By Aaron E. Ziebarth, Executive Director
It usually happens about every other week. A volunteer in the Released Time Bible Program tells me how excited they are that they were able to share their testimony with a child. And then they tell me something to the extent that, “It has been a long time since that has happened,” or “I have never been able to do that before.”
I am so thankful that they have the opportunity to share their faith, and then are able to see children respond to the gospel.
On Friday, October 20, 2017 I read the following devotional from the legendary missionary Leroy Eims, a missionary with the Navigators for many years before going home with the Lord. https://www.navigators.org/ May this encourage us all as to share our faith more.
“I tell you…there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” – Luke 15:7
I attended a Christian conference where two men gave a testimony on the subject of evangelism. The first man told of a meeting at which the speaker asked everyone to jot down the names of five friends who were nonChristians, and then begin praying for them on a regular basis. He and his wife just stared at each other. They didn’t have five nonChristian friends.
They began to look for ways to meet nonChristians. The husband went to the local gym and met a worldly young lawyer, who was quite skillful in asking argumentative questions. The Christian was quite skillful in answering them from the Scriptures. The lawyer eventually came to Christ, and these two men now were telling their story.
Testimonies like theirs are rare nowadays. I’m afraid we’re like the children of Israel in today’s passage, wherein Joshua said to them, “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?” (Joshua 18:3).
Seven tribes had not yet claimed their inheritance. Apparently, they had no desire to be scattered abroad and break up the old gang. They had lots of spoil from the cities they had taken and could live the good life in ease and comfort. They had plenty to eat, were safe, and enjoyed each other’s company.
Joshua’s question is pertinent to us today. How long will we sit around in our cozy little fellowships? There are thousands of lost men and women who need us to reach out in friendship with the gospel of Christ.
Prayer
Lord, please help me to break out of my “Christian cocoon” and give me a vision for the lost. Amen.
Upcoming Events:
Energizer Retreat (Grades 2-5)
Mother Son (Sons grades 1-8)
Joy El Camps and Retreats, provides Christian camps and retreats in PA and is a retreat centers in pa since 1974. Our focus on making disciples is seen in the Released Time Bible Program and 4.12 Leadership Training Program.
