Take it to the Streets

Take it to the Streets
Many teams have been busy sharing the love of Christ through their hands, by being involved in practical work such as building, caring for children and gardening. However, there is also a very important place for sharing Christ's message of hope with WORDS. This can be a little bit scary, but some teams are combating their fears by heading out into the streets and explaining the gospel to the people of Durban.

Member's of team Chile reported that they were not quite sure at first how to approach the task of street evangelism. What should they day, and who should they approach? They committed their concerns to God in prayer. Imagine their surprise to reach their starting destination and be greeted with cries of "Are you here to tell us about Jesus? Come and chat!". Jesus opened up many opportunities to talk, and they didn't have to approach a single person to talk - the Lord sent the people straight to the team.

Another team was sent out to do door-to-door in a largely Muslim and Hindu area. "Wouldn't you rather be visiting the Christian homes?" they were asked. It took some explaining by the team to convince their companions that just as a physician tends to the sick, Jesus was sent to reach the lost. Whilst some people didn't quite understand their point, one eight-year old boy at the church caught their vision. He became their unofficial escort, giving the rallying cry,"Here's another Muslim home! Here's where some more Hindu's live!" and leading the team to those her realised needed to hear the truth as well.

Other teams have faced opposition as well. For some, this has meant doors slammed in faces, spiteful words, verbal abuse, or simply disdainful looks. One team became intensely aware of the spiritual battle going on when, upon finishing praying with man, they turned around to realise they were literally right in the middle of a mugging (all team members were safe). Despite the setbacks, the teams can be encouraged by Christ's own words:

""Remember what I told you:'servants are not greater than their master'. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also..."John 15:20

We thankfully accept the rejection, struggles and hardships that come with preaching the gospel, because we know that the Lord Jesus Christ understands completely.