In the Parable of the Great Banquet in Luke 14, the servant reports to his master that those who had been invited to the banquet had given their own excuses for not coming. The master then tells his servant, “Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame…so that my house will be full.” Joni and Friends is a Christian disability organization that reaches thousands and thousands of people each year who are affected by disabilities, simply to obey the Luke 14 Mandate. This organization was established in 1979, a couple years after Joni Eareckson became a quadriplegic after a diving accident in 1967. Joni and Friends has a Wheels for the World ministry, where people go to donate wheelchairs to countries where people can’t afford to have them. Sending wheelchairs is only their tool to get into the country, so that they can share the gospel to those who have never heard.
This summer, I had the opportunity of joining their Family Retreat ministry, where families who are affected by disabilities come for one week to Castro Valley, CA for rest and respite. There were 61 short-term missionaries (STM’s), including myself, who volunteered to serve the campers. Each STM was partnered with a camper, one who either had a disability or was affected by it in the family.
My camper was Danya, a beautiful 20-year-old girl, who has cerebral palsy and is legally blind. When I first asked her how she became a Christian, she replied, “I don’t want to talk about that right now.” I was quickly thrown off guard, because I had heard from previous volunteers that she really loved God and was strong in her faith. I immediately changed the subject, when in the back of my mind, I was very disappointed that she didn’t want to share with me her faith. However, as the days went on, God really humbled me in seeing the genuineness of Danya’s faith. She would answer all of the questions during the sermons that we had listened to, and sang at the top of her lungs during worship. God showed me that although she may not have shown her faith through her own words, I definitely saw it in her actions, and was reminded that she may not have had the correct words to say, but her love for the Lord naturally poured out as she daily lived her life.
I was so blessed by the different families that came and hearing about how God is using the disability in the family to draw these people to Himself. Many mothers had shared that it wasn’t until the disability came that they really started seeking God and placing their faith in Him. As our church has been going through the book of Job for the past couple of weeks, Pastor Peter has been sharing Romans 8:28, which says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” This encouragement is not to any person who wants to have a “good life”, but only to those who truly love the Lord. He promises to work all things for good, even through a disability. Through story after story, God really opened my eyes to see the different ways that He is working and through each family’s struggle, whether it’s autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, being blind, being deaf, or whether it’s some rare disease, nothing can stop God from working for the good of those who truly love Him and His Word.
On the last night, we had a talent show and I was so encouraged by the various ways talent was shown. God definitely gifts His people in different ways through different means and it was evident at the talent show. There was singing, dancing, poetry, card-making, guitar playing, and body worship. One of the volunteers at the end of the week shared how although these people may be disabled, they are differently-abled, and that God has given us each different gifts to encourage and edify the body. Many times we may see a person with a disability and disregard the fact that they are capable of being happy, and even though they may not be able to speak or walk or see, God has a plan for them. So many campers love coming to this retreat and look forward to it all throughout the year, because it is the only place in the world where they feel loved and accepted. When they go to school and even in their youth groups, more often than not, they feel left out, isolated, and neglected.
It says in 1 John 4:12 that, “No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.” This verse became so alive to me at the Family Retreat. I can’t see God physically, but He definitely showed Himself to me through the people that I met. I saw Him working in each and every person who was at the camp. As “love one another” is the theme of our church for this year, let’s really strive as the body of Christ to do just that. Let’s love because God loved us first. Let’s love because it our privilege to love one another. Let’s love out of the gratefulness of our own hearts for all that Christ is. Let’s love so that Christ’s love would be made complete in us. Let’s love unreservedly, selflessly, and humbly, so that “by this all men will know that you are My disciples” (John 13:35).
Archive for June, 2007
Not Disabled, But Differently-Abled by Sharon Lee
June 29, 200710 Questions w/ Vinh Duong
June 27, 2007
1. What have you been up to these days?
I’m currently a graduate student attending LSU- Louisiana State University (go Tigers!) and finishing up a credentialing program to become a high school science teacher.
2. How goes church? (what church have you been going to)
Since I moved from California to Louisiana (the shoe-looking-state east of Texas), I’ve been attending Vietnamese Hope Baptist church here in Baton Rouge. The church has a primarily older and Vietnamese speaking community, so I hope you can understand my struggle to fit in!
3. What has been the biggest change in you or for you since you’ve left Berean?
Fortunately, I haven’t developed much of a southern drawl or faced a hurricane yet.
4. What will you be doing this summer?
I am finishing up summer school at LSU and will probably just hang out in Baton Rouge until school starts.
5. So, when’s the next time you’re gonna visit?
I’m hoping to visit this winter, but realistically it looks like next summer.
6. What do you miss most about Socal?
The first thing that I really miss about southern California is the people. Between family, friends, and church, there are a lot of things that happen and you just wish you could be there to experience it with everyone. Specifically at church, I just remember a lot of generous, genuine, and caring people.
Next, off the top of my head would be the beach, mild weather, and food. While Louisiana is close to a body of water (Gulf of Mexico), it lacks the nice waves or stunning sunsets that causes you to think about the power and splendor of God himself! The weather is usually nicer and definitely easier on my allergies in California. When I go outside, it seems to be either blazing hot, intense rainfall, or unbearable humidity. As for food, I miss a good ol’ In-N-Out burger and some tasty carne asada burritos.
7. What do you miss most about Berean?
The thing I miss most about Berean is also the people (look above), but I’ll mention a few other things. I miss singing “He is Lord” at the end of every service and then singing it one more time in acappella. One time during a China Mission send off, we even sang it in Chinese. Another thing I really miss is the teaching on Sunday, which is really powerful and challenging, and clear. Those are just a few among many things.
8. How has God been challenging you recently?
When I first moved to Louisiana, God really showed me how weak my prayer life had been. It was a tough move, coming from a California to Louisiana and trying to settle in while starting school all over again. I found myself busy throughout each day without a thought or prayer about the condition of my heart.
I soon realize that I needed to surrender myself to God and really try to seek his will each day. Even now, I know it is something I need to work on.
9. What positives have come from moving away?
One positive thing about being away is that it really make me appreciate everything back in California.
10. A final message to Bereans? Shout-outs?
I just want to end by thanking everyone who made me feel at home at Berean. I felt really blessed with the community while I was at UC Irvine and especially now, seeing how God is working in and through the church to reach some many other lives. I just hope that everyone who is currently attending would continue to be like-minded, examining their hearts, and centering their lives on obeying our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I really miss everyone and I wish everyone the best.
Missions Team Camping Trip Photos
June 24, 2007
“10 Questions” (out-of-town edition) w/ Jen Lee
June 22, 2007 
1. What have you been up to these days?
I’m finishing up my last prereq for nursing school, spending time with family, and eating lots (as usual).
2. How goes church?
I was visiting churches for a while, but I’ve mainly been going to Eastbay Baptist Church of Berkeley.
3. What has been the biggest change in you or for you since you’ve left Berean?
Not too much has changed…I got into nursing school though..yeah!
4. What will you be doing this summer?
Learning about the study of disease control, and just helping out my family.
5. So, when’s the next time you’re gonna visit?
I won’t really be able to visit this summer, but i’ll be moving back to socal at the end of September! 
6. What do you miss most about Socal? (And you can’t say “Jason”)
HArHAr 
The California burritos, beaches and Berean.
7. What do you miss most about Berean?
Everything.
8. How has God been challenging you recently?
He’s been showing me a LOT of my weaknesses while I’ve been home, reminding me of my true undeservedness and need for His grace. I think He’s also been challenging me to trust Him more and not worry so much about the past present and future…to just know that He is God and that I can truly put my hope and faith in Him…trying to teach me humility all around basically.
9. What positives (if any), have come from moving away?
I’ve gotten to spend more time with my family and just reconnect with them after being away for 4 years in college…..I’ve also gained a greater appreciation for the church and how important it is to be a member of a local body.
10. A final message to Bereans? Shout-outs?
Hi everyone! I hope that you all know that even though I may not talk to you very often, I am constantly thinking of you. I am always encouraged when I hear the news about Berean and it makes me want to come back sooner! haha. And lastly, hello to the newcomers that I may not have met yet…I hope to meet you when I return 
June M Update, Part 2
June 20, 2007
John: Due to his busy schedule at work, he has been cutting down a lot on his reading time. It seems like he is slowing down a lot. I believe a part of the reason is because he is not involved at a church, so he has hard time putting it into application. He is deciding right now what he should do after summer. If he does end up staying in Beijing, he will find ways to get more involved at the church here. But if he does not, he will figure out some other ways to get involved at a different church. Overall, it seems like the “honey-moon” stage is over now. I am hoping that in this “new” stage, he will learn that our relationship with Him is not just sets of dos and don’ts but John would learn to have a good relationship with God and really enjoy it.Tony: He is so busy with his new work that we haven’t met together for two weeks now. I personally don’t know much of what is going on in his life. I plan to talk with him once again about how he needs to be more grounded. More updates about him will come as soon as I meet with him. Pray that he will consistently read.Daniel: I got to talk with him about the gospel again, except more in depth. He seems to be interested. He got his own Bible by ordering it online. haha. He seems to understand it, but I encouraged him to read it for himself. I will be meeting him again, and I will probably ask how his reading has been and then re-emphasize the needs of the gospel. If anything, he understands that since he heard about the gospel, his life will not be the same again. Pray that his eyes of the heart will be open and he will understand the gospel. Also that he will repent and start his relationship with God.
Another chapter of my life will be closing at the end of next week. I will officially be saying good-bye to my kids at the hagwon ☹ To be honest, it was tough at first teaching these Korean-speaking kids, but I grew to love them and became quite attached to them. Though this was not part of the “work” per se, it was a big part of my time and energy this past year. Though I was not able to share directly with them, my hope is that I was a positive reflection of Him since they knew that I was a Christian. Teaching at this hagwon was a great training ground for my future career as a teacher, not only with the skills that I need to be an effective teacher but also the heart and focus that I need to always be a light wherever I am. This experience has helped me determine that my goal is to acquire a teaching background and then hopefully use this as a means to return back to China some day. I believe no part of this experience is without purpose.Since the last update, I met up with Elaine and Zee. I had a very fruitful time with Zee as we started studying through the OT-NT material. From the minute I sat down to talk with her, she was eager to study. As we discussed, she soaked it all in. She even took the initiative to understand why certain events were permitted to occur and accepted how they reflected God’ purpose. She even asked me how many weeks I have left in Beijing so that she could make sure that we would cover all the material. She seems to be getting more hungry However, one thing I discovered about her is that she’s been a Communist party member for several years. She informed me that there needn’t be any concern about us studying together because she believed she had the freedom to learn about something that she was interested in. Even her devout Christian granny was also a Communist party member many years before. I discussed with her the issues regarding the possible dangers of the “work,” but she adamantly disagreed that there was complete freedom to do such things in most parts of the country, except the province of Urumqi because of strong Islamic beliefs. She thought I was quite silly for having any concerns because she felt assured that there was complete freedom to do as one chose. It came rather as a shock for me to hear because this was very different from what I’ve been informed about by outside and local people. She’s a very bright, well-informed, reasonable person so I was confused to hear such a differing opinion. From what I see, she still seems to be a very trustworthy person, someone who has become a real friend, but I am now reminded that I still need to be cautious and prayerful.I also met up with Elaine and gave her a copy of the OT-NT material. She agreed to go over it together starting next week. However, I also discovered one piece of info about her too. She is in the application process of becoming a Communist party member as well (greaaat). We discussed the guidelines and philosophy of the group, but she informed me that she did not know anything about the guideline regarding no belief system. I thought it very strange because she too is a very bright person, not one likely to be ignorant to such important matters. Talking to Zee and then to her made me a bit confused about what exactly they’ve been informed. Well, she said that she would find out more info herself, but meanwhile she still seems interested in studying. This is yet another reminder to be cautious.
Not much has changed since the last update, although I am getting more chances to meet up with my guys on a 1-1 basis. In particular, one of our FOF guys, Reeyan, is usually open to meeting with me – although we are just really getting to know each other on a 1-1 basis, he is always eager to talk about our studies, and doesn’t shy away from the topics – so I am encouraged and plan on trying to meet with him at least 1 additional time per week. Our last week of work is finally here, and although it has been good, I am honestly glad that a large chunk of our days will be opening up — hopefully this will open up some free time to meet with more people, as well as advertise the camp a little more aggressively. In these final months, my personal focus and aim is to really make the most of my current relationships and not try to continue finding new ones.
Hola! (Many people have been asking us to teach them Spanish words, so this greeting is in my head). Despite some cancelled appointments / people’s busy schedules, I’m thankful for some good moments this past week in just getting to know people better and also being able to share. I was able to meet with two of my FOF gals 1 to 1. I don’t think I’ve mentioned them by name to all of you, so here is info about those two specifically.1) Crystal is very curious and asks a lot of good questions, but from the beginning said that it isn’t the right time for her to join the church. The good thing is that she understands what a big decision it is. The bad part is that she has limited herself to how much she wants to learn because her priority is getting into grad school. They have really difficult annual entrance exams here, and when we first started the group she has just found out that she failed for the second time. Her mom has given her one last chance to study for another year and try to pass again next year. When we met for dinner, she was really excited to show me a new study Bible that someone had given to her, so I encouraged her to use it! Her other hold-up is that she believes other religions are good and true too. She had some type of ghost experience as a child that freaked her out and was solved with some Buddhist stuff. Occasionally, she goes to church with her roommate, and feels a “sense of peace” when there. I really hope that God will show her the only way is through His church, and that despite personal experiences of her past, she will see He is right.2) The other gal, Sophie, just graduated and found a good job. When we had lunch, she told me that one of the reasons why she wants to learn more is just to gain a better understanding of it (mainly to understand Western culture better), and also to spend time with me and Rich (foreigners / practice English). I was disappointed because they are all superficial reasons, but I know that he can turn even this type of interest into a genuine interest. She shared that when she is down, she finds hope in things like Korean dramas and other entertainment. I hope that He will really cultivate a hunger in her for the true bread and giver of hope.Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to meet with our sister Esther 1 to 1, but she was able to partake in our b-ball activity. She is a ref for college b-ball games and was even willing to play in the rain, but the other gals weren’t. Plus, our hardcore sis Eslo was sick, so all I could convince them to do was each try to make a basket before giving up and having dinner. After her first two weeks of work, Esther lost over 10 pounds just because she was busy or unaccustomed to the working environment, so as she works hard and sees the pattern of life, I hope she will really see deeper meaning in Him. Most of all, I hope for true conviction as she continues to attend church and once our FOF group gets started with the OT-NT stuff (our first meeting of session 2 got cancelled).I also got to have dinner with LL and give her a Bible and OT-NT material. We had a chance to talk some more, although she would like to take some time to digest things. She is for sure attending the summer program, so that’s good news. We’re going for an outing this week, where I hope we can bond some more and have some good conversation. One challenge is that her interest stems from finding out last year that one of her friends at school is a Catholic. That friend’s whole family is, and they shared with LL, which made her interested. It can potentially get a little sticky, so I hope that I’ll be able to explain the differences and also that she will see the truce.Rita has been busy for the past two weeks hosting friends who came to visit so we haven’t been able to meet. The good news is that her mind is always on the good news. She got to talk to her boss, and friends, and even take those friends to church with her! PTL, huh?? He really laid a strong foundation over the past two years, and she has very solid convictions that lead to action.
Hello everyone! Again, I just want to say thanks for just taking the time to read our updates and taking the time to pray for us. It has been encouraging to be reminded that we have a solid group of church members praying on our behalf for continual fruit while we are here. So again thanks!Our tenure at the local hakwon is coming to an end. Overall, just looking back, I know that I will miss the experiences and the fun times I had working over there. God has definitely provided all the funds I would need for this past year through this job, and I am utterly thankful for it. Nonetheless, with no work and no Chinese class, it means a lot of free time for all of us. I’ve been looking forward to this time and I do ask that you would pray for ongoing wisdom and discernment as to how to spend this time.Also in regard to the hakwon, I have been meeting up with a Korean student named John. I thought he was the only Christian from the group of Koreans who are studying Chinese, but this past week he brought along another student who is also a Christian, Jerry. We had a very good discussion on Jesus Christ. I have been enjoying our time and it has been a source of accountability for these young students. It’s been encouraging them to see how eager they are to improve on their spiritual disciplines and I do hope one day, while we continue to meet, that they will seriously consider doing work here in this country, especially since God is equipping them to know three languages.The time spent with Allen has been going well. We have been meeting almost daily and having these deep conversations at a nearby fast food restaurant. Lately, we have been talking more about the Bible and just the gospel itself. It has been encouraging to see this, but I also understand that this is not the chief end of things. Please continue to pray for a deepening interest in what the Bible has to say about his current status before God.
I’m currently on a crash course, on the fast track road to learning Chinese. I have started teaching English to two girls, Stella and Esther. Stella is someone I have met through our English Corner meetings. A very sweet girl who is in need of Christ. I plan on sharing with her the gospel message real soon. Please ask our God to render her heart upon hearing what the Bible has to say about the Son.Esther, as you may know, is part of Tanya’s FOF study group. She has recently committed her life to Christ, but now has been traveling on some shaky grounds. Her English is really limited (and my Chinese is not so great) so it’s a bit difficult trying to communicate with her. I find it somewhat challenging to encourage her with the right words. Please ask God to continue to convict his truth in her so that she may not be swayed to the left nor to the right.We recently visited two orphanages. Seeing all the cute kids just made my heart melt immediately. I couldn’t help but to think how any one could abandon such lovable souls. I was more encouraged with the workers at both facilities who as Christian’s showed such compassion and love to the once forlorn children. I wish I had the capacity to take all the kids home with me. The kids long for affection which I freely give, but more importantly, I ask that you would pray for their souls. Though the world may abandon them, the love of our God will never leave them nor forsake them. It also re-confirmed in my heart that I totally want to adopt a kid if and when I have a family of my own. Pictures of them to be posted shortly…to be continued.
Family! Hello! How art thou all?I am continuing to meet with Rebecca frequently throughout the week. Lately, we have been talking a lot about government, differing religion, and the authority and relevance of Scripture. Her loyalties to the party seem very secure because of the privilege she feels in being selected and her aspiration to be a model citizen of China, but her understanding of their beliefs and regulations are still naive. She seems to live in her own world at times and when we talk about key events in history and their consequent outcomes as well as matters concerning the sin in of man, she is surprised to find she’s never taken these things into serious consideration. Please ask that God would give her an open and searching heart in desire to know the truth of the gospel message. Continue to ask the Father for grace and mercy to be extended towards her blindness, that she would truly come to discover the tragedy of her s in and the desperate need she has for a Savior.I have also begun to meet with Joy from our FOF recently. In an attempt to further encourage her to take her decision to be a Christian more seriously, I asked if she would be my language partner. It is evident that Joy has been growing and is eager to take the initiative in reading books in Bible on her own. Lynna had met with her for lunch while I was in Korea and found that although she agrees with and understands everything we are teaching, the biggest thing stopping her was that she really wants her boyfriend – Jacob – who also attends our group, to be on the same page as her. However, it’s been hard trying to find out what he’s thinking or how he’s doing because of his shy, nervous nature and demanding work schedule. Pray that God would grant the both of them clarity and alertness in mind and heart amidst the busyness of their lives, and that Joy would not prolong her thoughts in following Him.Continue to pray for Catherine & Pauline as well. Catherine and I have been engaging in really honest and open times together, but there are times when I question if she is sharing everything that is on her heart. I can tell she holds back a lot of times because of fear of rejection or other insecurities and she has expressed to me that it has been hard for her to tell anyone in her life about her deepest struggles. Whatever they might be, please ask that God would be Lord over all in Catherine’s life and that she would place all things in surrender at His feet. Pray that her strength would be found in clinging to Him as her Rock. Pauline is getting busier as her finals inch closer and our conflicting schedules make it harder to meet, but please pray that she would remain focused during her final weeks in the term. Pray that she would not neglect her time with Him but that God would always be prioritized first. Please also pray she wouldn’t be burdened by anything from home or within her circle of friends, but that she would really entrust all of herself to Him fully and rely on His abounding love for her.Keep Marie in your thoughts as well. She is a friend I made at our Friday English Corner awhile back and I began to meet with her recently to get to know her better and to practice my Chinese. We are just beginning to get to know each other so please ask for a fruitful time and that God would really give me an open opportunity to share my thoughts and heart with her.
Our Family in U
June 19, 2007
M-Caring by Diane Kim
June 18, 2007
Serving on the M-Care team this year has been a privilege and a blessing. Ever since our trip to China last summer, God has been growing my heart for the lost, both overseas and here at home. As God has given me a glimpse of how great and urgent is the harvest during the short weeks in China, He has also helped me to understand more that the need for workers is just as great and urgent. The greater the harvest, the greater the need for workers—and at that, the need for thoroughly equipped and effective workers. And I realized that is the job of the church to help raise such workers. In the end, it is God who calls and saves, despite man’s strength or weaknesses, but as His chosen people, it is of necessity that we build a healthy, Word-centered church because is through the church that God conveys the gospel and saves souls. And those who carry the good news—whether at home or overseas or wherever God calls them—are an extension of the church.
I believe that if we’re going to win souls for God’s kingdom and make disciples of all nations, then we must begin with the church because is within the church that God raises workers. God has been gracious to raise workers within our own church who have dedicated their lives this past year to the harvest in China. But the rest of us at home need to realize and remind our missionaries out there that they are not alone. As senders, it is just as important that we do our part to encourage and exhort and most importantly, pray for our missionaries, because it is through prayer that God works in the lives of men. As I’ve been serving on M-Care this year, this is one thing I’ve realized—that no matter how much we try to encourage our missionaries by whatever means, if we are not praying for them, then our efforts at anything else are wasted. But first, we must humble ourselves and seek God who alone can and will accomplish all things.
Personally, I find it a privilege that I could serve my brothers and sisters overseas through the M-Care team. Along with everyone else on the team, I wanted to play a part in reminding our brothers and sisters that they are not forgotten, but always on our hearts and in our prayers back home. On behalf of the rest of the church, I believed that this team would serve as a source of much-needed encouragement and support, whether through regular updates about the church or through simple words of encouragement via e-mail. For anyone who is considering serving on the M-Care team, I would definitely encourage you to join the team. I think we all have this tendency to feel like we on our own probably can’t do much, as that is how I often feel, but serving with my fellow brothers and sisters has helped me to realize that it really is a team effort and purpose. It is just not the effort of a single person, but all of our hearts combined that God’s will is done. And I strongly believe that part of His will is that we support our brothers and sisters giving their lives and laboring diligently in China, on behalf of the rest of us who are not able to participate directly in the work.
Why We Ought To Engage In Random EV by Josh Lim
June 13, 2007
And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
Been thinking a lot about the benefits of going out random evangelizing and felt I ought to share a few because there are so many good reasons (although obedience is reason enough!). Admittedly, there are a few objections, but these are not sufficient to keep anyone from random evangelism. Of these, the most common objection is that we ought to focus more on evangelizing to those closer to us and win them over with our lives. And it is true, our lives as well as our talk should win people over to Christ. Paul even speaks of “adorning the gospel” with our lives. Yet, this is no reason to keep any Christian from sharing the gospel with those who may not have direct contact with any Christian. It is also helpful to see Christ’s ministry and the ministry of the apostles who evangelized much to strangers.
Having gotten that out of the way, here are some major points that ought to cause us all to go and share the gospel (these are in no particular order, except maybe the first couple):
The glory of God is the umbrella over everything else. “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever!”
1. Obedience — God commanded it, we should do it. (Luke 4:43; Matthew 28:18; Acts 10:42; 1 Cor 1:17; 15:11; Eph 3:8; 1 Tim 6:2)
2. Salvation of souls– How can anyone believe if they never hear the gospel? St. Francis said, “Witness at all times. If necessary use words.” And, again, while our lives should be reflective of what we believe, if we don’t say anything men will go to hell. We ought to hold closer to the words of Christ than the words of man. Preach the gospel at all times, using all means necessary. And words are necessary! Faith comes from hearing. And hearing from the word of God. Paul argues, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14) In order to be saved the hearing of the gospel is necessary. None can be saved apart from it.
3. A deeper understanding and greater gratitude toward God for the Gospel — Through the preaching of the gospel, we are better able to understand what it is that we ourselves believe. Those areas that we may have overlooked may be brought light when others question us. Also, one thing that has been a great encouragement to me and a major benefit to evangelism is that I realize that I have been blessed by God! So few know Christ, and “there is no one who does good.” That God would choose me among these people, of whom I am no better, causes me to be humbled and grateful. — “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” (Philemon 6)
4. Accountability towards holiness — the fact that I evangelize on campus is reason for me to watch my life closely that I wouldn’t dishonor God through my life, having professed that I am a follower of Christ. Some pressure, but it’s good pressure. Paul admonishes that “in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:7,8) And likewise Peter says to the scattered churches to “keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.” (1 Peter 3:16)
5. Dependence on God — I can convince no one to believe, I cannot generate faith in anyone or have them generate their own faith. The doctrine of man’s radical corruption is only strengthened each time I go out. And the more people I meet the greater my realization is that salvation is from the Lord. The only way any of these people will believe is if the Holy Spirit works in their hearts. This leads to a greater need for prayer, and also, again, a greater understanding of the supernatural work that God wrought in us to bring us to Himself. “When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.” (Acts 13:48)
6. Sobriety — encountering so many who are headed to eternal damnation does much to sober a Christian. I think doing certain things (watching TV, movies, etc.) become less appealing and certainly more minute in light of the many who are daily headed towards hell. “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13) Paul’s words to Timothy are no less applicable to ourselves: “But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Tim 4:5)
7. Zeal for Christ — Christ died for sinners. Christ deserves the glory and the fact that so many feel that hearing the gospel is an option, that ‘if they don’t want to they don’t have to’ is pure arrogance. They are in enmity with God and He is directly opposed to them. His wrath is being stored up against them unless they repent. They are in disobedience and are owing to God to hear and obey. Far be it from us to be “tolerant” while dishonoring God. Salvation is only in Christ. “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) It is Christ’s desire to be glorified: “Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:24)
8. To hasten the coming of the Lord and increase desire for the Lord’s return — Christ said that once the gospel has spread to all the nations, then the end would come. And in preaching this message of the truth we realize the depravity of men in rejecting the truth of God and we also desire that Christ return and show Himself to be King of kings and Lord of lords. “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)
9. Meditate upon the sufferings of Christ — random evangelism, and the rejection that it entails, does, to a certain degree, give the Christian a greater appreciation for Christ’s sufferings. And also joy in being able to share (albeit in a small degree) for the sake of Christ. “So they went on their way from the presence of the Council,rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (Acts 6:41)
10. Increase faith in God’s word — the challenges that arise in sharing the gospel lead one to a greater degree of faith in the word of God as His truth is confirmed in the hardness of men’s hearts to accept the gospel. “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)
11. Developing an Evangelistic Lifestyle – We ought to evangelize with our entire lives. This just helps us to get into the habit of sharing the gospel so that when that spontaneous opportunity appears we will not falter, but will boldly proclaim the word of truth!
There are so many benefits to sharing the gospel even to those we may not know personally. The fact that we may not know everything extensively is no excuse. “He who does not act until he is ready will not act.” In Peter’s epistle he speaks of God’s “divine power [that] has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” (2 Peter 1:3) Therefore, if we lack anything it’s not proper knowledge of biology or physics but God’s Word. It is knowledge of Him through His word that brings the dead to life. Two things are necessary for evangelism: the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Let us neglect neither.
