What fun! Sally and I decided to share Jesus as we walked along the beach promenade and out on the pier. The sun was shining and there were lots of people strolling or fishing. Our big pockets were bulging with Christian tracts, in both English and Spanish.
We prayed as we walked, asking God to give us boldness and tact, and to direct us to those people He was drawing to Himself. When people walked toward us, we’d hold out a tract, “May I share a little comic with you? It’s about Jesus!”
It seemed about 50% of those we passed received them with a “Thank you!” The other 50% either ignored us, said “No thanks!” Or, “I’m fine.”
It became easier on the pier. Lots of people fishing. We’d stop and ask what they were catching. One guy pulled up a crab that was clinging to his line–I mean, he didn’t even have a crab net! A young couple shared with us their recipe for fish soup they would make tonight. We watched a boy chase down a seagull that tried to steal his bait–and then successfully retrieve it from his beak! Impressive feat!
Each interaction was fun. Then… “By the way, how would you like a neat little comic about Jesus?” As they’d start flipping through it I’d say, “Let me ask you a question. If you were to die today, where do you think you’d go?” Most didn’t know. So our next question, “If God were to ask you, ‘Why should I let you into my heaven?’ How would you answer Him?” Most didn’t know.
It gave us an opportunity to explain that none of us deserves heaven because we are all sinners. Yet Jesus came to die for us to purchase our salvation on the cross. All we need to do is receive His free gift of salvation and turn from our sins.
Everyone we shared with was receptive to the message of Jesus. Everyone seemed eager to read our tracts. We offered to pray with a few who shared their needs. This they welcomed. We walked back to our cars praising God and praying that He would use every interaction we had and every tract we distributed, for His purpose and His glory. I believe He will.
- For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” Acts 13:47
- What materials did we use? Two favorite Chick Comic Tracts: This WAS Your Life: http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0001/0001_01.asp and Charlie’s Ants: https://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0039/0039_01.asp
- We also used Heavens Gate: https://mwtb.org/collections/pmt-cartoon-tracts/products/heavens-gate?variant=2589820865 and Steps to Peace with God: https://www.crossway.org/tracts/steps-to-peace-with-god-4264/
- Copies of The Jesus Movie! You may watch it here: http://www.jesusfilm.org/watch/jesus.html/english.html
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[This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become an empty shell, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.whoisjesus-really.com/
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Can almost hear the seagulls and smell the beautiful salty air. Praise God for the freedom in Christ and I’m sure, new brothers and sisters, because of your faithfulness and His love.
We do absolutely appreciate our freedom to share Christ. I know this is not a reality in many countries today.
Kathleen, good testimony about the openness to the message of salvation that you two experienced on the pier. The Holy Spirit is still at work in the hearts of the lost commending them to Christ.
I agree, Frank. I believe the Holy Spirit is still at work in the hearts of those we touched. Perhaps they will read and re-read the comics and share with others. Perhaps God will draw them so close to Himself that they’ll want to surrender their lives to Him, begin reading His Word and seeking fellowship with other followers of Jesus. That is my prayer.