may not get a third opportunity to hear the message of the hope of eternal life found in Jesus.

As 2 of the team were leaving for a coffee after the outreach, we were distributing tracts as we walked.  One young man asked what it was, and I responded with "a gospel tract".  This caused an English lady, who was walking past, to stop which led to a full gospel conversation with her.

I praise God for the many wonderful opportunities to fulfill the great commission: to go and spread the good news to everyone in the whole world.

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As usual the team headed into the heart of Brisbane city, on another Saturday night that God had given them, with the intention of sharing the message of the Gospel to those who were willing to listen.

It was exciting to see another night where many conversations were had, again over fifty took place! Praise God for such a wonderful location with so many conversations to be had!

From tonight you can hear Matt raise a couple to pray for, who originally professed Buddhism but as they saw the existence of God, the judgement that sin deserves and that no amount of good deeds or "karma" could ever pay the penalty for bad deeds that there needs to be a better solution!

Praise God that their eyes seemed to be opened and they desired to know about what God had done to save sinners!

Next hear and encouragement from George about two conversations he had with people who were close to Christianity but had misunderstood the person of Jesus and the way to Heaven.

Please be praying for those that heard the message that God would bring them unto salvation!

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The evening at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast started as normal, team prayer and then splitting up to seek out people who were willing to hear the Gospel. For some of the team the night went smoothly with conversation after conversation getting to tell many people about who the Christ is and what He has done! But for others it was hard going with many moments of rejection.

This was the case for eight conversations in a row last night. There was a man, Chris, who was taking drugs as the conversation progressed and after a few minutes he couldn't even really respond or comprehend to continue the discussion. Next two guys were approached and they first said that they didn't care what would happen after they died. They were then joined by two friends who actually seemed interested in talking. Sadly the original two "levered" them away from the conversation and the group were left to consider the absolute seriousness of eternity.

Next was an older gentleman who said his body would be taken by the worms and when challenged about his soul said he would probably go to Hell and said that would be okay because it wasn't going to happen for a while.

Then two couples in a row brushed off the questions saying they were in too much of a hurry to talk. They were both challenged with the seriousness that eternity is the most important topic to consider. When one leaves this world, they don't take their family, friends, house, care, job, savings or pets with them, they leave alone. So the most important question to answer is, "Where will God be sending you, Heaven or Hell?"

The next three all answered the question, "Will God send you to Heaven or Hell after you die?" with the answer, "I don't believe in that" and kept walking.

But then after a long time of short conversations Catlan was asked the same question and began by saying, "Heaven because I look out for other people". Catlan was actually ditched by his girlfriend who walked on but remained for a while to chat. On the basis of his profession of "worthiness" and "goodness" he was shown God's law and was absolutely gobsmacked but he was honest. He said, "I never realised that was God's standard" and honestly answered each different part of the law acknowledging his guilt.

This hit home he said I have misunderstood God all this time, "I just thought it was about trying to live a good life". He saw the desperate position his was in and seemed moved. Sadly as the Gospel was about to be presented his girlfriend called him and he said he would have to head off now. He was grateful for the conversation, took a tract and said he was keen to know more. Please be praying that Catlan's girlfriend will not be able to stop him from hearing the Gospel and that God may do whatever it takes to lead him to a saving knowledge of the truth.

Another conversation was with Michael. He and two others were stopped and the others were Christians. Michael did most of the talking and originally was relatively hostile. Then as he heard the law and the Gospel something just clicked. A drastic change occurred where he wasn't against the message but actively was interested to the point that he requested a Bible! Praise God for his gracious work in the hearts of men!

The final conversation of the evening was with Theo and Natalie. Theo did most of the talking and he was filled with questions. Over the course of a thirty minute discussion he came to understand a large portion of Christianity and how it was the polar opposite to the rest of the religions in this world when it comes to how one gets right before God and the goal of our lives. Theo said he had never heard anything like this before and came to understand the Gospel.

He was actually quite surprised at the beauty of Christianity and was encouraged to study more and actually start reading a Bible for himself!

Praise God that despite some hard hearts he draws people unto Himself in His timing! Please be praying for those spoken to, those who responded positively or negatively that God would use these conversations, questions or tracts to draw His sheep unto Himself!

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Christchurch (NZ) Team

Thursday was hot in Christchurch (NZ).

The day started with some letterbox dropping, before heading to the city.  It is wonderful to have Andy enabled to join the Thursday outreaches due to the support of the Redemption Church Christchurch family - thank you!

I needed to get a document signed in front of an official witness, so I went to the court for this (1 street over from Cashel Mall).  As I went in, I noticed a young construction worker sitting down and enjoying his lunch.  As I was leaving, I noticed he was still there and decided to approach him to offer him a tract.  This opened the door to a wonderful gospel conversation where we wrestled together discussing the important questions of life.

In the late afternoon we headed to the Eastgate bus stops.  As usual, it was a fruitful ground for gospel ministry - with pretty much constant gospel interactions occurring.

A stand out conversation was with a young high school student.  He was waiting for his bus, but was open to a conversation.  I only had 5 minutes before his bus arrived, so I had to go quick, but he seemed to understand the law and gospel message I presented to him.

I moved to the other side of the road, and had another gospel conversation.  And as that wrapped up, and I moved on, I approached another high school student.  But it turned out it was the same guy!  He said he missed his bus - so I took the opportunity to follow up.

I was explaining the paradox of salvation being a gift, and yet it having a great cost.  To my amazement, this young man understood this, and confessed that, effectively, he wanted to trust in Christ, but only after he had done something that he knew Christ wouldn't want him to.  He was wrestling with the cost of following Jesus!  I pleaded with him not to follow through with whatever he was planning, repent, and trust in Christ today.  He gladly took a Bible, and other literature from me.

I could see Andy further down talking with another young man who had just hopped off a bus (pictured).  The outreach was about to finish, so I wandered down to wait for Andy.  To my surprise, the guy I had just finished talking to, wandered down as well.  It turns out these 2 guys were friends!  They both heard the gospel this day and were challenged by it.  May they count the cost, and then trust in Christ.

On Friday, in contrast to Thursday, the rain came.  Not ideal for street evangelism.  But the gospel still went forth.  I donned my wet weather gear and plodded the streets putting tracts in letterboxes.  Andy decided to go into the city anyway, and the Lord blessed him with 4 solid gospel conversations.

In the late afternoon, the rain stopped and the temperature increased.  So the evening outreach in the city went ahead.  And even though the foot traffic was light, many gospel conversations occurred.

One inquisitive young man (in the background of photo), with a Hindu or Buddhist background, seemed to understand the gospel and asked many questions trying to reconcile the information I was sharing with him.  I offered him a Bible and he gladly took it, along with other literature.  He seemed so blessed to receive it as a gift.  May God show him his sin, and the great grace of Jesus our Lord - may he repent and trust in Christ.  May I see him again.

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On Thursday the team headed to Sunnybank and although some members were away, seven labourers still came out. As usual this enabled many conversations to occur over the course of the afternoon. The afternoon due to the bus schedule was mostly shorter introductory conversations.

First was with Ohanlina. She said she believed God exists and that God will judge each person but then went on to declare that God is so good, so he won't have to punish. It was shown that it is actually God's goodness that means He must punish evil.

Next conversation was with Nancy. She was pretty sure she'd be going to Heaven because she said she'd never done anything wrong. She was asked if she'd ever told a lie and admitted that she had but without a moments hesitation she then proceeded to explain why the lies she had told were required and not that bad.

Later a conversation was had with a Sikh couple. The lady did most of the talking and said she too was good and deserved Heaven. She was shown her guilt via the law and then proceeded to say, "I don't think you will be helping us by keeping on talking, we're not at a stage in life to consider this".

In response the absolute seriousness of death and the reality of its possible timing was stressed and they were left with the challenge, "How will you be made right before God?"

A more encouraging conversation was had with Ben. At first he was hesitant to chat but then what ensued was an almost twenty minute discussion where Ben came to understand much of Christianity and instead of being dismissive and not listening he happily engaged and was willing to be challenged. He saw God's Holiness, his own sin, the penalty his sin deserves and the only hope for sinners. He didn't get to be challenged fully as his bus arrived at the end but praise God that a man who originally was dismissive and uninterested was willing to talk and be challenged.

A short conversation was also had with Anna who was willing to chat and saw that God must exist, that He will hold us accountable for how we have lived and therefore that each person is in trouble as long as they are trusting in themselves to get to Heaven. Then her bus arrived.

Lastly the afternoon was finished off with a sad conversation. A young Chinese man was being lead through the Gospel and after hearing a simple apologetic for God's existence was being shown God's law. As the law was being used as a mirror another man who had tried to interrupt earlier made a stronger attempt to stop the conversation and then began to slander the team member. His efforts successfully stopped this other man from hearing the Gospel.

Sadly this man, went on to share how he was a "Christian" but it turned out that he believed baptism and speaking in tongues were required to be saved. He proclaimed to be an evangelist himself but had not only stopped a Gospel conversation from taking place and thwarting a persons opportunity to hear, said that he preferred to just "heal" people and let God do the rest. He was very sternly warned, that as long as he continues to trust in his "good works" to save him, he will be held accountable for wrong deed he has ever done and that happened to include stopping a man from hearing the Gospel.

Please be praying for those who today had the opportunity to hear the Gospel. Please be praying that God would use these tracts, the short conversations had or the questions asked to bring some into His family! Please also pray for this false teacher, that he would either come to know God truly or that God would remove his opportunity and influence. Praise God that he is sovereign and that no events occur that are apart from His plan!

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As the Wednesday outreach began the team were reminded that summer in Australia hasn't quite left yet. Meaning it was a nice and warm day where many people remained in the square to talk and engage. Due to some team members being away on holiday the team started mostly in the shade near the road, where conversations are harder to start as usual, despite many rejections the team were able to get into conversations and and early conversation was had with an older gentleman.

This man asserted that he would be all okay on judgement day because he was a nice guy. He was shown God's law and tried to brush off his guilt by arguing that God forgives all. He was shown God's utter hatred of evil and that therefore someone must pay. He wasn't keen to talk and hear the good news and was very seriously warned of his current eternal destination, Hell.

There were two similar conversations had with Trudi and Elaine. They both were seated in the square in the shade and were approached and asked about eternity. Both had very little idea about God and then slowly but surely heard piece by piece of who God is and what He has asked of us, how we have failed and what the solution is. Both seemed to be understanding, at least in part and were able to articulate back a simple Gospel.

Please be praying for these two that this exposure to Christianity would lead them to search out more, that they would read a Bible, talk to a Christian friend or even come to a saving knowledge simply through this conversation and want nothing more than to trust in Christ alone for their salvation!

Oppositely later in the afternoon two other conversations were had with Andrew and Brendan. Similarly they knew very little about Christianity but instead of listening, engaging and seeking to understand every time a point was raised or they were shown something that made sense they both simply said, "I don't believe that" or "I think that's just true for you". Instead of humbling themselves to hear what God had said they proudly declared their own foolish ideas and to their loss neither of them came to understand the Gospel.

Please be praying that God would graciously show them their pride and show that their are trying to numb their consciences hiding behind their faulty arguments. Please pray that God may open their eyes and enable them to be willing to listen next time an opportunity is provided for them to hear His good news of salvation for sinners.

An interesting conversation was had with Maree an older lady who wasn't able to chat long, said she had a Catholic background but at the same time said no one would know what would happen after we die. She was shown God's law quickly and therefore it was pointed out that no one can get to Heaven based on their goodness. She had to run to a meeting but was encouraged to read the Gospel of John to see who Jesus really is.

There were other conversations where people responded positively, another lady named Marie, who heard the Gospel and asked for a local Church she could attend and Katie who also was so interested she asked for a contact number for a local pastor so she could find out more!

Please be praying for those who heard that they would remember, reflect and want to know more. Please be praying for those who rejected before hearing that God may do as He pleases but that if it is His will He would graciously let them hear the Gospel and for those who responded positively that they would begin to read their Bibles and start attending local Churches coming to know God more and more each day!

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Christchurch (NZ) Team

Today saw the team try a letterbox drop!  Many tracts were distributed to a local Christchurch neighborhood.  May it bear much gospel fruit.

Later in the day, the regular Riccarton outreach occurred with two stand out conversations.

The first was with a Pilipino man who couldn't understand why a Christian would be standing on the foot path trying to talk to people about Jesus.  He was asking questions trying to understand my motivation.  And he seemed to be impressed when he realised my motivations were sincere.

He wanted to know what church I went to (which I told him), but he couldn't stay long enough for me to get into a gospel conversation.  He took tracts, and wanted my contact details (which I gave him), and then we parted ways.  I hope he does get in touch.

It's not unreasonable to believe he might.  Just the other day, I was talking to someone who had to leave, and I said "If you have any further questions, my name is Glen, and you can contact me via the web site (operation513.com) on the back of the tract."  Well, that someone did just that.  We are now in email communication to continue the conversation!

The second conversation was with a young man who had been thinking deeply about the important questions of life just the night before.  He said that our meeting was no coincidence (it never is).  He was keen to stick around and have a deep gospel conversation.

After at least one checking question, I was confident that the gospel message was sinking in.  I challenged this young man that today was the day of salvation, he might not have another.  I pleaded with him to repent and trust in Christ alone.

An encouraging days outreach.  Thank you for your support and prayer.  Get in touch if you'd like to get involved.  :)

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Christchurch (NZ) Team

The first weekend of March saw 3 outreaches: Philippine day in the city, Sumner beach on the Saturday, and our regular Sunday afternoon outreach in the city.

The focus of the Philippine day outreach was handing tracts to all the people coming and going from Cathedral Square.

One very encouraging conversation occurred.  A young couple walked passed as I was handing out Eternity tracts, but the girl came back.  She took the tract, and said: "My friend gave me one of these last week".  I was curious.  I asked if her friend was a Christian.  "No", she said, "she is an atheist, but someone gave it to her last week, and after reading it gave it she gave it to me".  She went on to say that her atheist friend had appreciated it - something about not needing to be perfect.

Well, this gave me an opportunity to build on the knowledge presented in the tract.  I made it to talking about how hell is reasonable in light of a holy and just God.  She agreed, acknowledging the logic of it!  But at this point, she had to go, as her boyfriend - who didn't want to talk - was anxious to go.  I gave her another tract as she parted.  But I was so encouraged to hear of how a simple gospel tract had led to pondering the important questions of life for multiple people.  Oh that they would trust in Christ!

At the Sumner beach outreach, in the afternoon, some good gospel conversations were had.  One of them started as people were watching a World War 2 British fighter plane flying overhead (see picture).  As it flew past, I asked 2 guys on bikes if it was a Spitfire.  This led, eventually, to a gospel conversation!  They both received follow up tracts as well.

Sunday morning my wife told me, as I was about to head off to church early to help with sound set up, that my eldest child was keen to join me on the streets sharing the gospel. I was thinking of taking the afternoon off, but that put some wind in my sails! Outreach on! ;) After church, my wife tells me all 3 of our children are joining me. :)

And what an awesome afternoon it was. There was a team of 9, and there were many good gospel conversations happening.

There were some with less experience, and a fair amount of nerves... but they all handed out some tracts.

God is good. Some real encouragement was received.

May those that heard the gospel come to faith in Christ - for His glory.

Come join this motley crew of fishers of men, out where the fish are! ;)

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Christchurch (NZ) Team

One of my favorite outreaches is at the Eastgate bus stops.

On Thursday, In just 3 hours, I:

• Sat down next to a guy who ended up deliberately missing his bus as he wanted to talk about the important things of life (my very first interaction of the outreach).

 

• Talked with 2 very thoughtful young high school students who had just hopped off a bus but were keen to stay for a chat and seemed very open to the gospel.

 

• Offered a tract to 2 young ladies, 1 of whom was very intent on talking as she was investigating the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses. After explaining the gospel with a special emphasis on the hope of forgiveness that's not based on works, and why Jesus had to be God, she gladly accepted a Bible, gospel booklet, and more tracts. Sadly, I only had 10 minutes with her, as a friend came to "rescue" her from the crazy religious guy (me).

 

• Re-encountered a young man who I had shared the gospel with at Sparks in the Park a couple weeks ago. He had a friend with him who he had discussed what I'd said with. I had a chance to follow up with both of them.

 

• Had a wonderful conversation with another young man who claimed that it wasn't obvious that a building had a builder! He quickly moved the conversation to evolution as his reason for the denial of the obvious. We discussed this till his bus came, but he left with some tracts - including a special one with an emphasis on evolution and God.

And those are just the highlights, I can think of at least 7 other interactions, not including the tracts handed out.

And Daniel was with me, who was talking with people as well.

Why am I saying this? Not to toot my horn - that's for sure. But to show that there is a massive opportunity to minister the gospel in Christchurch.

The laborers are few. And good conversation days like this are exhausting.  Please continue to pray for the laborers that are out where the fish are.

On Friday, the team were in the central city.  Air NZ were having a give away in Cathedral Square and this attracted many people to also have gospel conversations.

Later, there was some open air preaching happening and our "favorite" heckler was there (pictured).

The outreach finished in Cashel Mall with flip chart gospel conversations.

Please consider joining the team! :) Even once a fortnight can mean many more are reached with the precious message of Jesus.

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