Battle Log

• Battle Log
• Page 150

Christchurch (NZ) Team

There was much opposition to the gospel on a hot summers day.  And yet, much time was spent in fruitful conversations - all glory to God.  Cathedral Square ended up being the place to be, after a slow start in Cashel Mall.

Kelvin, the Square's resident busker, was in full swing, so I decided to do some walk up conversations while waiting for him to take a break before preaching.

My first conversation was with a young man on holiday from South Africa who turned out to be a PK (pastor's kid), but wasn't sure if he would go to heaven.  After discussion, it turned out he thought salvation hinged on works.  And so after explaining the law, a careful explanation of salvation by grace alone was given, with a clarification that works is an evidence of our faith, not required to be saved.  This man had 2 friends with him, and 1 in particular thanked me for taking the time to speak to them (after initially not being interested in the conversation).

But it was when I started preaching that the opposition came, I noticed hecklers gathering, and then as I was finishing up, our main - and most vocal - heckler turned up and stared getting stuck in.  This was wonderful, because it drew a small crowd of people keen to have a laugh at the foolish Christian.  But the gospel was preached to them, with a call to repentance and faith in Christ.  And the fruit was the 3 follow up conversations that occurred after, and because of, the preaching!  Although our heckler tried to interrupt 2 of those private conversations - it only added weight to the importance of what was being talked about.

By this stage, another outreach team member had arrived, and we decided to go back to Cashel to get a break from the heckling.  1 great conversation was had there, but then a man with some mental health issues took exception to us and was mumbling threatening and bad language at us.  There was no reasoning with this man, so we backed away and moved back to Cathedral Square, by this time our heckler had departed and we again had some fruitful conversations, including with a very open hearted young lady who was ready for a new start in life and took a Bible and gospel booklet.

Praise God that He allows opposition, and yet seems to use that for His own purposes and the benefit of the gospel!  Always be humble and gracious, but don't let opposition stop you from sharing the vital message of the gospel!

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Timaru (NZ) Team

Greetings :)

While visiting my brother in Christchurch, I teamed up with Glen Richards (Operation 513 Christchurch) for a New Year’s Outreach. On a lighter note- I left a braai(bbq) to join the Outreach and anyone who knows South Africans knows that’s a big deal ;) 

We met up with another Christchurch local (Philip) and then proceeded to a New Year’s family event in Christchurch cbd. Philip and Glen setup their flip charts in different places and I went back and forth between them, handing out tracts. Philip has two really good conversations, before he joined up with us. While Glen was engaged in a conversation, I took over his Flipchart and got into good, long and sad conversation with two young agnostics (Fergus & Callum). Fergus was really enthusiastic, but sadly it seems to argue for argument’s sake, while his friend just quietly and patiently listened.

In the end Glen, Philip and I all talked, reasoned and pleaded with them; presenting the Law & Gospel to them as best as we could. At one stage an elderly man and his wife joined the group conversation and presented some “interesting Christian” views; we politely listened and then brought the conversation back to main points of the message.

Right up to the end Fergus, still wanted to continue with “Yes, but...”,’and I lovingly and firmly reminded him that it’s either ‘Yes’ or sadly ‘No’. In the end we all shook hands, said happy New Year to each other and the elderly couple, Fergus & Callum all left with tracts. Glen also had other positive conversations (please see his report- Operation 513 Christchurch). 

God Bless.

 

 

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The ministry of Operation 513 sharing the Gospel in the streets is truly being blessed by God's Sovereign Hand in all locations He has given. And we know each week the people we meet here at Warwick have already been prepared by God to hear from His Word. This is His work and we are privileged to be able to serve and trust Jesus to do what is needed in the hearts of the people. His Word by His Spirit is always true and all we need. He is with us!!

It is always a good day to be sharing the Gospel and we have handed out all the Christmas tracts we had in stock and started on what other ones we had. Even though the ice breaker in the tracts may start differently the message is the same as it leads into the bad news that we all have broken God's laws we are sinners then the good news of the solution to our greatest need to be made right with our Holy God found only in Jesus our saviour. So every tract really is the Christmas and Easter message which is the Glorious Gospel. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. The message of Easter being of victory over sin and death, Jesus is alive! such good news Jesus calls us to believe and receive and share with others.

We chatted with a man that said he couldn't read - he didn't want to engage much but said his wife helps him with the Bible.

We encouraged him that he could look into audio Bible. He has a tract for his wife so pray for P that his wife will read the message to him and he remember what we have spoken from God's Word.

One long conversation we had was with a young man B. He openly admitted to sin as we took him through the good person test. He was not wanting to get close to us and blocking the path for others. He eventually came a bit closer it seemed

he was convicted of sin but not seeing the seriousness of the consequences which are Eternal, we see conviction as a good thing not bad because that is God at work in a heart.

We explained the need for Eternal righteousness and warned of the hell punishment for all who reject the kind offer of Jesus to save us and that we need to turn to Jesus in thankfulness for all He has done, as we won't want to give up sin until we have a changed heart, born again to new life in Christ. There is nothing more important than our Eternal need in Jesus.

We went through the flip chart and again the wrath punishment we all deserve, Jesus willingly bore in our place and the message that we need to put our faith in what He has done for us and know the Christmas message points to the Easter message of the cross and Jesus defeating sin and death by rising to life 3 days later. B has been given tracts and resources and we hope and pray he and others that have heard the call to be saved will respond with grateful hearts.

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To bring in the New Year the team did back to back evangelism. First in the afternoon starting in Capalaba and later in the evening in Brisbane City. The afternoon was filled with conversations, some very encouraging! And the evening resulted in 12,500 tracts being handed out and a range of other conversations! And as the clock struck twelve the team were celebrating God's gracious gift of another year in the midst of telling others about Him.

The stand out conversation from Capalaba was with five people at first, Joel and Johnny, were engaging but being quite silly. These young men were trying to avoid the seriousness of the uncomfortable topic of God's judgement against our sin by being silly. Thankfully after a few minutes they left, leaving Connor, Presley and Ivy. The conversation with these three then took the next hour as they listened intently and happily engaged. Following as the Gospel was explained and then asking question after question about Christianity, God and the implications the Gospel has on our lives.

It was a rare conversation but one that was an immense privilege to be there for. Connor at first was against the idea of God. Ivy was as well but Presley wanted to simply believe in a higher power (distant enough to not care how we live). The conversation went on to reveal the reasons they desired God to be like this and the answer was shown clearly, they love living how they want and they don't want there to be any eternal consequences.

Each in their own way was challenged seriously about the choice they would make, to reject Christ or surrender to Him. Please be praying that as the team runs into these guys in the future that God will be working in their hearts, bringing them to a saving knowledge of the truth!

Later in the evening in Brisbane City, there were a number of conversations. One guy, Jarier who had listened in to a conversation on Saturday night dropped past. Sadly he was playing a very silly game, know as, "that's your truth, I have mine". To avoid any sense of accountability or judgement he would just pretend that it wasn't true because he didn't believe it.

Jarier was left with a very strong warning, that pretending someone doesn't exist, doesn't actually get you out of trouble. The only solution to sin and guilt is to find the one who can deal with it, rather than pretending it doesn't exist.

Around 11pm, some of the team had a quick food break at McDonalds. Due to the immense crowds, the waiting time was long and this allowed for a number of conversations to be had.

First was with Harry. He heard of God and how we know He exists, then he was lead through God's law, revealing sin. It was at this stage Harry got squirmish. He saw that he was guilty and if he was to die tonight, would end up in Hell. But when he was asked what the solution was he didn't want to think about it any longer.

During this conversation, a young couple standing in front were awkwardly trying not to listen, to the point that they walked away to avoid having to hear the conversation.

Next was Diaz, who likewise thought he was a good person and would be fine on judgement day. His wife, didn't want to listen but he happily stayed and talked until his food was ready. Diaz heard the Bad News but he had to go and collect his food before the Good News could be fully explained. He did take a tract though.

Lastly in McDonalds was a couple, Izzy and Alistair. Alistair said he hadn't thought about it much but Izzy had lots of questions. It was a good conversation and the pair left with a tract and the challenge to open up a Bible and read the Gospel of John this year.

Please be praying for those who heard the Gospel in the queue for food, that each of them would seriously think about their own eternity this coming year and heed the advice, to read the Word.

As you finish reading this encouragement from the final day of 2018, consider how you can seek to engage the people around you, with the time God has given you with the Gospel, in 2019.

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Christchurch (NZ) Team

The first New Year's Eve outreach for the Christchurch team, so we didn't know what to expect.  A free event, with entertainment, was being held at North Hagley Park, so we figured that would be the place to be to share the gospel with any willing to listen.  We set up flip charts outside to catch the flow of people coming and going.  And the evening of outreach was a success with many quality conversations occurring.

Before even arriving at the event, 3 sets of gospel conversations were had by 1 of the team in Cashel Mall - there weren't many people there, but those that were were open to a chat.  The "Can You Name Ten Beers?" tract was used to get conversations rolling - with much success.  An example of that was when 4 young men walked passed and were asked that question.  They enthusiastically worked together to get 10 (and wouldn't stop till they had!).  They were very engaged.  The question was then posed: "Can You Name the Ten Commandments?".  The first one they came up with was lying - so it was asked: "have you lied?".  The next one they said was stealing...  The script was writing itself!  And these 4 young men, became sober as an understanding of the serious nature of sin dawned on them.  They went to a Catholic school and they started saying: "but God forgives, right?".  It was then a privilege to explain how God can forgive, through Jesus taking the justice we deserve on the cross, and rising again to give us hope!  And then carefully explaining that we are saved by God's grace, alone, through faith, alone, in Jesus, alone.  May they heed the call to repent and believe the gospel!  Many other conversations were had, including 1 long discussion with 2 young men (pictured).

Thanks to the Timaru team for the help with this outreach!  Looking forward to doing it again next year, God willing.

 

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The Christmas outreaches of 2018 in Brisbane have concluded and we praise God for what He has done through the team over these past 2 weeks.

With 47,000 gospel tracts going out into people's hands, as well as 500 Christmas children's DVDs and hundreds of gospels of John, please be praying that God will save many. Thank God that He sustained our voices, our bodies and that He used us for His glory.

Please consider joining the team for any of our outreaches in Australia, NZ, or the UK: https://www.operation513.com/street-evangelism-teams/

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Christchurch (NZ) Team

One day, it's a drought, the next it's a down pour.  That's how it felt between yesterdays outreach and todays.  Yesterday, no one was interested in stopping for a chat, but today it was non-stop conversations!  A shorter outreach today, as most of the team are away on holiday, and I am heading off for 2 days camping, this afternoon, myself.  Praise God for re-creation.

The outreach started with a fire incident!  Luckily it was a false alarm, but it did provide opportunity to hand out tracts.

After some walk up gospel conversations in Cashel St and Hereford St, I set up my flip chart at the entrance to Cathedral Square.  This is a great spot on Friday's as there are lots of stalls and food carts in the Square.

Some highlight conversations:

1) This one was devastating: an older man was keen for a chat but shared that he had terminal cancer and only had 6 months to live!  I shared my heart felt condolences, and listened to him share his story.  But sadly, every attempt to swing the conversation to eternal life was swiftly shut down.  And he wouldn't accept a tract.  There is nothing more I could do, but while he is alive, there is still hope - I pray that God would continue to bring him upon the path of Christians who he will be open to listen to the gospel.  It could be you.  Are you ready?

2) I then had a series of conversations that all rolled into each other.  It started with a young man walking right up to the flip chart and wanting to know what it was about.  He seemed to understand the message, but, sadly, there was a resistance to it.  Then another man on a bike stopped and wanted to know what it was about.  He was willing to sit down and wait his turn!  But when the first man had left, and the man with the bike had his turn, he also seemed to understand, and yet, sadly, also rejected it.  Yet they both seemed to appreciate what I was doing.  My prayer is that God would use the gospel seeds sown today - and the law, which ploughs the heart - to bring a conviction of sin and lead them to repentance and faith anyway.  I've done my part, it is in God's hands.  Finally, while I was talking with the man on the bike, an old work mate walked past and wanted to chat!  I couldn't talk to both, and so, sadly, I didn't get to have that chat - but he did take a tract.  When it rains it pours! ;)

The outreach ended with preaching in Cathedral Square in speaker's "corner".  I started a bit earlier than normal, as a 2 man band has started playing when we normally preach on Fridays.  But the local buskers tolerate us, and allowed me to share the gospel with any that could hear my voice.  I was then able to have a follow up conversation with a lady who had listened.  Our resident heckler turned up, just as I was finishing up (good timing!).  I thank God for the freedom I had to share the gospel today.  What a privilege it is to have this freedom!  A work has been established in Christchurch, I want to encourage you to come out and get involved!  No experience is required, God uses people of all gifts, abilities, and ages to share his simple message.  Please get in touch today.

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Christchurch (NZ) Team

Today ended up being a day where few people would stop for a tract or to do the flip chart.  But instead many conversations occured after simply approaching people to start a conversation.  Yes, I know that sounds completely un Kiwi like!  But I was surprised how open people were to it.  And often expecting a rejection, I would get people very keen to talk about the important subjects of life!  Now you might be thinking - that's easy for you, you are gifted at this, that's why you are an evangelist.  No, I'm terrified of it, and I'm just as gifted as you (actually, I'm sure many reading this would be way better than me).  But out of my love for God and people, I have learnt to overcome my fears.  And so can you.  You can do this, I encourage you to get involved with the Great Commission.

2 examples from today:

1) Twin guys were encountered and approached in Cathedral Square, they were open to a conversation and I made it up to the 3rd of 4 commandments of the law that show us our sin before they needed to leave suddenly.  They took tracts, but I was sad that they weren't able to hear of the amazing grace of Jesus.  But later, when I was in Cashel Mall with my flip chart, the twins and their family walked past!  The family and 1 of the twins didn't want to stop, and kept walking, but 1 of the twins stopped, and wanted to know what the 4th question was!  He had open ears as I was able to talk about the last of the 4 commandments: adultery (and just looking with lust is adultery of the heart!) and then, with the context of the law showing the seriousness of sin, I was able to share the good news of Jesus.  Praise God that He directed the steps of this young man so he could hear the whole presentation.  May He save him for His glory.

2) Feeling a bit discouraged from the slow day, and because I was feeling the fear of man, I decided to head for home 15 minutes early.  Realising that this was not the attitude of a good leader, I ended up deciding to try handing out tracts to the people sitting in the mall as I was heading to my car.  And I was so encouraged that the first guy I approached was very open and keen for a chat.  I was able to sit down with him for about 20 minutes as he was waiting for his wife and children to come out of a shop.  When he was young, he had been one of Jehovah's Witnesses, and so the conversation centered around the deity of Jesus and the reality of Hell, but the key thing that was discussed was the subtle but very important distinction between salvation through grace alone, and salvation through grace plus works.  Through out the discussion, I always tried to come back to the serious nature of sin, and the gospel of Jesus - as it's only the gospel which is the power of God for salvation: Romans 1:16.

Photo: 1 of the few flip chart conversations of the day for the team.  Did you know, that the Summer Sale is On Now?!  Up to 60%! ;)

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Christchurch (NZ) Team

The first Boxing Day outreach for the Christchurch team occurred today. It's hard to remember a time when so many people were in Cashel Mall! It's wonderful to see the central city coming back to life as shops and facilities re-establish post the terrible earthquakes 8 years ago.

And with more people comes more opportunity to share the gospel. Labourers for the harvest required, no experience needed, please apply within! :)

So many conversations today were with people who had had a connection to Christianity but didn't understand the simple gospel message of the grace of Jesus. What an honour to have the opportunity to correct that. May God use our feeble efforts in sharing the gospel to bring salvation for His glory.

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Redcliffe (QLD) Team

It was an extremely hot day today with the mercury rising to 37’C and high humidity. The weather wasn’t perfect, but we still went out to share the gospel with as many people as we could.

Over the past few months we have noticed that Redcliffe seems to be progressively becoming harder ground. People seem apathetic towards Christian things and dismissive of the gospel. Today that ground was as hard as ever; yet we still saw the gospel go forth.

Since it is Christmas in a few days, we decided that we would hand out copies of “The Essential Jesus,” which is Luke’s Gospel, so that people could read the Christmas story for themselves. Over the course of two hours we handed out around 50 books. We also handed out a couple of hundred tracts.

As the day progressed some people stopped to talk. Several atheists expressed their displeasure at us being there, and a group of Jehovah Witnesses gathered to engage us; but they quickly retreated when we spoke about the deity of Jesus.

We also saw several young people come up saying they had never read the Christmas story, so they would like a copy of our book. The West which once flourished with the gospel is now becoming a new dark continent.

Please pray for all those we spoke to, who took tracts, and who received the Scripture. May the Lord Jesus save them.

SDG!

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