Battle Log

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Christchurch (NZ) Team

A very eventful couple of days of outreach for the Christchurch (NZ) team early this week.

The Tuesday afternoon outreach in Riccarton saw the team size double from one to two for the first time, very encouraging!  We set up on either side of Rotherham Street - along Riccarton Road.  Neither of us had too much down time.

I took note of at least five Gospel interactions for myself during this outreach.

Firstly there was a Hindu man who wanted to go to heaven, and happily went through the flip chart law and Gospel presentation, but afterwards, he made it clear he was a Hindu and followed Kirishna.  When it was re-explained that only Jesus was perfect and the only hope for forgiveness of sin as our substitute, sadly, he walked away in disgust.

An Asian couple were very interested in the flip chart, when asked who was the best person, she clearly exclaimed that the Dalai Lama was the worst person!  It was clear that this couple was from China, which indeed they were!  They did not stay to hear the law and the Gospel, but when she said she was an Atheist, I had a brief opportunity to explain how she knew God existed, she didn’t deny the logic, and said she would read the tract and look at the Operation 513 web site.

I had two young women walk past looking like they were out to party.  They were keen to try the flip chart, and seemed to understand the simple message it conveyed.  But this put a damper on their party mood, and they were keen to move on (sadly), but were polite enough to stay to hear to the end.

I then had a brief, but encouraging, conversation with a delivery truck driver who I often see driving past when outreaching at this location.  He had parked and had hopped out looking for an address to deliver to.  I was able to help him with that.  But then he became curious about me, and wanted to know what church I represented.  It was clear that he had been noticing me week after week - as I had him.  He gladly took a tract and said he would read it (he couldn’t stay as he was working).  I hope to have an opportunity to talk to him again.

My final conversation was a long one with a young Christian guy.  Some of his Christian concepts were a little mucked up, which was concerning, but then he did show a clear understanding of the most important concepts, and claimed to be trusting in Jesus’ sacrifice for his salvation.  He even talked about some key changes he had made in his life as a result of this, including reading his Bible daily.  It turns out his pastor had been encouraging his church to get out and share the Gospel, which to him meant inviting his friends to church.  So most of the conversation was about what it meant to share the Gospel, how to share the Gospel, and what our responsibilities were in evangelism.  This young man accepted some tracts from me, and I encouraged him to share them with his friends.  I also encouraged him to get in contact, and to join me for an outreach.

The Wednesday outreach to the city was hampered by rain.  But in spite of this, I was very busy in many wonderful Gospel interactions.

Pretty much the first gospel tract I handed out, caused a lady to stop and engage.  She was a feminist, and denied the Christian concept of God.  Using some basic apologetics, I was able to engage her long enough to communicate some basic Gospel truths.  In the end, she walked off claiming she was looking forward to oblivion.  I responded that there is hope in Christ.  She laughed.  But I’m confident God’s word had struck home.

I then had follow up opportunities with three people, one after the other before moving into a long conversation with an older lady, who wanted to know if I was one of those “born againers”.  It turns out she had been deeply hurt by some hypocrites, and yet, I was able to share the full law and Gospel message with her three times in the conversation.  The last time was when she wanted to know what my flip chart was all about.  There was resistance in her, but she was also open.  She knows how to get in contact with me.  There was a warmth about this lady, I hope to see her again.

The pre lunch outreach finished with a wonderful flip chart presentation to a mum and her three children.  I always find these situations a bit awkward, often the parents want to get their children away when they realise I’m a Christian who takes the Bible seriously.  So I’m always very up front.  But the mum was fine, and so I was able to clearly articulate the Gospel to this family.  The mum seemed appreciative, and gladly took a tract.

Some light rain had started by now, and so I headed off for a lunch break.  But during lunch, the heavens opened.  I decided to do some letterbox dropping, and continued to do so for two hours as the rain poured.  Finally, the rain stopped, and so I was able to get into the city for a final hour of outreach.

I was amazed, in spite of the lack of people around, how fruitful that hour of outreach was.  I was able to have a number of follow up conversations with various people, I encountered an old workmate, who accepted a tract.  And I got to see Mr. Angry again!  He had been watching me talking with some people about the Gospel, and when they left I looked up and noticed him.  I smiled and waved.  But he turned around and walked off (with his friend).  I will keep praying for him.
 

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Timaru (NZ) Team

I had intended to just hand out a few tracts, while joining up with the Operation 513 Christchurch team, especially since it has been some time since I last went out. God had other plans. I ended up having various good 1-on-1 conversations. It was good to have the support of like minded Christians.

At least two of the conversations were with professing Christians, wherein I asked them to witness to me as if I was not a Christian, asking clarifying questions as the conversation continued. I also tried to make sure I presented to them the Law & Gospel. One conversation that stood out, was with Logan (white hoody) and his friend. Logan professed to be a Christian, while his friend was still searching for answers, and willing to listen. It was clear throughout our conversation and afterwards, that Logan's friend was thinking over what was said. This conversation started with another team member who handed them a tract, but who had to move on.

Another conversation was with the local atheist who admitted that it was his mission to target Christians. Not exactly the most enjoyable experience, but it kept him busy from disrupting the Evangelism conversations of the rest of the team . It's frustratingly sad to see someone so committed to being so hateful towards God (who he obviously doesn’t believe in). In addition, it is helping me to realize how grateful I should be for God's Grace and how ashamed I should be for neglecting that same Grace at times.

I am busy reading "The Christian in Complete Armour - William Gurnall" and have found it to be a valuable tool and much needed encouragement, conviction and challenging. I can highly recommend it for your personal reading, including for evangelism.

PS - I did end up handing out a few tracts ;-)

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Christchurch (NZ) Team

Another weekend of outreaches has passed for the Christchurch (NZ) team.

On Saturday I was in Cathedral Square under a clear blue sky (pictured), and many people were out and about - some who were willing to take a tract or have a conversation.

The conversation that stands out in my memory was with two teens.  The After Life tract pricked their curiosity, and so they stayed for a chat.  I took them through the logic of the reality of God, known through creation.  That we know right and wrong, through conscience, meaning there must be justice after life.  All to which they consented to.  So I then took them through the good person test.

Sadly, in New Zealand, many people don’t understand some basic terms, and I’m having to explain them all the time.  One of those terms is “adultery”.  I guess In a society where marriage is now completely optional it is understandable.  Well, this was true for these two young men, so I found myself explaining the concept to them, and amazingly (once they understood) they came up with reasons why adultery could be justified!

In spite of this, they were tracking with me as I explained the serious nature of sin by looking at the heart of the law, for example: that lust is the root of adultery.

So I was able to then carefully explain the Gospel: that Jesus lived the perfect life that we couldn’t, and is now offering his perfection in exchange for our sins through faith alone in His sacrificial death on the cross and resurrection.

They were still tracking with me, as a checking question confirmed their understanding.  One even asscented that they should put their faith in Christ today.  So I challenged them to do so, with an explanation of the paradox of the cost of accepting the gift of Jesus.  They accepted literature and know how to get in touch.  I leave them in God's hands.

Sunday had heavy overnight rain and forecasts for hail and thunder in the afternoon.  Two of the team resolved to commit to outreach anyway.  And the weather held off!  So there were many people out and about and many good Gospel conversations.

As soon as I had set up my flip chart, I instantly had some interaction, with a young lady who said she had done the good person test with me in Riccarton (I didn't remember her).  I asked if she had passed that test, and she said she had.  I raised my eyebrow and moved into a fresh law and Gospel presentation with her and two others that were with her.

After sharing with them, I ended up asking if she had a Bible.  She said she had a JW one.  I again raised my eyebrow!  :)  I asked her if I gave her a proper Bible if she would read it, she insisted she would - so I did so, with an After Life tract sitting at the book of Mark and a request for her to get in touch so I could guide her to a good local church.

As I’m finishing up this report (Sunday evening) in the warmth of my study, I can now hear the rain has started.  For whatever reason, God decided to hold the weather back.  I pray that those who had their hearts plowed with the law, and received Gospel seed would come across others who will water - and that God would bring an increase of salvation, for His glory alone.

I have a day off tomorrow, and so tonight I’m going to be able to enjoy, with my family, watching the Cricket World Cup Final between New Zealand and England, and rest.  Go the Black Caps. ;)

 

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Christchurch (NZ) Team

Thursday and Friday were exciting and busy days of outreach for the Christchurch (NZ) team.  I ended up taking 84 photos, only five of which have made it into this report - many good ones are on the cutting room floor.

Thursday saw an afternoon of outreach to the bus stops in Linwood (outside Eastgate Mall), and Papanui (outside Northlands Mall).  We switched the times of when we go to each mall to try to minimise encountering the same people all the time - and it worked.

A highlight conversation for me at Eastgate was with two teen girls, there seemed to be genuine shock in understanding the serious nature of sin in light of the holiness of God’s law written on our hearts; and then genuine appreciation of the amazing grace found in the Gospel.

Another conversation, although sad, was with three young teens - one of whom said she had talked to me before (but I don’t remember it).  These teens had been through some trials in life, including one who had been raped, and two of whom had attempted suicide.  I was gently peppered with difficult questions that related to suffering.  I did my best to answer them biblically, and to show my genuine care for them.  It was a good conversation.  After initially refusing Gospel tracts, as I was leaving they all took one.  One of them I saw again on Friday in the city.  I hope I will have further opportunities to continue the Gospel conversation with all of them.

My whole time at Northlands was spent in one conversation with a passionate Muslim girl.  Andy ended up getting involved as well (pictured).  She was so passionate, that she wanted me to watch a YouTube video with her that shows why Islam is right and Christianity is wrong!  In the end, I agreed to watch a short one on my phone, while she watched one with James White explaining the Gospel for Muslims.  The key issue she didn’t have an answer for was how God can justly forgive.  She accepted a “Which One in Right?” tract.

The first of three outreaches on Friday was the Gospel + abortion outreach outside the hospital.  Encouraging having a team of seven, including a newbie (my mum!).  This freed up three of the team to be able to have “walk up” conversations with people and hand out “Life is Precious” tracts.  One conversation Andy had went for a long time (pictured).

A team of six were in Cathedral Square and Cashel Mall in the afternoon for the second outreach of the day.  Due to the school holidays, there were many people out and about, and many of those people were open to a Gospel conversation.

One of our hecklers (pictured sitting down next to Roger’s flip chart) came and decided to interject himself into some of the conversations we were having.  It became very difficult at one stage, with Roger trying to share the Gospel with a group of teens, while the mother was resistant and engaging me, while our heckler was trying to contradict everything Roger said.  We did our best!

One of the team ended up getting into a long conversation with the heckler, freeing up the rest of the team to have Gospel conversation after conversation.  Praise God!

The last outreach was in the evening with a team of two.  The weather was mild, in spite of it being the middle of winter, and plenty of people were still out in Cathedral Square leading to some wonderful conversations (one pictured).
 

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Christchurch (NZ) Team

The school holidays have started in New Zealand.  And the first Gospel conversation, on Tuesday, was with five teens enjoying their break in Riccarton.  The conversation was facilitated with the flip chart.

Later, to my surprise, a Muslim lady, with her two young sons was keen to give the flip chart a try.  They took their religion seriously and so they were very engaged in the conversation.  The eldest of the boys (who I estimate was about seven or eight years old) asked some very challenging questions.  I was able to present the law and the Gospel, with a focus on how Jesus resolved both justice and mercy at the cross, and that we are saved by faith alone, and not by works.

Another conversation with a very engaged teenager was interrupted by a driver saying out their window: “don’t listen to him”.  This is very encouraging to me - that I’m becoming so well known in the area, that people feel the need to make a comment like that!  The young teen ignored the advice and stayed to hear the law and the Gospel, then ask questions.

Wednesday saw a change to the usual plan, I decided to join Kim of OAC in some door to door outreach in Kaiapoi (north of Christchurch).

Most of our time was spent at some retirement villas.  Evangelists often say that the older people are, the harder they are to reach (or the more closed they are).  In some ways, that might be true.  But all people are “dead in their trespasses and sins” and God can save the hardest people, through the power of the Gospel.  It’s our job to share the Gospel with all.

And we had some wonderful conversations, and were able to challenge some hard hearts.  One lady resisted the simple concept of creation being evidence of a creator.  Another couldn’t stand the concept of justice, insisting that God is only “love”.  Both happily received tracts to ponder in their own time.

And we had a real encouragement, a wonderful Baptist lady was very encouraged to know that we were going door to door, she almost started “preaching” at us at how important it was for Christians to share the Gospel message.  She was certainly preaching to the choir! Later we saw her again outside at a street crossing (pictured: she is crossing the road) - she gladly received tracts to distribute to those she came across.  If she can do it, so can you! :)

The final conversation of the outreach was not at a retirement villa, and a young lady was very open to a conversation.  But even after hearing of the law (that brings the knowledge of sin), and the Gospel, checking questions showed she had not grasped the concepts.  We did our best to continue to explain, but it just shows - young or old, all need God to open their eyes to see the glorious Gospel!
 

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With everything that is happening in the media and God's Word being attacked we are not surprised at all. The battle for truth is real. We know that the Gospel needs to be proclaimed and God's Word is the instruction manual to life not only for the short time here on earth but most importantly for Eternal life.

Without faith in the righteousness of Jesus we face God's just punishment in hell for eternity. Those who have been given a way of escape through the perfect work of Jesus are by faith in Jesus made righteous. Out of great love from God we then love Him and are thankful and we love others, God makes an appeal through us towards others to come to Him. We need to humble ourselves in admitting we are sinners in desperate need of God's grace then come into the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord and all He has done for us. Praise God our Father who draws us by His Spirit and is Sovereign. It is all His work and all Glory belongs to Him now and forever.

At Warwick this last week we saw God doing His work in many ways. People taking tracts and happy to receive them.

The conversations we have are very good and as we share what God's Word says we know that seeds are planted.

A lady stopped and was supportive of what we are doing. She said if people followed the 10 commandments we would have a better world. She is right in that but we know this would never happen because of sin. No one can keep God's law but God. It was a great opportunity for a good fruitful conversation with her. She was stirred in her heart about life and she had many questions that both Rick and myself were able to answer through what the Bible teaches, and also with some of her questions we admitted to be difficult for us too, but we trust God is good and will always do right.

We explained we trust that God is in control even when we can't fully understand why some things happen the way they do. God's ways are not our ways. He is God we are not. God is always good, kind and compassionate. His ways are always to do a good work in us to bring us and others to salvation. We explained that sin is the issue and we all are separated from God. We focused on her salvation and how important it is for her personally. This lady was so open and teachable, we gave her a booklet " Why is there death and suffering" a Gospel tract and also the booklet of John. She was challenged to read Ephesians 2 and Romans 8 and the book of John to get to know Jesus in repentance and faith. She has a Bible at home. Please pray for J.

God is softening hearts and doing amazing things by His Spirit through us. What a great privilege to be a part of God's ministry.

Another chat happened with a guy who received a gospel tract and as we talked with him he was explaining that his brother-in-law was moderator of a church and had just recently passed away. We asked if he was to die today would God let him into heaven? His reply was all wrapped up in his being a good person and told us about some of the good things he has done in his life. While doing good things for people we said was the right thing to do, and we should do good, we still have a sin problem that must be delt with here on earth, before we die.

We all will stand before our Creator to give an account. Only trust in the perfect work of Jesus to cleanse us from sin and to receive His righteousness will matter on that day. Jesus is who we need most. We had to stress a few times that good works will not get us into heaven and that Jesus is the only way. Please pray for J to read the tract we gave him and that the Holy Spirit would open his eyes to see and believe that salvation is in Christ alone. Thank you for praying to all who do pray, you are a blessing to the kingdom.

All Glory to our great God

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On Saturday morning in Capalaba the team of three had a whole host of conversations. Over the course of the morning the rain was on and off and keeping people under the covers.

Some early conversations took place and one stand out, short conversation was with Francis. She didn't want to put at stake in the ground for whether or not there is a God, rather she liked the ambiguity because it meant she didn't have to discuss it with people. She was pushed a little bit on this and was shown how we know God exists but then she showed her hand. She didn't want to believe that. She wanted to not believe in God because that means she can live how she sees fit without accountability. As this was all established she was shown God's law and her guilt but her bus arrived before the conversation could go further.

There was another short engagement that was very telling but hopefully is a challenge to you, the reader. There was a lady who sat down and was approached and was asked the usual question,"What do you think happens to us after we die?" She then went on to explain that she already has her own religion so she didn't want to talk. This was met with the simple question, "Oh, what type of Church do you go to?" to which she responded, "A Baptist Church". When it was mentioned that, the one speaking to her also is a baptist she was so surprised. The conversation didn't last for much longer as her bus arrived.

How telling is it, that the Christians in our culture are surprised when another Christian is sharing the gospel? It is more common to expect a knock on the door or to be approached in the street by someone sharing a false gospel than to run into someone preaching the good news that Jesus died for sinners and all those who trust in Him alone for salvation are forgiven.

Why not find some time yourself to share this message? You, Christian, have the greatest news in the universe, are accompanied by the Holy Spirit with the greatest power and have the greatest motivation. You a sinner deserving of Hell has been forgiven by God and will eternally be in Heaven on the basis of your faith in Jesus' life, death and resurrection.

There were a few conversations with people who knew the gospel from previous conversations, including Keenan and Henry and both were once again challenged with what they will do with it. Storing information in your brain will now cause you to inherit eternal life.

May you be encouraged this week to give up some of your comfort and take the great news that you have and share it with those with whom God has allowed you to meet.

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At Sunnybank a team of six were out again this afternoon and the results were conversations on both sides of the road, quite consistently over the course of the afternoon. It is really exciting to see that even in a location where it can often be hard to start conversations the team is still able to find people to chat with.

One stand out conversation was with Kaitlyn who had attended a Catholic school and knew a little of God but couldn't really formulate it. Over the course of a short fifteen minute conversation she came to understand the simple message of how a sinner can be forgiven and how that free gift of forgiveness will always result in a sinner wanting to honour Christ with their life.

There was also a young couple who were approached and the guy started to chat while his girlfriend took selfies. Sadly he was sure this his obedience would be required for his entrance into Heaven. He was shown that a gift cannot be accepted by works but by faith alone. He came to understand what Jesus had taught and was even able to explain it back but was adamant that he was going to be earning in part his entrance into Heaven. He was warned of the foolishness of believing in something different to what Jesus has to teach.

There were two final conversations with Alan and Andy who both came to understand the gospel. Andy was defiant saying that he wasn't willing to trust in Jesus because his family doesn't. He was challenged to consider the seriousness of this decision.

On the other hand Alan was very interested and accepted a gospel of John saying he would read it this week and that he wanted to trust in Christ today.

Please keep those who heard in your prayers.

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On Wednesday afternoon in Brisbane there was a team of seven out, due to some people being on holidays and being able to spare the time where they'd usually be at other commitments. This allowed for many conversations to take place over the course of the afternoon.

An early conversation took place with Kaychill, a young man who near the team was busking and during a break he was approached and asked what he thought would happen to him after he dies. He said his mother is Catholic and that he therefore thinks there is a Heaven and Hell and he said he'd probably be headed to Heaven. Over the course of the afternoon over three conversations he came to understand the beauty of the simple gospel, where God remains just and yet sinners are forgiven.

He at first was trying to defend himself from being a sinner, hoping that God would still let him into Heaven but he was challenged to be honest about his life as God won't be over looking our sin, as it must be punished. Then he was quickly shown the good news but went back to busking.

In the next conversation he came to understand the good news, that trust in Christ's death on the cross is enough to make a sinner right before God. He said it was the first time he'd ever heard that and said that he would trust in Christ today! He was encouraged to start reading his Bible and to start attending a local Christian Church.

Later in the afternoon there was a sad conversation with a middle aged man. He seemed open at first and was asked what he thinks will happen to us after we die. He said, "I'm not convinced there is anything". When asked what had lead him to that conclusion he said, "Because there is no evidence to the contrary". He was then asked if there was a God and he said, "Absolutely not!" When asked how the universe got here then he said, "It all came from nothing". When challenged on that, he was asked, "What evidence do you have that it all came from nothing?" He again simply said, "There is no evidence that it was created." At this point he was asked, "What about the seat you're sitting on, how did it get here?"

He seemed to understand instantly. Of course things with a beginning have a Creator. Upon this realisation he said, "Go away stop talking to me!" He was left with a final challenge, "If your entire worldview can be dismantled to the point that you have no answers in just a few questions, maybe you should reconsider it". He said he didn't want to and just wanted to live his own way, so he was left to consider it all.

The afternoon then finished with a wonderful chat with Larko and Tamati, two Kiwi young men. They thought it was likely that God exists and said therefore that they would be in trouble before God. In the end they came to understand the good news and said that they would strongly consider it and were thankful for the chat.

Please keep these people in your prayer as they head away from this afternoon considering what God has said the way to Heaven.

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Showers of blessings marked our approach to the Point. With umbrellas on standby, we prayed and headed for the pier/jetty. The precipitation ceased as we began our outreach. Mainly, it seemed to be a day for heralding the truth and praying that an imperishable word, James 1:21, had been planted by the Holy Spirit. Continue to pray with us if you can:

     - for Luke, a man seeking to study the Scriptures who has present concerns about the 'here & now' such as 'what about those so many who have never heard God's good news?' - that he may be given the grace to believe and to learn to submit to the authority of Scriptures.

     - for Wayne who admits that the gospel makes sense but says he is not convinced - that the Lord would stir him to check it out.

     - for Jason, a Chinese man who was pleased to see our web address as he wants more information after hearing the good news - that God would grant him this and the gift of faith.  

     - for Andrea - that she will be restless until she finds her rest in Christ now that she knows she is not good and understands the gospel.

     - for Tom and Mikala that the Father would draw them to the Son.

     - give thanks to God for His Great Commission, Mt. 28:18-20, and that He would lead any converts to a Bible-believing Church for ongoing training in discipleship.

Glory to God in the highest! 

 

    

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