Be Faithful...God is at work!

Friday night while I was trying to pass out tracts in the rain a man hurried past me who looked very familiar. I yelled, "Hey, I know you!" and he yelled back, "I know you, too!" and smiled. When he was out of sight I remembered who he was...the very first person who ever came to our booth! hmmm....I had wondered many times what happened to him!

The night went on and I had some great conversations. It was a difficult night for everyone. I think about every one of the group came and independently said something to the effect of, "..I had a really bad day and I found myself wanting to stay home-but I knew I should be here!" I readily agreed with each statement as I truly felt the same way that day!

There was a booth located across the street from us. It was sponsored by a church group. The group was made up of very nice people but very loud. They spoke from a huge sound system, and in between these times they blasted Christian music. Honestly, it was so loud we could not hear to have a conversation! I found myself a bit discouraged! It was a living picture of the world today. With their music and mime show they were able to draw a decent crowd of people, many of whom were clapping and dancing to the music. At the same time, we found it difficult to hear for the blaring music and 'feel-good' message. The female pastor kept saying things like, "In 20 minutes we will have a presentation of the 'sweet Gospel' ". The Gospel never was proclaimed there, just music and mimes. Oh yeah, and a loud prayer for healing anyone within earshot. As I stood up the street from the scene, I looked back to see smiling and clapping and dancing from their listeners. Across the street at our booth I saw faithful servants, willing to come out on this night, having trouble getting anyone to even take a tract. I kept praying, 'we must be faithful!'

Time went on and I went back to the booth and up walked Troy! I hadn't readily recognized him because of his new beard. I could not hear him but he pointed to a stack of Million Dollar Bills and was asking if he could have them. I handed them to him and yelled, "Your name is Troy, isn't it?" He said, "Yeah, sorry but I forgot your name!" I told him it was Jennifer. He came around into the booth and gave me a hug and smiled broadly. Away he walked into the night...

I dont' know Troy's heart, only God does. But I knew that God was showing me to set my face like a flint and be faithful. No matter what message the world has to offer, we are called to proclaim the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. Dennis told me later that 19 of us were out that night! I am so thankful for each of you.

2Ti 4:2-5 ...preach the Word, be instant in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For a time will be when they will not endure sound doctrine, but they will heap up teachers to themselves according to their own lusts, tickling the ear. And they will turn away their ears from the truth and will be turned to myths. But you watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fully carry out your ministry.