Our brother Joe recently went down to Columbus, OH to do some evangelism at the Arnold Classic, a body building event that Arnold Schwarzenegger holds each year. I asked Joe to give us a review of his experience.
This is what he had to say...
This is what he had to say...
There was a larger crowd there this year than last year, so parking was a bit more of a challenge. We began around 11:30am. Just as we were setting up a young man by the name of James began open air preaching just 30 feet from our location. He continued for about an hour and then stopped, which allowed us to have a conversation with him.
Michael Coughlin, our team leader, had custom gospel tracts made for the event which had contact information on the back. (Michael was my team leader at the Super Bowl outreach in New Orleans.)
We began passing out gospel tracts, and engaging in one on one conversations. I spoke with two guys that began asking me bible questions. After a couple questions I turned the questioning back on them. One of guys, named Darren, said his girlfriend just caught him in an affair with another woman. I stressed to him Gods moral standard (lying, stealing, adultery), and what God should do with him when he dies. He was concerned, but his friend told him they had to go. So we didn’t have time to finish the conversation.
He looked visible shaken, but I told him that there was contact information on the back of the tract if he had any questions. Please pray for Darren.
The temperature was in the 40’s and most people were wearing t-shirts so not many people would stop and talk. I had several people come and shake my hand and thank me for sharing the Good News.
During Michael's open air sermons on two different occasions, two different men began shouting profanities and making lewd homosexual comments. Michael just told them to watch their mouths because families with young children were in the crowd. That seemed to work well.
I did see Olympic Gold medalist and worlds strongest man Mark Henry. I said hello to him and tried to give him a gospel tract, but he wouldn’t take it.
There was supposed to be eight people with our group, but we only had four make it.
I understand the ambivalence people have for sharing the gospel to total strangers. The truth is that every time I go out I have to put aside my fears. I have to remind myself that I am an ambassador for the King, and people will go to Hell unless they are told, and how else will they hear unless someone goes and tells them the Good News.
Long ago when kingdoms fought against kingdoms, when a King would take over a territory he would send out heralds to the country sides to tell the people there was a new King, and to vow their loyalty. If they refused, punishment would be immediate. We are heralds, and our King is kind, gracious, and long suffering. He offers mercy now to everyone, but there will come a day when his judgment will come and he will rule with a rod of iron.
I’m just grateful I can deliver that message.
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