I have been to many outreach events; I have yet to see one this productive. Many people seemed truly moved by the conversations they had with those with whom they shared the Good News. If it weren’t for a scheduled meeting at GA, we are convinced these witnesses would have been out there for another hour or more.
There were some curious glances, smirks and even comments made as passersby witnessed a group of Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) ruling and teaching elders and some of their family members taking the Apostle Paul’s example to heart and placarding the gospel before others, not fearing to be seen as “fools for Christ.”
TE Jonas Brock of Golden Isles Pres., St. Simons, GA spearheaded the face-to-face evangelism outreach, but did not have to work too hard, as brothers and sisters eagerly engaged in sharing their faith naturally as they hit the streets with fervor. Up and down the Beale Street in Memphis one could see REs Travis Peacock and Mark Board, TEs Geoff Gleason, Evan Gear, David Bradsher, Jonathan Rowe, Rick Holbert and his wife and daughter, Scott Moreland and his wife, and Jonas Brock engaging in deep gospel conversations with people who’d come out to party on the Beale. TE Shaw brought out an amplifier to preach a gospel message to those in hearing range and TEs Holbert and Bradsher followed suit.
I have been to many outreach events; I have yet to see one this productive. Many people seemed truly moved by the conversations they had with those with whom they shared the Good News. If it weren’t for a scheduled meeting at GA, we are convinced these witnesses would have been out there for another hour or more.
We did learn some lessons that will help us prepare the logistics for times, places, transportation and such when GA meets next year in Richmond. Plan on joining us. In the meantime, you may want to practice by planning your own witness opportunities in your community.
A Facebook page called “PCA Fools for Christ” has been opened as a place to encourage us, keep us abreast of local opportunities between GAs and to equip and encourage one another in this ministry. It also has pictures of the event. Check it out and plan on joining us next year for 2nd Annual GA Evangelistic Outreach.
Jim Shaw is Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian (PCA), in Brunswick, GA.