the Trail. . . .

Jen and I went to Bloomington, IL to visit her family. We were able to go out “the Trail” which goes for several miles thought Bloomington-Normal. Jen’s father's class has a ministry to take bottled water and witness to the runners, bicyclists and dog-walkers - Sowers Class

There were 8 of us in our location and another group a mile or so away. Most folks would not slow down but a few did and we were able to give out a case of water and several tracts. Overall, most were polite but focused on their exercise.


While Jen was speaking to a guy, she pointed to across the street where a few guys were discussing something outside at an apartment complex. It was not the kind of place I wanted to go to but the Lord had other ideas so I went. The result was pretty good. While a few of the folks did not want to listen, one fellow did and really was interested in what was said and how he could get to heaven. I left and felt I had accomplished what He has commanded us to do by presenting the Gospel.

Next was a more interesting event. A girl jogged by then stopped. She took a million dollar bill, acted very prideful and said she was a “Christian” but let’s just say her light was not shining. She left and within a minute returned to get more MDB’s to give to her family who at first she said were Muslim, then said they don’t believe in anything Muslim, etc…. This all went a bit nuts when I tried to give her a DVD about a converted Muslim which is entitled “Who is God”. Every time I started to speak she interrupted with an incredibly arrogant comment. She said that she was informed directly by “Him” and pointed up to the sky and she speaks for “Him”. One of the other guys with us (The church’s Pastor’s son) sure saw what it was like to witness or try to witness to a proud arrogant, false convert. If I had to try to fit her into a religion I would say she is a demonically possessed, false convert, former Muslim, Universalist, New Ager. Each time I would try to say something she accused me of patronizing her even though I got about 3 words out of my mouth, or she already knows what I am going to say – however it was her eyes that gave her away as she had an evil penetrating stare. Her point was that her family are Muslim and as she said, but they do not even believe in Allah or Mohammed. She said I don’t know them so I can’t witness to them. Also she said I can’t because I would have to approach them on their level which made no sense as I will witness to anyone, regardless of their religious claims. Unfortunately, there is no way that her family will see the fruit of a true Christian through this girl. Think about the influence she could have if only she were truly born again.

Abdul²

As we stepped onto the boardwalk, Diana stopped to talk with a young man standing alone.
Spying two Muslim men, I handed each of them a 1M dollar bill. Upon asking their names I got-Abdul and Abdul. I said, “Come on…you’re kidding me right? Are you telling me the truth?” They smiled and I asked where they were from. Both of them were from Saudi Arabia. I told them I had a million dollar question for them and asked if they were going to Heaven when they died. They both hesitated and smiled and then said something like, “I hope so.”
I asked if they were good men. They answered affirmatively. Abdul 1 told me that he prayed 5 times a day among other good things. I asked if they were familiar with the Law of Moshe. They looked at each other and said, “Yes.” We went through a few of those laws and they admitted to lying, stealing and lusting. Both men now seemed a little disturbed. I asked them how they thought God would find them if He judged them tonite. They hesitated but both said guilty. I told them that Prophet Esa (Jesus) came to pay for their sins. He came to give himself so that they could go to Heaven when they died.
Abdul 1 sat up straight and said, “Prophet Esa was not God!” I asked them, “Can a man take the form of God?” “No!” they both answered together. I agreed, “No, he cannot!! But can Almighty God, Lord of the Universe, Maker of Heaven and Earth and all in it-can He take the form of a man?”

They both looked stunned for a moment and then Abdul 1 said, “God can do anything!” Abdul 2 nodded in agreement. I said, “Yes, we cannot limit Him with our minds-He is far above us!... was Muhammad a good prophet?”
Both said, “Yes.”
“Can a prophet lie?”
“No.”
What did Prophet Muhammad say about Prophet Esa?”
“He was a good prophet.”
“Can a prophet lie?”
“No!”
“Listen to what Prophet Esa said about Himself…”I am the Way, the Truth and the Life-no man comes to the Father but through Me.””
Abdul 2 said quickly, “Can you cite this? What is your source?”
My mind went completely blank and I could not remember this often used reference!! Diana was now standing about 4 feet away and said, “John 14:6.” I pulled out copies of the Gospel of John which I get free and keep on hand for just such occasions. (www.pocketpower.org) Opening these to the verse I handed them both copies to keep. They both took them. It is a custom in the Middle East that if you give someone a gift they are obliged to use it.
I told them that Prophet Esa came and laid His life down to pay for our sins. Abdul asked me if He forgave all my sin. I answered yes. He seemed to think he had me here as he said, “’So! you can just sin and it is alright?” “No, it is not alright. I must follow Him.” “What keeps you from sin?” I gave them both a courtroom scene where they were both guilty and someone walked in and paid their fine for them so that they could be set free…”How would you feel toward that man who paid your fine?” Abdul 1 said, “Very grateful.” I asked, “Would you want to hurt him?”
“No.”
“Would you want to please him?”
“Yes.”
“That is what Prophet Esa did for you. That’s why I don’t want to sin! ”
Abdul 2 was getting more and more quiet. Abdul 1 asked if he could have my email address. I told him that it was on the Million Dollar Bill. He stated that he would like to email me with questions, if that was OK. I thanked them for talking to us.
As Diana and I walked away we prayed for these two Arab men. When we were far enough away we rejoiced for the conversation! These two were so open and they even took the Gospels!! May God protect the seeds that were planted.