Evangelism

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So there are quite a few staff members at this base, and yet there is always something that seems to need doing. It's been a busy week, but we all have the weekend off so in theory I'll have a break.
This week has been 'evangelism' week. We've had the honour (yes, it is spelled with a u) to have Christopher Vengala speak. He's an amazing speaker with such passion for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Monday and Tuesday were about culture. Ultimately we exist in a certain culture, and those around us view the world in that culture. There's a passage I came across yesterday that I think illustrates this well.

"For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings" -- I Corinthians 9:19-23
Taking this further, and looking at Acts 17 where Paul talks about "The Unknown God"."For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, "To the unknown god." What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you." -- Acts 17:23

(I spilled Cheerwine on the desk, and now the desk is sticky and it's causing great annoyance.) Finding "The Unknown God", what the person sees that they don't understand but they know it comes from God.
Today we looked at why you want to spread the Gospel. What has God done that makes someone want to follow Him. Testimonies are a great tool for evangelism because it is so personal. But testimonies won't effect everyone, so tomorrow (which I'm greatly looking forward too) we're going to look at "Why John 3:16?" "Why Jesus?" Not only through the eyes of testimony, but through the eyes truth and knowledge, so I'm going to play a bit of devil's advocate and throw out some tough questions that we encounter talking about the gospel. What about evolution? Doesn't science disprove the existence of God? What makes Christianity any different from all the other religions out there? and such. I love this kind of stuff. I love having my faith challenged. It helps me to learn what is true, what is false and what I've just assumed.
Which brings me to something I've been doing all week. I made a few statements on Facebook which were challenged by a Catholic friend of mine. There are few people I respect more than him. He honestly seeks truth, and that says a lot about someone. I don't agree with everything he says, but it helps me learn. And his poking and prodding have certainly helped me learn even if I'm occasionally exhausted after responding.
So what else happened this week? Lord of the Harvest is just getting started. Every year we raise money to donate a Thanksgiving dinner to needy families in the area (which happens in November, because American's missed the memo that Thanksgiving is in October). Last year we donated over 400 meals. On Saturday we did some door to door fundraising. I made... *insert drum roll here* $8 over six hours. But as a base we made $750 or something like that. So it was a good day. Over the next month we'll start a food drive at various grocery stores in the area and people can donate food as well as money.
Today was my first day heading up the weekly evangelism we have. We took the students downtown Charlotte to spread the good news. I had a student with me who just has so much fire and passion. It's inspiring watching him speak to people. This was probably my favorite afternoon yet here.
One of the core beliefs of YWAM is the reliance on people to send us into the field. We are not payed by them, and in fact it costs $185 US a month for me to be here which covers the cost of room and board (not including the phone I need, and any other expenses I have). If anyone feels led to help me cover these costs, it'd be most appreciated. There are also students here needing to finish paying for their schooling. (The six-month DTS costs about $8000). They'll be splitting between Cambodia and Thailand. I'm excited to see all they accomplish. Anyone willing to sow prayerfully, financially or in any other way, it'd be most appreciated.

God Bless,
Christopher Andersen