On Evangelism

This is something I know little about, and don't profess to be good at doing.

Why?

It's uncomfortable.

It's easy to say it's for "other" people to do.

I don't want to be "weird" like America perceives the church to be.

I don't want to make someone else uncomfortable.

I don't know what my story is exactly.

What??

To write it is a little shameful and shocking. What do you think of when you hear the word Evangelism?

Exactly.

I picture loud and in-your-face tv preachers, door-to-door knockers, or people who give a "track" for a tip at a restaurant, on the one side. On the other side I picture the gentle loving missionaries in other countries who are generally warmly received with their message of hope, love, and a faith in a relational God: Jesus.

Now me: Hmmm...American, busy, too busy to talk to my neighbors much, too shy to talk to a stranger in a store, too judgmental of the churches ways of doing things poorly, too insecure in who I am as a Believer.

This isn't a condemnation note. I've just been really inspired by some of the sermons that have been given at my church these last 3 weeks. I love my church. My pastor is really good at not just teaching, but motivating people to get out of their comfy seats and do something to share Jesus. Why? Because we all need Him.

I'd love for you to hear these messages too. Not that I need to make any disclaimers, but they aren't weird, or loud, or abrasive, or condeming. They aren't messages that you'll hear in most churches. On Easter Sunday, 3 different testimonies of God's saving power were given, and they weren't the typical kind you're used to hearing (if you're used to hearing any). They are refreshing. http://www.bctulsa.com/uploads/2009.html You can do podcasts, or go into MP3 downloads for the archives of the messages. April 5, 12, 19 are the dates. This being Monday, I doubt yesterday's message is there yet. But, so worth it if it is. We had a guest speaker: Adam Cox (I think), the head of 24-7 prayer in Kansas City. (Go to http://24-7prayer.com/ if you're interested in that movement. Our church is a big part of it as well.) He's younger than us, and not a life-long church-goer. I kind of thought I was watching a youth pastor at first, but his message was so sweet and meaningful, and a shock to my expectations.

So, I'm still thinking on what this means for me.

I definitely need to think through my story. I love Jesus. I do. We couldn't have made it through the last 6 months, or even the last couple of years with any sense of hope or strength without Him. There's a story in there, I just need words to go with it.

Be encouraged. You have a story too. I'd love to hear it.

Addendum: A friend of mine from church summed it up much more eloquently. It's a good/inspiring read. http://geidlbots.blogspot.com/2009/04/witness.html

Confessions

At the beginning of last week, we had all been a bit cranky. I was the worst, to be honest. But, I was determined we were going to change our attitudes.

When I'm really in a rut with how I'm thinking about life, I know I have to pray for help. I was pleading with God to give me/us peace and to help me think clearly about how to be the role model that I need to be as Mom.

So, we were doing homeschool, and as part of that, we start out before lessons praying together. We discuss any specific things we want to pray about first. Then I usually pray, unless they want to.

So, I'm leading by example and thank Jesus for dying for us and raising again that we might know Him and feel Him in our lives. Then I talked to Him about how sorry I was for being cranky and not obeying with my behavior and attitude. To which Sophie pipes up, "Yeah, God, me too." I thought that was so sweet. She struggles with shame and guilt, so for her to simply confess and acknowledge to God that she made a mistake and needs forgiveness was a huge step.

Then I was moving on with our prayer and Jossie was just quietly sitting there, and Sophie interrupts. "Oh, God...Jossie's sorry too for all of her bad things." Just in case Jossie didn't remember that she needed to confess, Sophie did it for her. What a helpful sister!

And look at her....What could she possibly have to confess?