Here in costa we usually get to come and do street evangelism on Sunday afternoons so we partner up in twos and threes, and we’re told to go and pray for people.
The idea of walking up to someone and just asking to pray for them, seems very weird to me. I can’t really imagine myself being too excited if someone came and asked me to pray for them.
I believe evangelism is very relational. My mindset while evangelizing is to build a relationship with them. My goal is too never throw Jesus in there face. Because I don’t believe that’s how Jesus would do it. Jesus was a very relational person, He wanted to have meals, with people and break bread with them, and get to know the people He’s talking with.
So that’s what we did.
A couple of weeks ago me and two others from my squad struck up a conversation with “C” she is from Switzerland and moved to Costa Rica for a different pace in life.
I began to ask about what she did, and she told me that she’s a spiritualist. Basically her job was to connect with spirits through the energy of the earth and give it to others. She told me that she’s been able to heal people’s physical pain through her connection with the spirits
We then got on the topic of our morals and what believe our purpose here on earth is.
“C” said, that she believes she’s hear to love people and bring peace to all. She says everybody has a place at her table because it wouldn’t be loving if she didn’t.
Our conversation was so interesting because our morals and ethics where so similar we just believe we get it from other places.
She said she knows little about Christianity, but it seemed like she was hurt by the church, and I remember thinking that she put God in a box.
My heart was deeply grieved for this woman because she has such an amazing heart for people, but she’s just missing the most beautiful thing, Christ.
So as we left I challenged her to look into Jesus. Not the religion but Jesus Christ and what He did for us. I talked about how similar are beliefs are, but how we believe in different things and above all else how I didn’t want her to miss out on something if she is wrong. Because I do believe “C” truly did just want to follow the truth.
I left that conversation filled with joy, because I know that the Holy Spirt is going to be working on her heart. One of the coolest thing in evangelism is that it’s not our job to bring people to Jesus. If I did nothing to receive there’s nothing I can do to give it away. We just get to be living examples of what Christ look like as the light to the world, and the carriers of good news. What a gift it is that we get to share to others the glory of Christ.
So as you’re going about your everyday life don’t be afraid to talk to the people around you. But count it as a joy that we get to be the carries of good news. Let your love for Jesus overflow onto others.
You make my heart happy!
thank you for writing this! Im on F squad, so im well acclimated with the Puerto Viejo spiritualism vibe. Dang, these people need truth. what a beautiful thing that you all hold that truth in a space filled with seeking!
praying for you guys everyday, its worth it, friends!
love this, cole!