We witnessed

I had an incredible evening being down town witnessing to people.

  It was unfortunate to hear young people reject the bible thinking it was not real and that it was being rewritten and changed continuously.   They were surprised when told the bible does not change and Gods law and word are still the same in the past, present and future.  

 We witnessed to a young girl who had not ate all day and needed a shelter for the night.  We prayed with her on the street and gave her hope. 

 We witnessed to a number of guys where 2 or 3 were not interested but one was.   The ones that are interested has questions and were seeking.  It was incredible to be gods voice at that time. 

 The other amazing thing about the night was that when you go to serve God many times you get served 3 fold.  

 We had a gentlemen preach back to us making sure we had a clear bible based message and were not leading people astray.  

 We did run into Christians throughout the night which was neat as well.  

 It was a good experience and I feel God gave me more then I provided.   We planted lots of seed I pray now they grow.

Thanks,   

Steve L        

Fire inside

9/28/2012

A man I never met before (Steve) and I headed out with the rest of the freaks to downtown Minneapolis.

I had a fire inside me tonight that I could not contain. I attribute it all to Christ, having been praying over this day for some time.

Tonight I was able to give away five bibles, which is more than I had ever given before. Not that it’s about numbers, but I loved the hearts that God prepared for this evening. There is nothing quite like looking into another human beings eyes while discussing the need for them to turn to Christ. I remember talking to several men and women who admitted their standing with God wasn’t where it needed to be. We were preaching the message of hope in Christ.

One memorable person tonight was a young man I met who was waiting for the bus. I had about 30 seconds to take him through the law, and when confronted he admitted that hell wasn’t where he wanted to go. I left him with a tract and bible and let him know that if he asked God to make Christ’s forgiveness real for him that I would see him in heaven. He got on the bus after thanking us, I hope to see him in heaven someday.

Steve and I met several people clearly hungry after something more than what this world offers. I was so encouraged each time we came across a fellow brother or sister in Christ. I love to send that encouragement back to them, telling them they need to share their faith with others.

Overall the night was so much more than I could have imagined. I didn’t feel like I was going through some formulaic recipe to lead someone into a decision. I didn’t fear the opinion of others. I made it clear to these people that I cared only that I would see them in heaven. Praise Jesus that He provided such great opportunities. I also thank Him for placing me with Steve, who I am greatly encouraged by and who I will now pray for.

All for His glory,

Jason

new order of tracts

It is 3:30pm Friday the 28th of September.

I was downstairs checking my email and I heard the  door bell. I knew who it was as I was expecting tracts today.

I ran upstairs and the driver was heading back to the truck. I walked out the door and said I am going to give you what is in the box. He says what?

I go on and tell him what is in the box and hand him a million dollar bill. You should know I always have tracts on me. I tell him what it says and  that we could die today. He says yes we should think about that from time to time. I tell him that we need to repent and trust Jesus as our savior.

I explain to  him that we are headed downtown to night to tell people this same message.

As he is entering into the UPS truck Kevin wishes me luck tonight. I reply with thank you and pick up my package off the steps.

Make every encounter a witness.

Mike

Jeremiah 20:9
If I say, “I will not mention him,
    or speak any more in his name,”
there is in my heart as it were a burning fire
    shut up in my bones,
and I am weary with holding it in,
    and I cannot.

"Keep Preaching"

 

My wife and I went to a wedding this weekend to a friends wedding in Sioux Falls.  I try to be open

to be used by God wherever I am.  So this weekend it was in Sioux Falls. 

 

 While my wife stayed in the hotel room sick from the pregnancy, I headed over to the reception.  It was a surprise wedding, so after a short speech from my friend, he and his fiance surprised everyone and preformed the ceremony that night.Great ceremony with the holy spirit obviously there.

 

  So, after the ceremony I bumped into a kid (named Vlad) who was there as an exchange student from Romania.  After I commented that his country has a great gymnastic history (he laughed, he hears it all the time.) I asked if his country was a religious county or an atheistic one. He said that it was very religious and that most people there were Roman Catholic.

 

  So I continued to ask him his age, (16 to my surprise, seemed older) presented the gospel to him, and then asked him if he knew where he would go if he died tonight.  Without hesitation he said, "Hell."  Surprised, I asked him if that concerned him.  He said yes and we kept talking for a few more minutes.  Then I asked him the same question again, and he said, "Heaven."  I said, "What, five minutes ago you said you would go to hell."  He agreed and said that he prayed in those five minutes.

 

  "Really?!" I asked.  "Yes"  He said.  We went out to the balcony and I believe I witnessed God save someone right in front of my eyes.  We talked some more but I had to get back to the reception.  So over the next two hours he came up to me three or four times telling me that he felt "enlightened", he told me to "keep preaching", and was obviously moved by the Holy Spirit.  Awesome!!!

 

  God can work anywhere, any situation, anytime.  To all who are reading this, "Keep preaching!"

 

I Pray that all who read these posts are encouraged and know that we take no credit or no glory for the work God is doing through his children.

 

Scott 

another park

 The family went to another park on Saturday evening. It was an elementary school that is not being used.

There were kids from the neighborhood there that were getting out of hand.

Wendy tells me to "go tell them about Jesus". I say to her that they are girls and it does not look right for a man to be talking to young girls. There ages were about 11 to 14 and there were 4 of them and a younger brother.

 She tells me that she is there and has my back in case someone has a problem with me speaking to the girls.

 The brother and sister were spitting on each other. Wendy says knock that off and they do.The sister seemed to be babysitting a 4 year old girl and not doing a good job of it. Nora goes over and asks her if she wants to play and they do. 

I get right up and move towards them with bills in my hand. I begin going through the 10 commandments and what would happen if we were to die suddenly. They are concerned and one girl says she just learned that at church.

I present the gospel and tell them to read there bibles and do what it says.  And that they need to repent and trust Jesus Christ as there savior.

I gave 2 other boys tracts and presented a short message. There parents got to the park and the boys gave them the bills. I seen the dad reading the message on the back and I prayed for them all.

We give Nora the 5 minute warning before we got to leave. Another family shows up to shoot some hoops. As we are leaving I walk over and hand dad, son,and daughter a tract. I give a short message and we depart and get in the car.

 Mike

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Obedience

 This past Friday night it was again time to serve the Lord on the streets of Minneapolis.Our group of 5 Jesus Freaks set out in obedience to share the Gospel with all who would listen.

 I brought my younger brother Eric with me once again so that he could be exposed to the workings of the Holy Spirit.

It was a beautiful night in Uptown and so there were many people on the streets. Our group prayed in the car for the Holy Spirit to guide us and open the hearts of those we would approach.

 My brother and I made our way down Hennepin Ave. I handed out million dollar bills, and 180 DVDs. I met a young man who said that he had studied the bible extensively, and considered himself an atheist. He was very open and we had a great conversation for about a half hour. During that time, I listened to his opinions, and whenever possible, interjected the the importance of the Cross, the blood of Christ as payment for our sins, our need for repentence, and God’s grace. I reminded him that no person could understand all of the reasoning behind God’s workings, and that true Christianity requires faith. I offered him a Bible, and he indicated that he did, in fact own many, and that he would re-commit himself to reading it again.

Towards the end of the night, I was standing on the corner of Hennepin and Lake, and I saw a familiar face approaching. There were people in between us on the corner as he walked by and he recognized me and smiled. Scott Crowell and I had met Mark “Lefty” on the streets of Uptown many months ago. We spoke with him at length regarding his lack of faith as a direct result of his disability. He could not reconcile why God would give him such a lot in life. On Friday night we reconnected, but he honestly admitted that he had not been reading the Bible as of yet, but that he found it very compelling that we continued to bump into each other on the streets. I told him that I was certain God had brought our paths together again.

 It is one of the most rewarding parts of being a Jesus Freak when you meet up with someone on the streets for a second time and catch up with them. It happens more than you would think.

After 2 straight trips to Uptown, I look forward to returning to Downtown, and I look forward to seeing some of the new faces who have expressed interest in joining the Jesus Freaks.

Phil 

Christ in me

 Monday morning I was working and I had  a little accident. It was 8:15am and I sliced off my knuckle on my left index finger. It happened so fast i felt no pain, but is was bleeding good.

I wrapped a rag around it and went to wash it up. I grabbed the paper work needed and Don drove me to the clinic.

After I filled out the initial paper work at the front desk I gave the woman behind the desk a tract. I went to sit down and I gave a tract to Don.

We were sitting for about 10 minutes and a nurse called my name and brought to a room. She took my weight and blood pressure and I gave her a tract.She tells me thank you and she will read it.

The doctor comes in and is asking me routine questions and I give her a tract. She asks what church I go to. Then she says she goes to 4th Baptist in Plymouth. So we talk as she is stitching my knuckle back on. She begins to leave and says good luck with the ministry. I say, I don,t need luck its Christ in me.  She smiles and exits the room.

The nurse comes back to cover the stitched knuckle. The first time it was real loose and was not going to work. She gets another nurse to help who looks sad and depressed. I give her a tract and tell her I am spreading the Word. She opens up and says she needs a good word. I give a short message followed by the Gospel. She thanks me and smiles.

No matter where you are or what you may be doing there is always an opportunity to share the gospel.

If Christ is living through us we should show it all the time!

Mike

Mark 16:15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Get over there!

“People talk about our being earnest and fanatical—about our being on fire. Would to God the church were on fire! This world would soon shake to its foundation. May God wake up a slumbering church! What we want you to do is not to shout ‘amen’ and clap your hands. The deepest and quietest waters very often run swiftest. We want you to go right to work; there will be a chance for you to shout by and by. Go and speak to your neighbor and tell him of Christ and heaven. You need not go far before you will find someone passing down to the darkness of eternal death. Haste to his rescue!” D. L. Moody 

You all know How I love preaching Christ. We were at a park in Ramsey this afternoon with some friends. Some boys came and I watched as I knew they were up to no good. As my wife came over to see what was up. I told her what I just mentioned.

She says "get over there and talk to them". I get right up and go to the swing set. I begin by handing them a tract. I then continue about there state as the stand without Christ as there savior. With love and compassion. They were very concerned about the state they are in.

 I share the gospel with them and continue to talk with these 3 boys. As I am talking with them 8 or 9 other kids come over to listen and all are concerned about eternity. I talked with kids for about an hour. I repeat the message I just gave the boys.

I tell them they need to ask Jesus to forgive them of there sins and trust in Jesus. I then explain what that means and they understand.

 I give them all extra tracts for them to give there friends. They asked for them and I tell them you must give them away not throw them away. They all said they will with no hesitation.

 I tell them they need to read there bibles everyday and do what is says. 

I begin to walk back to our friends house to eat dinner. I thanked Jesus for the opportunity to be His witness. The joy of the Lord was pulsating through my body. WOW! 

 “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” 1 John 4:16 ESV
 

Mike

Servant

 I rode in on Thursday morning ready for scattering seeds. I love morning evangelism.

 I got to the walk bridge and there was a high school boy on a skateboard coming down the ramp. I seen him the day before but missed the opportunity to hand him a tract. This time I stopped him on his skateboard and continued to give him a tract and share a brief message.

This continued with four more witnesses on the way to work. All  were separate encounters.

 I even stopped at a park and ride in Maple Grove hoping to find a full attendance of people. There was one man standing outside the shelter and I rode my bike right up to him and gave a tract and a brief message told him to have a great day.

Every person that I hand a tract to says thank you with a smile on there face.

On the way home from work I had five more encounters. Two more after dinner on a bike ride with my daughter.

These words from a song have been in my heart for weeks;
"let my life become proof,the proof of your Love"

What song is in your heart?

 Shouldn't we as Gods children be sharing with others what is required of them to receive eternal life. Remember we were once like the person you talk to. "Lost".

Think about this; you maybe the only person who tells that person about Jesus Christ. So will you pray and ask the Lord for opportunities to share the gospel?

Mark 16:15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

 I feel so blessed to be used by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Mike

Running late

 I was behind schedule Wednesday morning as I ride my bicycle to work. I was going to drive my car to give me a few more minutes in the house.Wendy had implied to just ride my bike. So I did.

As I was riding and praying I remembered four ladies walking on the walk bridge over Hwy 169 the day before. I  thought to  myself if they are there to day I will stop and give them tracts. As I approached the bridge I did not see them. I just kept riding and praying.

There is usually no one on the streets when I ride. As I was half way to work 3 miles in I noticed two men waiting for a bus.

 I slow down and tell the men have something for them. I pull out two million dollar bills and tell them that there is a gospel tract on the back side and ask if they would read it.

 I tell them I am not here to judge or condemn anybody. I am here to spread the word and you guys have a great day.

 There were two more at a stop about a mile and a half down the road. I did the same exact thing as the first time.

 I am writing this to encourage people to take the most out of every opportunity to share the gospel.

Mike


Mark 16:15  And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

vote Yes

We went for a bike ride this after noon. Nora and I stopped at a garage sale spent a dollar and gave the lady a tract.

I kept seeing signs that said vote yes Marriage  One Man, One Woman.

 As we got close to our  house I went up to a sign to see were I could obtain one. There were two High school boys on the deck. I yelled " where did you get the sign". They came down and talked with me. They told me there church was giving them out. I asked where they attended? It was a Russian church in Dayton.

The boys spoke in their native tongue and one left for a few minutes. The other was telling me his cousin at the local High School  was being taught evolution and he could take it no longer and stood up and started preaching against it with the truth. "AWESOME" I stated.

 His brother came out of the garage with a sign for me with his mother following. I raise my hand and yell "Praise Jesus". They had told me that one sign has been stolen already and they stopped someone from stealing another.

I gave the boys (Illya and Danny) a bunch of million dollar bills to hand out. They said thank you and told me that they will  definitely hand them out and will give some to their cousin.

Wendy and I have seen vote no every where and wanted to stand up for the truth. Now we have a vote Yes sign in our front yard. We will see what kind of reception the sign will receive.

John 15:18
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you."

Mike

Fearless

 <sup>This jumped off the pages this morning  at me. If we know the world hates us there should be no fear in sharing our faith.

John 17 :14-18
14</sup> I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. ¹⁵ My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. ¹⁶ They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. ¹⁷ Sanctify them by^[d] the truth; your word is truth. ¹⁸ As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. ¹⁹ For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.


 Do as Jesus commands us;
 
Mark 16:15
 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Pray for opportunities to share your faith and be obedient and follow through with your witness.
A great place to start is to hand out a tract to a stranger. We were all once lost. You may be the only one who tells them about Jesus Christ.

Ecclesiastes 3:11
  He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

Mike

great weakness

	The Democratic Party's flip-flop and the resulting anger and confusion about whether or not to put reference to God into their platform, highlighted the great weakness in our political system. The Yes and No vote is reminiscent of another vote that was taken 2,000 years ago, which resulted in the one-man steering committee washing his hands of the whole process. This is what happens when a nation abandons the Bible as its moral guide. It has no rudder in the stormy sea of human opinion, so it is driven by whatever wind blows the hardest. When the Bible is abandoned, the question is asked, "Is killing a child in the womb morally okay?" The answer comes from those who yell the loudest. The same applies with homosexuality and other moral issues. Abraham Lincoln once said, "Our government rests in public opinion. Whoever can change public opinion, can change the government..." That becomes a weakness and not strength, when the Bible is left out of the equation. The Scriptures are "a lamp to our feet and a light to out path." When they are ignored we are left in moral darkness and we will soon forget the truth of the words "God mend thine every flaw, Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law!" Thomas Jefferson said "The greatest danger to American freedom is a government that ignores the Constitution." I propose a small amendment to his words. They should read, "The greatest danger to American freedom is a government that ignores the Scriptures and treats the Constitution as though it was the Word of God." This fiasco should also remind us of Lincoln's, "Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right." Check this out: www.180movie.com. Living Waters.com

Spiritual Light Piercing Uptown

Saturday night September 17, at 7:25 PM, the  followers of Christ known as the "Jesus Freaks" once again were fervently in pursuit of rescuing the lost souls through the word of God. The leader of Jesus Freaks, Mike Karlstad asked me to join him in God's mission to testify the Truth to those who are spiritually bankrupt. I met some other faithful believers such as Cathy and Dan and their two wonderful daughters, Katie and Ellie. There were also some other faithful and committed believers, Gail and her two children, Joshua and Hannah. Scott another humble member of Jesus Freaks was present as well.

We all prayed before we dispersed in different directions to feed the word of God to hungry and destitute souls. Mike and I started walking with great energy and enthusiasm.
The streets were congested with diverse group of people that were occupied with their daily routines without being conscious of their death and seemed unconcerned with respect to where they'll be after they die. I sighed  as I continued walking on the side walk on Lake Street and all of a sudden, I was urged by the Holy Spirit to stop and do another prayer.

Mike was passionately involved in handing out the tracts to the passers by.

I walked to the bus Stop where two middle aged African Americans were waiting for the bus. I got engaged in the conversation with them; they appeared to be receptive of what I wanted to say. Mike started talking to one of them and I continued the dialogue with the fellow who was sitting on the bench. I gave him a brief information about my Islamic background and how God has chosen me through His grace alone by placing my trust and faith in His son Jesus alone. This man was so passionate to hear more. He said "hurry up man, tell me more about Jesus because my bus will be arriving any minutes." I continued talking very fast without taking another breath.  I told him that we all perish and he needs to be born again in order to see the kingdom of heaven. I told him that I was lost spiritually but a few years ago I was led by the Holy Spirit to embrace Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I added,  "we're all sinners and we need to confess our sin before God and humbly ask Him to forgive our sin and lead  us to His son Jesus." I placed my hand on his left shoulder and prayed for his soul. The tears welled in his eyes as he was getting his belongings together to catch the bus.

I also noticed that Mike was on fire for the Lord, his humble demeanor during his testimony was just awesome. I could tell that the Holy Spirit was with him. I continued praying and beseeching the Lord to give me the spiritual stamina to do His mission tonight. I came across a large number of Muslims who seemed to be from Somalia. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit I approached them and succinctly shared my story with them about my sin and how Jesus saved me. It was imperative for me at that given moment to recite the Quran – to bring to their attention that the Quran also confirms the deity of Christ and His return on earth to render His judgement on humanity. There were two Muslim pastors (in Arabic it's called "Imam") there. They were hesitant at first to allow me to elaborate on the deity of Christ but then, when I started to draw their attentions to the verses (Sura) contained in the Quran which clearly and concisely confirmed that Jesus is Holy, Just, and Sinless. All of a sudden, I noticed they modified their behaviors and became congenial and open to listen to me with a degree of enthusiasm. One of them said, continue brother finish it and we don't have all night here.

I think my unadulterated passions about Jesus and what he's done for me softened their heart. At the end, I appreciated that they gave me the opportunity to share the majestic and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in my personal life and the redemptive work of Christ on the Cross for those who surrender their lives to Him.

Mike and I departed from there rather urgently because there was a group of Muslim adolescents who appeared to be indignant with me for what I was trying to accomplish.

The night was very fruitful and the Holy Spirit was with us through out the night. Let me tell you something, the God of the bible is an awesome God through whom I have truly found contentment, richness and spiritual salvation.

Furthermore, I am so proud of our Jesus Freaks who relentlessly go out there once a month to share the gospel with the believers and the unbelievers. Each one of them is so committed to serve the Lord without any hesitations or reservations; I am so blessed beyond description to have these courageous men and women in my life and call them brothers and sisters in Christ.

Saturday night was certainly a night that was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and I know for sure, the word of God has penetrated the hearts and minds of the people that we came in contact with. Those we gave our testimonies to will look back and see the Truth and hopefully the Holy Spirit will draw them to the cross.

At 9:40 PM, we all returned to our vehicles to talk about the night. Let me tell you this: The excitement and joy were written all over our faces; we incessantly glorified God and appreciated one another's fellowship in Christ. I pray that Harvest Bible Chapel continues to grow in Christ and for Christ glory alone. I pray that God continues to bless Pastor Brent's commitment and dedication to the mission of the Cross. I pray that we all as a congregation continue to keep our steadfast faith in Christ alone.



Amen,
Farhad