Shouting Invitations

So of late it seems Evangelism is on my mind, as mentioned in earlier posts. I got to read a good bit in a mater of days and then (because of a black out) started reading the Seizing your Divine Moment book again. Well, a few days after that black out I picked up the book again and finished it off. What a work it is. I believe, bible excluded, it is my absolute favorite book ever. I can think of no other so good. Erwin managed to take a biblical story of a soldier and his armor-bearer (who attacked and destroyed an army of Philistines) and managed to reveal in it an inspiring look at love, outreach, and trust in the Lord. I don't think I'll be forgetting the lesson anytime soon.

Anyway, the book, though important here, is not the point. The point is where to start when reaching out in such a way is what you want. Though living well in the sight of others is important it is not enough anymore and so the next step would be inviting and connecting with people on an active level. As I struggle to figure out what to say and when to say it, as if a struggle is even necessary, I have seen a street preacher two days in a row. The same man and his family who seems to be following me around. On Monday I went with some friends to Kipona on Front Street and had a good time. Got a pork-BBQ sandwich and watched some people. Heard some cool music and got some sun. But as we walked we passed a man and his wife. They had the feel of farmers, perhaps straight out of the painting with the man and woman farmers. You know the one, he has a pitchfork in it. So, as we passed, he held up his signs that read "repent" and that the end was near. I tuned in as best I could in the noise to hear his words. At first I was proud of him for being so bold and unflinching, appreciating his words of warning as he spoke of temptations and avoiding people who lead you astray. On the way back though, again not breaking stride, I tuned in and what I heard pulled my heart down again. He was shouting damnation to the onlookers. Warning them not condemning them, but still that manner of evangelism and outreach is not one favored by me, not to mention the non-believing onlookers. That does not mean of course that he didn't impact me or those walking by.

Then today on the way home while enjoying the drive and the music playing, I passed the man and his son out at the Hess station just a mile or so down the road. They held the same signs and stood in rush hour shouting and waving to the cars that passed and stopped at the light. I was struck that I should see them again, let alone so soon. It meant something and I knew it, but what? Was I to pull over and talk to him? I had been interested in doing so on Monday in town, but hadn't. Here was another chance. Or was it that I was just to take in his example of fearlessness and hope (regardless of method)? No doubt that was true at least, as I drove by, partially regretting my decision not to stop. I am curious who he truly stood out there for? Was it the God I know? Was it the Jesus I know? Or was it a warped mirror of those things? Would he be welcoming of a curious and hopeful evangelist or would he see me as opposition, given that he was there for the non-believers he would most likely expect one of them to come. Or if it were another Christian, perhaps one who was not as appreciative of his efforts. Who knows now the moment has passed, but in a way it hasn't as well. I am moved by his heart to stand out and reach out, whether I condone his approach or not. While the rest of us see and hear him and his on the corner, we may think or say to ourselves "Good job!" or perhaps even "Talk about bad press!" , but we by-and-large shy away in some form of embarrassment from those situations and the possibility of association with them. With sadness, I admit that when I hear and see these situations I am all for it inside, but on the outside I shy away. In part from an unconscious and unnecessary fear that comes with being the one standing out. Some people don't have that, God bless them, but many do whether they admit to it or not. Oh well, just one more wall to break down right. o_O