like-minded brothers

A couple of days ago I received an email from a friend at church, who was forwarding an email about an upcoming evangelism event. The event was the Anoka County Halloween Parade. The city of Anoka Minnesota likes to boast that it’s the biggest Halloween parade in the nation. Regardless, it’s grown over the years into an event that brings out the community in large numbers. Just the right kind of event for some serious “tracking” evangelism, where large numbers of gospel tracts are distributed.

I had hoped additional people from my church would join us, but I arrived at the designated house, the point of departure, and found I was the only representative. But, that was okay, I knew that God would bring grace for any social anxiety I might have because of it.

I soon found myself among like-minded brothers as introductions were made. Mike’s garage was the hub of preparations activity, with boxes of tracts, Bibles, and gospel DVD’s. We were encouraged to fill up our knapsacks with the rich gospel materials. The tracts were especially well-suited to the event, being Way Of The Master million dollar bills of assorted sizes. I use my photographer’s vest instead of a knapsack because of the numerous pockets and the even weight distribution. By the time.I was finished stuffing pockets I was well weighed down. But, if you have put on weight this is the best kind!

The team of seven split into two groups to work the parade, each starting at opposit ends of the parade route to work the crowds along the way. At the beginning where my group started it was wall-to-wall people. Generally, people were eager to accept the imitation bills. It seems to appeal to the consumer, or perhaps the greed, in each of us. You see something that looks like currency, and your all for receiving it!
After I ran out of gospel material I had a chance to observe the crowds and the event. While I celebrated Halloween lots of times as a kid, and our family saw no real harm in it, even apart from the fleshly darkness that has become so prevelant today, I now find myself sad that we make a celebration out of such things. I shudder to think how much worse the reality of hell is, than even the darkest expression of Halloween. If anything, this celebration should motivate believers to work harder, that by God’s grace, many more would be spared such a truly gruesome fate as eternal suffering, where “their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:48).

Still, it was a fine late Fall day for a parade. And, it was good to be out and about putting something of life into the hands of young and old. So many tracts went into the buckets and bags of little ones who would not understand its message. I silently prayed that God would move in households when parents examined the contents, that parents would be won to Christ, and in turn train little ones to become wise for salvation.
My time with my previously unknown brothers was brief, but a blessing all the same. There is nothing that bonds so quickly as working together for the glory of Jesus Christ. God’s grace was manifest as we began running into each other toward the center of the parade route. It wasn’t too long before we were all reunited. Then, we walked together to a house a few blocks away, where a wonderful Christian family greeted us and invited us in for warm drinks and snacks. A while latter we headed back to the cars and drove back to Mike’s house, where we blessed one another and said our goodbyes.
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news” (Romans 10:15, NIV)
 Dave E

Farhads notebook

   "The supplication of a wounded Spirit”

I am down on my knees again tonight; I am hoping this prayer will turn out right. O’Lord, my restless heart needs your help. You see, my heart is restless and my mind is full of worries.

I have done all that I could to obey you but I failed so miserably and woefully. O’Lord, I am so tired and weary, help me stop worrying. I put my hands on my heart and praying so you can hear me. Can you hear me? Tell me that you are with me in these lonely nights when I am restlessly walking in an empty room.

I have no one to talk to, no one to listen to me, but I know you are with me O’Lord. I’ve come to know you and left everything behind. So, can you hear me O’ Lord?
Each night I kneel down at the edge of my bed to worship you so you can hear me. I have no one, but you through whom I know I can get my restless heart healed. I've tried to do it myself, but you know Lord, it is so difficult, it is so exhausting and it's so burdensome.

I don't want to live my life fearfully, I am feeble in all things I do, but through you I know I can do it all. I am going through tough times; I am going through doubts, consternations and apprehension.

My mind is full of worries and perplexities. Can you hear memo' Lord? I need your divine mercy; I will continue to bow down and asking you for your mercy and compassion.

There was a time, when I didn't know you; I was full of myself and tried to do everything by myself, but I couldn't find contentment within my heart.

I am back on my knees to implore you for your forgiveness & you know O'Lord, I need your hand on my heart, I need your spirit to heal my infirmities. My soul needs you, my heart needs your touch, and my broken spirit needs your breath, so I can become revived again.

O'Lord, pick me up again, one more time like you that before. O'God my heart gets appeased through your words. Can you hear me?

You have drawn me to your son through whom you provided me the eternal life, but my mind is still in despair; help me once more to see the everlasting light of salvation, O’Lord be with me. Can you hear me?

What should I do when these lonely nights darken my heart? Will you be with me tonight? O’Lord, can you truly hear me? I promise I will be back on my knees tonight to worship you with all the broken pieces of my heart & wounded spirit.

They even ask for more!

Here I am. People are running after me and reaching out to me. Am I some rockstar or teen idol? Nope and definitely not.
I'm handing out Gospel tracts at the Anoka Halloween parade! People love these tracts! They even ask for more!
Yes some people say no but they are the smallest minority. And some people ask questions but never in a mean way.
Even on the surface this is just plain fun. But deep down I know that one of these seeds may hit some fertile soil. And God may see fit to bring the next Great Awakening through it!
I wish you could be here. But don't be sad. You can come next time! I'll be there!
Blessings,
Matt Taylor

quite an event.

The Halloween parade was quite an event.

  Great opportunity to share tracks, DVD’s, and bibles. 

  Adults and children were very open to getting the money tracks that look like real money.  As passing out tracks I would ask if they or friend would like a bible and about 60% of the time I would get a yes.   For the most part, people were very open to being asked and receive a bible.  I was very surprised.   Kids love the big Money tracks and would ask for one for a friend at times.   I had a teenage girl after getting bible get a friend so she could have one as well.  This was rewarding to see.

  Praise God!  To anyone who would like to join us next year,  this is a great chance to see what it is like to share God’s word.  It is fun and rewarding at the same time.

Blessed in planting seeds,

Steve Lindell

20,000 people

Halloween Parade outreach

The city of Anoka calls itself the Halloween capital of the world.
The parade they have every year draws some 20,000 people to
this little town eager to watch the parade and to get
something to brighten their day.  What could be better than getting
their lives touched by the Holy Spirit from a seed planted by us.

It is very easy to spread the word of God, and the path to
Jesus Christ and eternal life in such a low stress and inviting situation.
Many of the people ask us for the tracts.  

The tracts handed out will get into homes of people who would never bring
a gospel tract into their home, and there is a good chance that they
will sit down and read the message on the back, because it’s non
threatening and gets right to the truth.

The 7 of us touched the lives of close to 1000 people each in a
matter of 3 hours with the gospel and the way to Jesus and
eternal life.  What better way to spend a beautiful Saturday
afternoon. Think of the impact this outreach could have if there were
20 or 25 people planting seeds.  With Gods help, the possibilities are
endless.


Steve

A Grave encounter.

What an amazing thing that we witnessed today at the Anoka Halloween parade.  The unreal number of tracts that were scattered was one thing, but the boldness that I witnessed through those who attended was very encouraging to my faith.  Our boldness today was from Him and Him alone.

 
        There were a few encounters today for me that I knew God was at work.  And this is one of them.
        Dave, Steve, Matt and myself headed out from the start and immediately began scattering Gospel tracts. People loved these things! A few even ran up to us to ask for more so they could give them to their family and friends. Pretty cool to see people run to the Gospel.  Pray that these people will read, understand, and be forever saved by the life changing message. God is able!! 

        So, about ten minutes into our walk, we ran into a man shaking many people's hands and all of a sudden he shakes mine.  I said hi and asked him if he wanted a tract. He said he couldn't take money because he was campaigning.  I told him it was obviously fake and he laughed and took it from me.  At this time I recognize this man from TV ads. It was Jim Graves who is running against Michelle Bachmann.  I was a little star struck to be honest with you, and he asked me what these million dollar bills were.  I said that it was a gospel tract and if he was a man of faith.  He said he was Catholic.  I proceeded to ask him if he knew where he would go when he dies.  He told me that he hopes he would go to heaven.  He asked if I would vote for him, I said I didn't live in his district, and we shook hands again and went our separate ways. 

 

       Now I don't know if this man is saved or not, but I do know one thing.  I never knew I was going to heaven until I was born-again September 13, 2001 through the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of Jesus Christ who forgave me of ALL my sins.  Until that point I only hoped.  I challenge those of you who are reading this to pray for this man.  I believe that this man can and will be used by God in mighty ways.  God created the universe, what makes us doubt His power?  Make yourself available to be used by God everyday.   

 

Very humbling day.......the Jesus Freaks give all honor, glory, and power to Jesus Christ.

 

In Christ,

Scott

Halloween Outreach

There were six Jesus Freaks that met at my house it was 11:45am. We filled our back packs with tracts, bibles, and 180 DVD's. Steve was meeting us at the place we were parking and that makes seven of us.

We prayed before we left on our mission for God.

 As we  walked to our destination people were already on the move to get a spot to view the parade. The walk to the end was about a mile. The people on the way were accepting our tracts with no hesitation.

When we crossed the Rum River over the walk bridge I handed three guys a tract and one stopped to talk further. I took Wallace through the law of God and then presented the gospel to him. He was receptive to the message and I gave him a bible. We still had a 1/2 mile to walk to the end as we were meeting the other Jesus Freaks at the half way point.

As we walked the parade route 80-90 percent of the people we handed tracts and bibles to gladly took them.  The Jesus Freaks handed out roughly 6,000 tracts 150-200 bibles and over 150 of the 180 dvd's.

I can not explain the joy you get when you are doing the will of God.
  “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." Mark 16:15

 I met other evangelist and we exchanged contact info. Praise Jesus!!

It was 3:20pm when we met up in the middle of the route and almost everybody was out of material. What ever was left we grabbed from the others and dispersed it out to the people on the streets.

On the way to Rachel's we talked about our day everybody was excited in our results. As we were welcomed into the house by Scott we felt the love of Jesus through them. We all enjoyed cookies ,chips coffee, apple cider, and fellowship from the entire family. I love that Scott Russ prayed for us as we were getting ready to head back to our families. What a blessing to end an awesome day the Lord has made. 

We got back to the cars to head back to my house and the time was 4:00pm. I would ask that all who read this to pray for those who were reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are nothing He is everything.

Mike

before dinner

I was mulching leaves yesterday and this man who is always walking with his son goes by. I have always seen him but never talked with him as he lives on another block.

The Lord stirred in me to say something. I shut off the lawnmower and walked over to him and introduced myself. We talked awhile Nora pet his dog and I gave John a million dollar bill. I shared the gospel with John and Nora and I went back and continues to mulch the leaves.

There is opportunity everywhere you look.

 Share the gospel .

Mike

We walk by the Spirit

We once again traveled to downtown Minneapolis to bring the word of God, and plant seeds of salvation. It was a great night of witnessing.

 

I will say that I sensed a strong presence of dark forces at work against us on this night. Or perhaps it was just that I really noticed the darkness that is the standard on the streets of Minneapolis these days. It is getting hard to see a lot of the drug use and drinking that is blatantly out of control. It is discouraging.

On Friday night, it seemed that whenever we spoke to people, there was someone trying to distract or block out the Gospel. In the past two trips there have been dangerous encounters with drunk individuals.

We walk by the Spirit, and we are protected by Christ.

 But for me there is still fear. I fear sometimes for my own life. I fear for the life of my family if something were to happen to me. I fear for those that I see on the street who are homeless. I fear for those I meet who think they have life figured out and under control, but are in fact headed to Hell. And every time I leave my family to go and deliver the Gospel to these lost souls, I do it out of obedience, and because I truly believe in the message I am bringing to the lost.

Jason, Paula, and I met a man named Keith who was 23 years old. He had been in and out of prison many times, and spoke in prison lingo. He said he had yet more warrants out for his arrest. He told us he was an addict. We talked and listened to Keith for about 45 minutes. We prayed with him, and we prayed for him. We planted a seed for Christ with this man, each of us related to him in our own way.

We need more men and women to come with us and plant the seeds of truth. People like Keith do not go to church. This is a big reason we do what we do.

Phil 

STREET WALKERS WANTED

Me and the guys … out on the streets … excited to see how God will lead us and what the Holy Spirit will do.  Believe me, I am not a gifted evangelist like Mike, Scott, Cathy and the others. Yet I know without a doubt that I am to with them.

Friday night I’m paired with Jason and Phil. If you keep up with the blog, you know Jason is just on fire to tell people about Jesus. To see him in action is fun. Even if people don’t want to listen to him, they get caught up in his enthusiasm and will engage in a conversation with him. There were a couple of conversations with people who come across as very confident in what they believe (atheist, Buddhist, or a mix of eastern and New Age theology). Jason listens then quickly gets to the heart of where their belief fails them and counters with the logic and truth of the Gospel message.

Phil is just as filled with the Holy Spirit only he is soft-spoken but articulate. God puts into his path those who need to hear his story. I’ve been with Phil before and am amazed at the number of men and women who are touched by his testimony. It happened again on Friday night. The last person we talked to was Keith. He has anger issues, is an addict, has several warrants for his arrest, trying to get his act together but gets kicked down, and has given up on life. I started to talk to him and soon he spilled out his whole story. Phil told Keith how Jesus rescued him from similar situation and Jesus would do the same for him. (Now, let me put your mind at ease – Phil does not have any warrants for his arrest.) I wish I could end the story with Keith then gave his life to Christ but he didn’t. But he may because we gave him the Truth!

What do I do? I listen. I contribute where I’m felt led. I pray. I pray for protection and ears to hear as my partners are talking to the people. As we walk down the street, I pray that He shows us who He wants us to talk to. I pray with some of the people we meet. Quincy was in pain with a toothache so I prayed over him. In talking to Keith, I could relate with some of his issues and was given the words to cut through some of his confusion about who Jesus is.

At the end of the night, I am so thankful that He would include me on His work to sow seeds. It is not by my strength that this is done – only through the Holy Spirit. I just need to agree to show up!

Ladies – we need you out there. Having a woman along side of the guys makes them more approachable. There are times that a woman’s touch is needed. You have gifts that are needed out there. You can see that those who go have different abilities and are used accordingly. If you have any stirring in your heart to see what it is all about, I urge you to do it. Just once. 

Paula

new fire

Friday night was filled with an awesome array of conversations. There were six of us on the streets proclaiming the gospel in the heart of Mpls..

We met up with Johnny who just got saved 3 weeks ago. When I was introduced to John at church through Mark VP I witnessed to him not knowing. I took him through the Law gave him the gospel and asked him when he was going to do it (repent and trust).

He had told me that he did it that morning over coffee with Mark. Praise Jesus I exclaimed.

We continued to fellowship and I told him what we do on the streets. John with excitement tells me that he wants to come out with us. I explain when we go out again and tell him where we meet him.

John is staying at the Salvation Army in downtown. John tells me that he has a curfew but has a permission slip to stay out and I need to fill in the blanks. Awesome!

It was time foe John to go and I gave him tracts and 10 bibles to hand out inside. I say to John only give the bibles to those who will read them. He agrees with me and crosses the street.

I see John at church on Sunday talking in the foyer. I approach him and give a hug. He tells me that he only has 2 bibles left. He tells me that he gave one away and then people came to him asking for one. I gave John more tracts when he left after church. I will give him more bibles next week.

Mike

still sadened

10-12-2012

Spiritual warfare was clearly noticeable this evening. I did not really understand it was occurring until taking a second look at things.

Often times when speaking to a person about their eternal destination there would be a second person (usually intoxicated, unrelated to whoever I was speaking to) that would approach and interrupt the conversation. I remember talking to a young man named Keith, when a car blaring its rap music pulled up to a nearby curb…and proceeded to turn his music up while we attempted to share the Gospel.

Nothing is coincidence.

One of the highlights for me tonight was speaking to a group of valets. I asked the group if they had any thoughts on heaven or hell. To my excitement, one said he knew the Lord personally, had been forgiven of his sins, and was sure he was going to heaven. I noticed that this was getting uncomfortable for one of the young men. I asked him if he knew where he was going, and he had some uncertainty on his face when he said “I suppose heaven?” At this point he had to help a customer, leaving me with the other believer. He said he worked with this other guy for the past 4-months but hadn’t yet talked to him about Jesus. I left him with a bible to give his co-worker and encouraged him to share his faith.

I am amazed at what God has been producing in this group of Jesus Freaks. We’re still saddened when people show no interest in the Gospel, or when people react with hostility towards the message. I see God working in my life to reduce the amount of discouragement during these encounters. I am so thankful for this work He is doing, that He’s given me such a heart for others and for words to say in each situation. When I’m out on the streets, I see the Truth of God’s Word come alive. I think God expanded my understanding of the parable of the sower tonight. I trust in Jesus to continue His work in these differing soils. Help us all to be obedient to preach to all the world.

All for His glory,

Jason

Pride Weekend....

 

This year has been interesting for the Jesus Freaks in that a few days that we have gone out to proclaim the gospel have fallen on big events.  The first being St. Patrick's Day and this most recent being the annual Gay Pride weekend.That being said, we knew that we had a challenge to face.  Lot's of people would be on the streets united in their pride of being gay.  But this challenge is something that we gladly faced only with the guidance of Jesus Christ and his presence living inside of us.  I'll get back to that shortly.

 

First, the day started out with us teaming up with In Love, Word, and Deed.  We helped serve the homeless at the Salvation Army downtown.  There were many donations of clothing, shoes, bag lunches, water, blankets, etc.  What a great opportunity to see how God is working through this ministry! So, besides serving these people with material things, the freaks were there as well speaking truth to those who were willing to talk about spiritual things.  Great combination of Love, Word, and Deed! 

 

So after we finished there, we headed out to share the gospel with boldness and without apology.  There were eight of us in total and we split up in twos.  For me, I had the great blessing of teaming up with Mike Karlstad.  This doesn't happen very often so I was super excited!  We prayed as a group and then began to scatter seeds.  The fruit that we saw that day was really quite awesome.  We talked to one guy named Peter, who was there for the festival, and after initially being a bit defensive, God softened him to be open to what we had to say.  We never brought up anything about his sexual orientation, but explained to him that we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  Lying, stealing, lusting, blasphemy.  The things that I have committed and the things almost all of us have done as well. 

 

Even though Peter didn't give his life to Christ at the end of our conversation, we felt like God used us to plant a seed in him that will never be destroyed.  He will forever remember those two guys who, with love and compassion, explained the gospel to him and left him with a choice.  A choice that he will either lead him to salvation in Christ, or a choice to remain in his sins knowing that ultimately will lead to a place called hell.   The conscience is a place that God can speak. So, by using the ten commandments as a mirror to his life, God can begin to work in a way that can never be done by any man or any man's arguments.  I pray for Peter's salvation and if you are reading this, please pray as well. 

 

There were many others that day, and much fruit was produced.  But just like one of the main themes at Harvest Bible Chapel, all the Glory goes to God!  We are nothing without Jesus. 

 

In Christ,

Scott

the seed

 I rejected  the message when  the preacher came to my door. He asked me if I knew where I was going when I die?

I said yes I hope I'm going to heaven.  He comes back with oh so you don't know. I then tell  the preacher you can get the hell out of here, I don't need that shit as I am pointing to the road. He doesn't say another word and walks off the property.

Little did I know this was the seed to be planted in my heart. I didn't get saved until over a year later.

I have been born again 10 years now and preaching the same message that was preached to me.

God is so patient with us.

 All we do is plant and water the seed. The Holy Spirit makes the seed grow.

I am nothing.

Mike

Amazing Grace

I was blessed to join the Jesus Freaks this  past Friday. It was Amazing.  I was really nervous at first but that quickly went away.  I expected more rejection from the few other times I've done this.  I think it was because before I had a set spiel to say and didn’t listen to their stories enough and I didn’t seek the Holy spirits urgings of what to say or do before.

 I was pretty floored when a lady told me Jesus saved 13 years of Meth addiction from her.  As she said that another lady near her perked up and said Jesus saved her from 5 years of cocaine addiction.  God is so powerful and it shook me pretty good when they told me and the one lady showed me her tattoo covering much of her forearm stating “Amazing Grace saved a Wretch Like Me”  We got to only talk for a bit since their bus was coming but we chatted a bit about how I loved that they set aside seperation of church and state when they sentence people with addictions to Teen Challenge which bases a lot of their curriculum on the christian faith because it works better.  God changes and I love that even the secular have to admit it

I got to roll with Scott C. and he was a blessing to watch showing love to all me met.  One time though I could tell he was angry when a man wearing a cross was yelling obscenities at some woman especially cause this guy was wearing a cross and stated to us that he I didn’t believe. Conviction runs deep in Scott. I was blessed to pray for a man named Donn.  He made sure I knew his name was spelled with two N’s.  He was an alcoholic drinking on the street rolling up cigs when I approached him.  He said he’d do anything to get his life back away from alcoholism and I assured him after the two ladies I had met earlier in the night that God can change.  He said he’d try anything.  I told him Jesus just isn’t anything, he’ll change your whole heart and life if you allow him to. I talked with him awhile more about his life as a marine and more Jesus Christ volunteer death out of Love for us, gave him a Bible and a tract and he allowed me to pray over him. I encouraged him to read the Gospels and seek the Lord to change him.  

 The other contrasting encounters that amazed me was that we had pretty good dialogue with people going into strip clubs but zero dialogue with people in nice clothes coming out of nice restaurants.  Both sinners who need the Lord but when you think your good to start with your not as open to Gods grace.  I got to talk to a two lesbian girls one who said Jesus had kept her 5 months away from another woman and the other who just looked broken and took in all I said.  She looked like she was going to cry and she had a black eye so I continued hoping it was the holy spirit moving.  I parted telling her that Jesus will wreak havoc on your heart if you let him and told her i’d pray for her.  I regret stopping talking to her since Scott was talking to one of her friends for another ten minutes but she now had wiped her eye and was reading the tract.

   I got to pray with Scott for a guy named Ryan who stayed at Harbor light.  He was struggling and his girlfriend just got pregnant.  Its pretty amazing to see God work and to be part of his plan.  I couldn’t have been more blessed by Scott and the other Jesus Freaks. 

 God is so good and it was very evident that night.

Michael E.

a glimpse

We went out on Friday evening to once again let the Holy Spirit work through us, for the glory of God.

  The streets of Downtown Minneapolis were alive with activity. From our first encounter, to our last, it was the most intense evening of witnessing that I have been a part of. We encountered Christians and non-christians alike. We encountered the sober and the intoxicated.

There is really no way to relate to someone the intensity and joy that is the Jesus Freak experience. But it is our role as Freaks to try as best we can to give others a glimpse into the joy that is witnessing to the lost. We hope that if others understand the joy and fellowship that you experience on the streets cannot be replicated in any other type of ministry. It is an interactive experience. Your faith is challenged, reinforced, and strengthened each time you witness in the name of Christ.

I met a local Minneapolis rapper who was selling his mix-tape on the streets. I offered a 180 DVD to a woman sitting with him. He engaged me in a discussion on abortion. He was pro-choice, but open hearing out my point of view. We spoke at length, and I listened to his views, and he listened to mine. We talked for a good 20 minutes. He requested the DVD so he could watch, and he gave me his CD mixtape as a trade. I know that he will watch and be changed.

We met a group of 6 guys at the train station. Most of them were not interested in the Gospel, they believed that the Bible was unreliable, and there were too many versions of the Bible, and they could not believe in something they could not see. But one of them was listening, truly listening. He listened and it was obvious that a seed was planted in him. Understand that within this conversation, it is a big deal for a man like this to even be open to the Word, in front of his friends. It takes courage for that man to do that. That man’s path to salvation may have begun on Friday night. When you see someone take a step towards Christ in that type of situation, regardless of the ridicule he might endure from his friends, it brings you so much joy.

We spoke with many groups. Some were hostile, but we witnessed to them. We witnessed because we did not fear as we know that Christ walks with us and we have the Holy Spirit. All who encountered us, heard the Gospel. For most of these people, they are not at a point in their life where they will go to church. They must first hear the Word.

I also ran into a former college classmate of mine from Metro State. We were in a class together last year. I was so excited to run into him on the street. I handed him a tract, and witnessed the Gospel. He looked at me as if he felt bad for me. He said, “I’m sorry, do you really believe this? Do you really believe Jesus walked on water? Why then can you not walk on water? I used to be just like you…I was an evangelist. No more, I am now an Atheist. There is no God.” He said all of this with a smile on his face. It broke my heart.

Phil

one of the best times downtown

^{Acts 17
 30} The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, ³¹ because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

I am reminded in the scriptures in my daily reading this morning that we are doing exactly what the Apostles did in the early church.

Last night was by far one of the best times downtown. The seven of us prayed for hearts and souls to be prepared to hear the message we were sent to preach.

With no hesitation we approached five young men who were not receptive to our message. We however were adamant to share the gospel with them. Some of them left with tracts in hand.

We moved on to some bus stops and the Spirit was moving powerfully as we were sharing the message of Christ.

We had talked with so many people the time flew right past us. As we were on Hennepin Ave. Phil told us the time, it was 9:43pm. To my amazement I replied noway! I thought it was only 8:00pm.

 We headed back to the ramp still continuing to spread the message.Two guys from the Twins game were heckling us as we were handing out tracts. As we crossed Hennepin with them following us the Holy Spirit empowered Phil and I with boldness. They were drunk and looking for a fight. Christ gave us the power to continue to preach the message we were sent to proclaim. 

2Timothy 1:7  for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.                                         

There were so many conversations we had this night and we were able to encourage and equip other Christians we met. Praise Jesus!!

I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will use everybody boldly.

Mike

The Creator of the Universe!!

 

This past Friday I was given the opportunity to witness to the lost, and I took it.  Praise God!  I also got to know

a friend of mine quite a bit better.  I walked with Micheal, and the fellowship that takes place during these

witnessing outings is the gravy that God pours upon us.  Pretty cool.  It was Micheal's first time downtown and 

he told me he was "really nervous" at first.  As the night went on I asked him if he was still nervous.  He told me

his nerves had gone away.  He agreed with me that going out with the Jesus Freaks is a little bit like finally

jumping into black water, and upon landing finding that the water is only inches deep.  All along his fears and

nerves were nothing more than the enemy trying to keep us quiet and at home.  Praise God for letting us rest 

in his boldness and his power.  We have nothing to fear when God is with us.  And He certainly was this past 

Friday night. 

 

We talked with two unitarians that talked a lot about Karma and "many ways to heaven".   It is really interesting 

to watch people try to argue a belief that they have built their life on that is false.  Being able to speak the truth 

with boldness and without apology to these people is the most loving thing we could do.  Seeds were planted 

in them even if they didn't want to hear the true Gospel.  There is power in the Word of God!  

 

I walked with a man from Tennessee that just moved here for work.  I asked him where he was walking to and

he told me "Nowhere". So we walked a few blocks, then turned around and walked back a few blocks.  Then 

he stopped and leaned on a newspaper stand.  All this time we were building a relationship.  I asked him if he

felt like we had build a stronger relationship in five minutes than he had build with other people in his life after 

10, 20 years.  He agreed that we had.  I told him that this was evidence of God at work.  I quoted him Galatians 2:20

and explained the Gospel to him.  At least 30 minutes this went on.  He told me that I was 'makin a lot of sense."  

Then I quoted him Galatians 2:20 again. I told him God was speaking through me to him.  Chuck was this man's 

name and please pray for him.  If he hasn't been saved yet, I believe he will very soon.  Thank you Lord for what

you will do in Chuck's life.  

 

We had many other encounters, and also the other people that came out on Friday did as well.  It was a very fruitful

night and I think I speak for all of us, "Thank you Father for using us!"  It is very humbling to be used in such a personal, 

eternally meaningful way by the creator of the universe.  Wow!!  

 

Scott