Battle Log

• Battle Log
• Page 159

South-East England (UK) Team

I only had a few days notice that a mini-gay pride parade was to take place on the 15th of September through the town centre in Basildon. 

I got the meeting point early and hardly anyone was there.  I was going to start preaching from one corner at the meeting point when the organiser, Mr. Burton-Sampson, showed up with flag and banners in hand.  I went up to him and he kindly  let me ask him some questions. 

I first asked him whether the intention of the gay community was to silence Christians. I quoted a gay publication" LGBTQ+ Goldsmith" that said that those who disagreed with the homosexual agenda deserved the gulag.  He was not aware of the article.  Mr. Burton-Sampson was aware that the Bible defined the rainbow as God's covenant with Noah and pride was viewed as detestable by God. I was hoping he could define what was hateful in these Biblical symbols.

I then offered to define a gay philosophy based on Michel Foucault.  He picked up on that and listened to Foucault's definition of the post-modern mindset.  "If you love what I love, I will love you.  If you hate what I love, I will hate you".  Then I added, "But Jesus said, love those who hate you". Mr. Sampson replied, "Oh, I'm a Christian!".  But he didn't go to any local church because they wouldn't accept him. 

By that time we were surrounded by six police officers and I felt that it was time to leave.  I walked past the police van and started preaching further down the town centtre.  I expected the parade to start shortly, but it still hadn't started an hour later.  I had some good conversations with a number of people.  I was handing out tracts and preaching, which is a bit unusual.  Many were happy to see someone out there.  I only caught the names of Tom, the window washer, and his daughter and Paul, the heroin addict, who was out of the "slammer".

I was worn out after 50 minutes of preaching, so I left.  The parade still hadn't started, but maybe 30 people were standing around at the gathering point.

---

This afternoon the team took three flip charts onto the streets of Brisbane city. Even whilst stationed in the same location, at one moment, a fourth was required! Thankfully there was a mini flipchart that was able to be used. If there was any better display of how effective the flipcharts are, have a look at the photo. Four conversations taking place, within five metres, each using a flip chart to share the Gospel! (If you want to use a flipchart for your Gospel witness they can be purchased here).

The first conversation of the afternoon was had with Bastion and Damian, two tourists. Damian professed to be a Christian but knew nothing of the Gospel and Bastion thought that there was no God. After the simply "buildings need a builder" analogy and a run through of the flip chart, both men were left to ponder the question, "When will you turn from sin, to Jesus, for your salvation?"

Throughout the scattering of conversations across the afternoon there were a few other stand outs. A surprising one was with a man named Cameron, from Scotland. He said he had never thought about God or eternity (which was a surprise, considering he is from Scotland, the home of Presbyterianism).

He wasn't against the idea of God and after a simple ten minute Gospel presentation he said he would have to consider Jesus' command to repent and believe. He did have to leave but he noted that he was thankful that the Gospel had been shared and that he was offered salvation.

Please be praying that the offer is not just acknowledged but also accepted.

Another conversation was with Alex and Olivia. This was a fairly standard, "I don't believe in God" conversation. It started with many arguments, many attempts to use different smoke-screens to avoid God's Holiness and judgement but as the conversation went on, Alex, who was originally the one raising the most objections was silenced.

This occurred as it was pointed out consistently throughout the conversation that the real reason we reject God, isn't intellectual or theological. Instead, we reject God because God's existence means that there is a day of judgement coming, a day on which all of humanity, if judged by their actions will stand eternally condemned.

Alex, didn't have an argument against this, he simply would pause as the criticism was let hang. Olivia on the other hand had many more direct questions about Christianity. As the conversation drew to a close and the Gospel was re-emphasised they could hardly believe the dramatic change that Christianity has in someone's life.

It was a real eye opener for them to hear that as Christian's we will love and forgive others even despite the wrongs they do to us because we have been loved and forgiven infinitely more than we will ever be asked love or forgive.

Please be praying that this discussion would leave them not just in "awe" of Christians rather, in awe of the God and Saviour of said Christians.

Another beautiful conversation was had with two men who were openly homosexual. The best part about this conversation with Peter and PJ was that it was not even raised in the conversation as a reason to disbelieve in God. Rather throughout the entire conversation there was a solemn and serious consideration of what God had said to His creation.

The conversation lasted almost forty five minutes and at the end, PJ said he wasn't sure if he wanted to trust in God because it wasn't "that appealing". The beauty and glory of the Gospel was explained, the cost and choice was set before Him and PJ was challenged to not just understand the Gospel but to turn from His life of rebellion to the Saviour.

Peter on the other hand had stressed that he wasn't sure if God really cared because of the life of suffering he had. It was explained that although we suffer in this life, whether it be in small amounts or large, there is a very real sense in which we deserve it. (It was explained that we don't suffer in this life based on how much we've sinned, rather that the suffering we deserve is the eternal wrath of God in Hell). But that God most certainly wasn't absent in suffering because He had taken His own "medicine", He had come, as the only innocent one and suffered the full fury and wrath we deserve.

God isn't just a passive observer rather and active participant in the salvation of sinners, going so far as to become apart of His creation, suffering His own eternal wrath for the very ones who had rebelled against Him. He is the actively involved, loving and merciful God.

The final conversation of the afternoon came with just fifteen minutes left. It was prayed that God would use this conversation specifically so that one whom He had chosen would hear the Gospel.

With around one hundred people in King George square at any moment and no prompting from God was given, a man who was wearing a Richmond hat was approached (on that basis) and was asked what he thought would happen after he died.

This man, Gary, went on to explain his beliefs and ideas and throughout the conversation and all the while hearing God's standards, God's authority and God's offer of salvation.

During the conversation Gary went on to mention that over the past few days he had been considering ending his own life and had prayed to God that he would send someone to share hope with him. This was a moment of real excitement.

The problem of sin was presented, that Gospel was explained. Gary's questions were answered and Gary was left with the commands of Jesus, to repent and believe and that doing so will result in, "life in His name".

Please be praying for Gary, that he will turn from his attempts to find satisfaction in this the fleeting things of this life. Please be praying that Gary would come to no longer trust in himself but to rely entirely upon Jesus for saving!

Thank you for your continued prayer support. Please also prayerfully consider joining the team at any spare moment, that you too may be able to proclaim the Glories of God to the sinners of your local area!

---

This afternoon in Capalaba again God was gracious in keeping the rain away during the outreach. At the beginning of the outreach the team prayed that God would delay or fast track buses as He desired to bring about, lengthen or even shorten conversations as required.

Usually conversations at Capalaba last for less than fifteen minutes due to the bus schedule but the first conversation of the afternoon was with a man named Niel. This conversation lasted almost fifty minutes! It was a valuable conversation.

One of the crucial things that has been used recently in evangelism is explaining sin through the story of Adam and Eve in the garden. This is because most people know of the garden but very few know what the sin was or how they were tempted. When it is explained that Satan's temptation is simply that Adam and Eve can determine right and wrong for themselves, most people are shocked.

But with this basis and grounding, it can be referred to over and over as the root of all sin and every time someone says, "I would do it differently to God", it can be pointed out, that foolishness is in the very same vein as the sin that started this whole problem.

In the conversation with Niel, this was relied upon strongly and referred to often. Niel had many different objections, although none were the usual intellectual ones. Most were emotional, experiential or simply rebellious. 

Over the course of this lengthy conversation Niel slowly went from being quite sure of his rejection of God to being quite open to considering what God has done to save sinners. With the Gospel emphasised a number of times and many theological topics covered, Niel finally said that he would consider reading the Bible and attending a local Church.

He didn't seem completely committed but at the same time his words weren't entirely empty either. Please be praying that this man who has said he is, "Waiting for God". Will be greatly moved by God and shall not be able to sleep another night until he is right with Him.

Another conversation was had with a lady named Jordan. At first she said she was an atheist but more meant that she thought most (if not all) Christians were simply hypocrites. It was interesting that she raised that and for the first time a new method of evangelism was used, firstly asking what she thought the main point of Christianity is.

To which she boldly declared, "Love your neighbour as yourself". Then it was explained through three statement of Jesus, with discussion on each, what the Gospel really is. Jesus said, "You must be Holy as your Heavenly Father is Holy". He said, "The righteous will be resurrected unto eternal life and the unrighteous to eternal punishment" and He said, "I come not to be served but to serve and give my life as a ransom for many".

With these three points discussed each in some level of depth, Jordan not only declared that we are all in trouble and no one deserves Heaven but upon understanding the penal substitutionary atonement of the cross said that she had her mind opened to what Christians really believed and said she was not as against it anymore.

This was encouraging, it was a small step and as she finished saying this her bus arrived (a few minutes late). Praise God for another moment of providence for the advancement of the Gospel.

Please also be praying that Jordan isn't satisfied with the new and small understanding of God and His Gospel but will desire to know God personally and intimately.

Finally a conversation was had with Bruce and Asian man who said he had received a tract last week at Sunnybank. Through the conversation the Gospel was explained a number of times until he understood it and upon understanding it he said, "I think I want to trust in Jesus now!" This was an exciting moment and when offered a local Church he said he would be keen to head along!

Praise God for using tracts and simple Gospel conversations to bring about regenerated hearts and saved souls.

Please be praying for those who were spoken to today, even for brief conversations. Please be praying that God would save many for His glory as a result of today's simple display of obedience.

---

Myanmar (Burma) Short Term Missions

This video was a little slow in making it to the net but rest assured it is one well worth watching. 

Hear Glen share about a conversation he had with a Monk which was enabled because of a previous interaction had with another team member.

Hear Natalie share about an exciting conversation she had with an Burmese Australian who had run into and spoken with the team, two times prior before speaking with her.

Please keep the last outcomes of the conversations had and the tracts handed out, in your prayers, to the Sovereign Saviour!

---

Hear two team members, sharing about conversation they had this past Friday.

Matt had a serious chat with a man who was hoping that he would be okay before God on judgement day because his father is a priest. It was stressed and explained that only those in Christ, purchased by His blood are right before God.

George had a really encouraging conversation with a couple, who at first were "offended" even by the thought of talking about the Bible but through gentle words, the common desire for truth and the softening of the heart by the Spirit, George was able to have a lengthy and impactful conversation!

Please be praying for these conversations and also keep all those who receieved tracts, were spoken to or were asked a question to ponder, that God would use these events to bring about His glory, however He desires!

---

Today Sunnybank was a hive of conversations. With the usual school traffic not around, the team thought there may not be as many people but much to their delight, more people than usual were using the bus stations and as a result many heard the Gospel.

An early conversation was had with Jacob. This was an unusual conversation because he was European and yet still believed in God. The vast majority of European's that the team speaks to are atheistic. It was interesting to find that Jacob was not against the idea of God but was just happily living in sin.

The law of God was bought to bear on his life and conscience and Jacob said that it worried him that, if he died tonight, he would end up in Hell. When asked how that could be solved, Jacob sadly had no idea. As the very beginnings of the Gospel were explained his bus arrived and he had to leave.

He took a tract and said he would read it. Please be praying that he would come to a saving knowledge of the truth!

Another conversation was had with two SDA girls. They sadly had been taught that God had no wrath, that Jesus wasn't suffering God's judgement on the cross and that sin is dealt with simply by death.

When asked about specifics regarding how people are saved, the girls knew very little. It was sad to hear that they had so little understanding of the Gospel. Over the course of a short discussion and explanation and with many questions asked, they seemed to begin to understand but it was hard to help them see a life to of mis-truths they had been sewn.

Thankfully they took tracts and were happy to have spoken with the team.

A young man who was on a quick break from work spoke to the team. He had heard of Jesus and knew a little about Him but didn't understand the significance of what Christ did at the cross. This was explained, the response we are to have was explained and Nick headed back inside to work, with new information about Christ.

Nick didn't seem overly excited or phased but please be praying that this glorious truth would leave more than an intellectual mark but would be the very thing that leads Nick to trust in Jesus alone as His Lord and Saviour.

One other exciting conversation was with Chloe. She is at the bus stop at the same time every week but sadly over previous weeks had not been interested to talk. This week she did engage and was happy to interact as the introduction to the Gospel was given.

God's existence was explained, His purpose for humanity and this world was explained and the dire problem of sin and its consequence of Hell was articulated. Chloe acknowledged that it made sense but that she wasn't really phased because she had decided (on the basis of her upbringing) that God didn't really exist.

Please be praying that Chloe not only reads the tract that she was given but that her life will be forever changed as she doesn't just acknowledge that God exists but that she too would turn to Him as her only hope before a Holy God.

---

This afternoon was filled with exciting conversations! May God be glorified for the conversations he bought along, the words he gave to speak and the changes that occurred in the hearts of those who heard the Word!

Right at the beginning of this afternoon's outreach a young man named Addison was engaged in a conversation. The conversation started with him rejecting God almost entirely and also going down a few other scary paths.

After almost ninety minutes and many questions being asked and answered, the Gospel being shared and his heart being softened Addison went from his defensive position against God to being interested in God, in the Bible and even excited at the idea of attending a local Church!

He even stated, "You are the first Christian that I have spoken to that is intelligent and able to explain what they believe. Everything you have said makes a lot of sense, I am glad you spoke to me today!"

After hearing the Good News of God's love for sinners, placed in its backdrop against the desperate state humans are in and what they deserve from God, Addison seemed moved and asked, "So is that it, what should I do now?"

Addison at the end said, "Thank you for being so kind, patient and willing to talk, I think you've changed my mind." What a glorious conversation! Please keep Addison in your prayers, that God may use this conversation to draw him to Himself!

On the back of that conversation another one was started with James, who said, "I have been thinking about this a lot lately and was thinking to myself, I should really learn more about Christianity!" 

After a thirty minute conversation James not only was extremely grateful for the conversation but said he had a new found and exciting understanding of Christianity. It was stressed that simple information isn't enough but that Jesus commands us to, on the basis of this truth, to repent and believe in Him.

James too expressed an immense gratitude for the time taken to talk with him and said he would have to consider what was said as well!

Two brothers David and Matthew sat and listened, to the Gospel, as well as engaged and asked questions. These young men as well went from not really caring to being interested in talking. They didn't seem as outwardly moved as the other two but were at least happy to take tracts and consider what was said.

Another conversation was had with Thea, a young lady previously spoken to. She said she hadn't changed her opinion since last time but this time as Hell, Sin, Heaven and the Gospel was explained she seemed moved, differently to last time. 

The previous conversation had been almost ninety minutes long and included her boyfriend doing most of the talking, this one on the other hand, was one on one and far shorter but seemed more impactful.

Lastly, Tiana was spoken to. Tiana had a lot of her own ideas and beliefs, most of which she had come to be her own thoughts and ideas but Tiana said two extremely encouraging comments in the conversation. Firstly, she said, "I normally wouldn't talk to my friends of family about this because it gets too heated, so I am really glad I was able to speak with you about it!"

Secondly she said, "I normally also get quite defensive and attacking in this sort of conversation but you have been really nice, so I am glad we got to speak about this".

This afternoon was one filled with excitement, great conversations and most importantly, the proclamation of the Gospel. Please be fervent over the next couple of days, lifting these men and women up to God in prayer, asking that He would be gracious and merciful in granting them each repentance that leads to life!

What a privilege it is to serve the living God!

---

Timaru (NZ) Team

The evangelism outreach in Timaru, New Zealand served a dual purpose. One was to engage in evangelism & the other was to explore where a gospel literature table & flip chart could be set up.

One person from my home church turned up, but unfortunately couldn’t stay long. The encouragement, though brief was nonetheless most welcome. A few more church members promised to come out in future; please pray they will be able to.

Tracting was a bit knit-one-skip one ito people taking tracts  :) I’m used to big city (Auckland) foot traffic & still getting used to rural nature of Timaru ‘s foot traffic. Unfortunately no conversations, but it was good to get out  :)

Looking to set up a flip chart & gospel literature table near the flower boxes & to the right of the park sign. Prayers appreciated for that as well - Thanks.

---

On Monday the team decided to use the "Queens Birthday" public holiday to publicly declare the King's death, burial and resurrection. Due to the relaxed nature of the day, many Gospel conversations were had. 

One exciting conversation was had with an old friend, who was interested in asking some questions to understand what I believed as a Christian and why I lived as I did. It was encouraging to see an interest shown, not just in criticising but a willingness to listen and understand.

The questions began with why the team evangelises. It was explained that it is for three reasons, gratefulness to God, obedience to God and love for those who are perishing. Through a range of other questions, what Heaven and Hell was explained. Most importantly it was shared (although not in the greatest depth), that being a Christian is not about being a good person, so that God will love you. Rather it is about God loving and saving bad people, so that He may be glorified. 

All in all, it was a worthwhile engagement and hopefully there will be more questions asked in the future.

Another more conventional conversation was had with Caitlin. She noted that she had never thought about God before and it hadn't really even crossed her mind. She did mention that she had been to a Catholic school but that was about the extent of her time.

But this didn't stop her from hearing the Gospel. She was on her lunch break, so was limited in time but she happily engaged as she ate her sandwiches. The building builder analogy was given, she said this made sense. God's purpose in Creation was explained and how it is God's purpose for us, that we have willfully rebelled against and how God will hold us accountable for our actions.

She said this made sense and actually displayed worry on her face that she was not right with God but if she stood before Him that very night, she would be in trouble. Caitlin then asked how that she could be made right with God. The Gospel was explained, including the simple analogies clarifying repentance and faith and Caitlin said she would think about it as she finished her shift that afternoon.

It was a very similar conversation with Declan. He had never thought about it and with the same simple Gospel presentation he engaged, was willing to listen and said he too would consider what God has said.

A more lengthy conversation was had with Rose, a Catholic from Asia. Usually in a conversation with Catholics, the Gospel presentation is given then questions at the end are sustained. On this occasion it seemed right to come from the Old Testament to the New to consider and explain the differences between the two. 

Rose was asked what she thought saved people in the Old Testament. She shared that it was their good works, adherence to the law and subsequently sacrifices to pay for sins. It was pointed out that there is no sacrifice in all of the Old Testament that a Jew could do to pay for sin. Not one. There is no sacrifice that a Jew could do that could cover over a lie, theft, adultery. Except for "The Day of Atonement", which was a one a year sacrifice, for the entirety of the sins of Israel.

God in His mercy, had provided a "covering" (you can read Leviticus 16 for details) but this sacrifice, of a single goat, very clearly to everyone didn't cover for Israel's sin. As Hebrews points out, the blood of bulls and goats cannot atone for one single sin.

Rose was asked what she thought was meant by Jesus when He said He came not to abolish the law and the prophets but to fulfill them. She said that Jesus is simply the Messiah as promised by the Old Testament. It was explained that although that is definitely a part of what Jesus fulfilled, He was far more than that. The conversation was then taken to Leviticus 16, via Exodus, then to Hebrews 1. It was explained that in the design of the Tabernacle there was one piece of furniture missing. There were altars, candles, tables... but there was nothing on which to sit down. Why? Because the work of making atonement was never complete. The work of a priest was never done. Sin was not atoned for.

Then Hebrews was pointed out, that Jesus our Great High Priest and Atoning Sacrifice, "after making purification for sins, He sat down. For the first time in all of human history, a Priest sat down. The work of purification was finished!

This lengthy explanation took a little while for Rose to understand, with some other simple explanations she came to understand but still wasn't quite sure how it was relevant. Two final stresses were made about the word ransom. That it is the faithfulness of the one paying the ransom that saves, rather than the one being ransomed.

She had also mentioned that we make "reparation" or small atonements before God by denying ourselves in small ways (like not eating chocolate for a week or the like). It was really emphasised that Jesus' is the "atoning sacrifice".

Rose said she now understood the opposite nature of the protestant understand of the Gospel and what the Catholics teach. She was left to consider, which one accurately represented the Bible and was called to turn from trusting in herself, to surrendering to Christ.

Please be praying for the first two who asked questions, that the answers given would lead to more questions and a desire for God. Please pray that Caitlin and Declan will come to a saving knowledge of the truth, from this first occasion of hearing the Gospel. Please pray that Rose would intellectually understand the Gospel and desire to study God's Word seeking in it to find God's promises of salvation and then turn in reliance upon Christ.

---

On Friday night at the Gold Coast there was a large team out (even despite some regulars missing). This team even included TWO first timers, who had been saved and baptised in the last month!

Next week this could be you! What is stopping you from joining a local team?

Hear Dan share about the encouragement he has had from studying the Bible to be able to better answer questions.

Hear another team member share about his first ever Gospel conversation!

Hear Mark share about a man named Noah, who he shared the Gospel with.

Please be praying for those who were spoken to and even consider asking God to give you the boldness to join the team sometime! Even that it would become part of your regular week.

---

« Prev | 1 | 2 ... 157 | 158 | 159 | 160 | 161 ... 282 | 283 | Next »

---