Evangelism 101: Practical Ways to Share Your Faith

By Kathleen Luc

Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel" (Mark 16:15).

ALL the world? YES! But don't forget... Where you live is a mission field as well.

There are many people in your life who need Jesus.

 BE AN INFLUENCER!

-- Consider the plumber who spends the morning in your kitchen.

-- The young man bagging your groceries, the coworker, the stranger standing next to you at the crosswalk.

-- What might you say to the sick and dying? It could be the most important moment of his/her entire life--for all eternity!

-- Simply offer to pray for your waitress/waiter--there are often remarkable results.

-- Students on college/university campuses respond with changed lives.

-- The park, the beach and the fishing pier attract many who are eager to know Jesus.

-- Ministering to incarcerated teenagers is life-changing for them. It will be for you as well!

-- Vacations offer a myriad of ways—especially on cruise ships!

-- Check out a new approach to raising your children to love Jesus.

 

ONE BLESSED RESULT:

A pastor from another city approached Kathleen at a meeting:

"I want to thank you. Last year I heard you speak, and it changed my life."

"Oh? How so?

"I had never considered going out and sharing my faith as you do. After hearing your message, I invited some of our people to do the same. We went to a park, set up a table and began giving out free Bibles and tracts. People stopped to talk and asked for prayer. Peoples' lives have been changed and our new ministry has brought great joy."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kathleen Luc
• Release date: Jun 6, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227572639

Book preview

FOREWORD

I'm so glad Kathleen has written this book! You will be blessed as she shares the many opportunities available to Christians who care about reaching the lost.

Her experiences vary from reaching out on college campuses, to the beach, to the fishermen on the local pier and ministering to the sick and dying. She herself has been blessed while leading Bible studies in our local jail and juvenile facility.

She also discovered multiple opportunities while traveling—even on cruise ships! Moreover, she's been an online missionary since 2009, reaching thousands of people worldwide through Global Media Outreach.

I have been personally blessed reading her stories. Kathleen and her husband have raised two remarkable children who are strong in their faith, now grown and raising children of their own.

The one thing you will find as Kathleen shares her stories, is that it comes from her heart, and she always gives the glory to God for every soul touched.

You will be blessed as you read, EVANGELISM 101.

Pastor Leonard, Jubilee Fellowship

INTRODUCTION

It’s commonly known that Italians can be emotional, expressive and intense. My parents were. They were also rather nervous and anxious people, and of the five of us children, I was the one to inherit nerves as Mom called it.

I had fears, anxieties and panic attacks. They remained with me all my growing up years, until I was 27. That was the year I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ.

I was home alone that day, sitting at the kitchen table when I prayed. Dear God, I cannot live the Christian life on my own—I keep failing. I want to surrender my life to You. I want You to be my Savior, and I also want to make You the Lord of my life! Please forgive my sins and send Your Holy Spirit to live within me. Make me into the person You want me to be. I praise You and I thank You in advance, for what You are going to do, in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Immediately, a sense of peace settled over me—a peace with God I had never before known. Within minutes there was joy. Suddenly I wanted to show love toward others. Two weeks later I realized the fears, anxieties and panic attacks were gone. They had simply disappeared and have never returned.

With this new desire to please God, I began to sense His guidance and direction. I became more and more aware of opportunities in my everyday life. It began with our marriage, then raising our children and reaching the needy in our community. I realized there are countless people destined for hell, living their lives without God, without His peace and direction. They're in our neighborhoods, on our beaches and even fishing on the pier! They're in our colleges and universities, in our prisons and hospitals. I wanted to reach them.

This is my story...

CHAPTER 1

COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY OUTREACH

NOT MY GIFT!

IT ALL STARTED WHEN a married couple began walking across our local community college campus, handing out Christian pamphlets to students. Soon they gained permission to set up a table and then began giving away Bibles, Christian books and tracts.

When I first learned what they were doing, I thought, What a wonderful thing to do! But it’s certainly not my gift! I’d be uncomfortable doing that!

Then I was invited to join them! I declined the first and the second time I was asked. Finally, I agreed to go ONCE. My plan was to sit quietly, to watch and to pray.

It only took one time, and I was hooked. The students were fun and easy to talk with. I soon discovered they enjoyed us as much as we enjoyed them. They would hang out at our Bible table between classes. Some did not have good role models at home, and we were becoming their mentors.

One day the school psychologist stopped by our table to thank us for being there. We’re glad to see you every week, but we really need you here every day!

We were able to organize a college Christian fellowship and held Bible studies for students in a room off the cafeteria.

I started an email ministry where students would sign up to receive my weekly email of Scripture and encouragement. They would often write back with questions or prayer requests. The best part was watching their lives change as they grew closer to God.

We discovered that every college or university we visited had its own rules regarding people coming onto campus to give away free literature. We had no problem for years until the rules changed: We would have to become students if we were to continue this ministry.

That was easy! Several of us registered for classes. I enjoyed art, editing, English Lit, fitness, even French, one class per semester.

I invited a new friend to join our outreach team. She was reluctant at first, but finally, in fear and trembling, agreed to come.

She said she didn’t sleep the night before because she was so nervous. Still, she came. Yet the entire morning she said nothing, just sat quietly, watched and silently prayed. We need that prayer! The second time she came she was more relaxed and began talking and sharing with students. The third time she came she told me which tracts were more effective and how we needed to order more.

Once people try it, they like it. The more they do it, the more confident they become.

Some people are fearful that they’ll be asked a question they can’t answer. Sometimes that happens. I like to be honest and say, I don’t know the answer to your question, but I’ll go home and do some research and get back to you with what I learn. And I do.

You cannot learn evangelism in a classroom. You learn by doing it and doing it. How do we learn to cook? By cooking! How do we learn to swim? We must get in the water and work at it.

WHY SOME COLLEGE STUDENTS LOSE THEIR FAITH

AS I MENTIONED, THE volunteers who wished to have a Bible table and share the Lord with students, were now required to become students! One semester I took an English Literature class.

The required reading involved short stories. I noticed that many of the stories portrayed the Bible believing Christians in a negative light. Following our reading, we’d listen to the instructor lecture us on the foolishness and ignorance of people who actually believe in God.

One day after class I went to him privately. I told him it was becoming obvious to me that he had an apparent agenda, and that was to undermine the faith of his students. He immediately became nervous, defensive and denied the allegation. He assured me he had no such intention.

Yet after our meeting, the reading assignments changed. The subject matter improved. Never again did he speak disparagingly about Christians. That is, as long as I was in his class.

Unfortunately, I believe many young people today are too intimidated to speak up. But not all! I remember a high school senior who did the same thing. She was president of the senior class and exuded confidence and poise. She stood up in class, spoke loudly so all could hear, and said she could no longer remain in a class where her faith was insulted and threatened, and walked out. Her action affected change.

— Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Proverbs 31:8

WITCHCRAFT & CASTING SPELLS ON CAMPUS

THERE WAS AN OCCULT group with an active club on our college campus. They would set up their table and sell books and paraphernalia for seances and witchcraft. We would set up our table and freely give away Bibles and Christian literature.

We would wave and smile at them when we arrived. They would wave back. Yet for some reason we felt they didn’t like us.

I remember them walking in a large circle around our table while making strange gestures toward us with their hands. What were they doing? Some said they were casting a spell on us.

We knew that with Jesus indwelling us there was nothing to fear from them. We would wave, smile and praise God that He is in control. We found joy in responding in love.

— No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord. Isaiah 54:17

SPIRITUAL BATTLE WITH AN OCCULT PRIEST

ONE DAY AN OCCULT CLUB leader came to our Bible table. He was dressed in a long black robe and introduced himself as a priest with a specific occult group.

He walked directly up to me with angry eyes and asked, Why do Christians hate homosexuals?

I smiled and said, God is a God of love. As Christians, God calls us to love others. We are not to hate anyone.

He said, Christians say homosexuality is evil. Why?

I said, All I know about what is good or evil is what I read in the Bible. I picked up a Bible and opened it to Romans 1. You can read for yourself what God says about the subject. Start at verse 18.

He picked up the Bible and surprised me by reading it aloud! Every now and then he’d pause and say, Hmm. I’ve never heard this before.

When he finished reading, I suggested he read in one more place. I turned to 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.

When he finished reading, I said, You see, even 2000 years ago when this was written, people who came to Jesus changed. It didn't matter what evil was in their past. God changed their hearts and helped them turn their lives around. This still happens today.

He asked challenging questions for 45 minutes, engaging only me. The others at our table would enter the conversation with supportive comments from time to time, but mostly I knew they were praying.

When the priest finally said good-bye, he was no longer angry. He was smiling and said he’d like to come back and visit again!

When he left, I noticed I was wet with perspiration. The others said they were amazed at how calm I was.

Huh? Are they kidding? I was in a battle both mentally and spiritually!

Afterward we all prayed together, thanking God for giving me His words and wisdom. We also prayed that the priest would come back to see us again soon.

— You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

THE OCCULT PRIEST BECOMES A FRIEND

THE PRIEST BEGAN VISITING our Bible table weekly. He was not a student, but he’d come on campus weekly to hang out with his buddies at the witchcraft table, and to see us.

He was no longer angry with us Christians, but usually came to us with theological questions. Sometimes we didn’t know the answer and we’d tell him that we’d try to find an answer and we would try. He’d often read the Christian literature on our table, and then he’d ask if he could take it with him.

He did this for several months and then we didn’t see him again, that is, until two years later. One day he suddenly appeared at our table. We were so happy to see him! I even called him by his first name.

He said, How did you remember my name?

I said, I remember the names of the people I pray for.

You’ve prayed for me?

Yes. You’re my friend and I care about you.

He explained that he’d moved away and was only back for a few days to visit friends.

I’m sorry to say that we never had the privilege of leading him to Jesus, but I believe seeds were planted. For one thing, he stopped thinking of us as the enemy. In fact, we were friends.

— When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, He causes their enemies to make peace with them. Proverbs 16:7

OCCULTIST ASKS FOR PRAYER

WE HAD A SIGN ON OUR Bible table that said, Need Prayer? Let Us Pray for You.

The Occult priest’s girlfriend would often work at the witchcraft table near us. We would try to be our friendliest, smiling and waving. She would smile and wave back.

One day she came to our table and said, I don’t believe what you guys believe because I’m Jewish. But your sign says you are willing to pray for people and I need prayer. Would you pray for me?

She didn’t tell us specifically what her need was, but we immediately prayed for her anyway. We asked God to meet her needs and then we asked God to reveal to her how much He loves her. Afterward she thanked us and told us she was appreciative.

I said, "If you are Jewish, you might be interested in a paper we have here on our table. It explains what the Jewish T’Nach foretells about Jesus’ coming, how He fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies proving Him to be the promised Messiah.

She took the paper and began reading it. After a few minutes she said, This is interesting! May I take this with me?

STUDENT WITH AN ATTITUDE

ONE DAY A STUDENT STOPPED to look over our books. I asked her if she’d like a free Bible and she said NO!

I thought to myself, Careful... She has an attitude.

She continued to hang around, quietly looking over the books.

I’ve learned that if I ask permission to ask a question, they are more apt to cooperate. So, after a while I said, May I ask you a question?

Yes.

I said, If you were to die today, do you know where you’d go?

It wouldn’t be heaven. God wouldn’t want me, not with the life I’ve lived!

I said, There is nothing you have ever done that God does not want to forgive. He loves you. That is why Jesus came—to live a sinless life and then die on the cross to pay for your sins and mine, so that someday we can both be welcomed into heaven.

Her countenance changed as if she realized suddenly there was hope. I said, "I have a little booklet I’d like to share with you. It’s called, Would You Like to Know God Personally?

She came closer. I went through each page with her. At the end of the booklet there is a little prayer. I asked her if she thought she would like to say the prayer and give her life to Jesus.

She quietly said, Yes I would.

She prayed with us right there in the middle of the quad, then signed up to join our College Christian Fellowship and left with a new Bible.

An hour later she returned with two friends! She said, My friends want Bibles, and they also want to join the club!

— For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17

WHAT IS A BIBLE, ANYWAY?

ONE DAY A STUDENT WALKED by our Bible table and apparently didn’t even see us. It was almost as if we were invisible. He had passed our table when I did something I don’t usually do. I yelled, HEY!

He turned around and pointed to himself, Me?

I said, Yes! Come on over and see what we have on our table. We’re giving away free books and Bibles.

He came over and asked, What IS a Bible, anyway?

I said, the Bible is God’s Word. It’s the only book in the world that is alive and powerful and completely true. When you read it, God will speak to your heart and give you direction and guidance.

He said, Really? I didn’t know that.

I said, Before I became a Christian, I didn’t know that either.

Wait a minute! You mean this is a Christian book? I’m not interested. He turned and walked away.

A minute later he returned and said, You know, I really should be more open. So yes, I’ll take the Bible.

I pointed to a building across the quad and said, Do you see that door over there? That room is where you’ll find a study in the book of John starting up in 10 minutes.

Really? Do you have one of those?

I said, The Book of John is part of the Bible.

He said, Cool. I watched him walk over to the building. He opened the door and went inside.

A LETTER FROM A SATANIST

ONE DAY A STUDENT BROUGHT us the following letter she’d received from a Satanist:

"If you Christians really believe what you say you believe that everyone in the world who does not belong to Jesus is lost and is going to burn in hell forever; if you believe that, then why don’t you act like it? Why do you hide in your churches and your Bible studies? Why do you only hang out with other Christians?

If you really believe what you say you believe, then why aren’t you trying to save people from the fires of hell? Why aren’t you warning people? Could it be that you really don’t care about the lost? Could it be that you’re all a bunch of phonies?"

That letter really convicted me, even though I was on the campus trying to win souls!

ISN’T THE BIBLE FULL OF CONTRADICTIONS?

ONE DAY A STUDENT ASKED, Isn’t the Bible full of contradictions?

I handed him a Bible and asked, Where?

Well, I can’t tell you exactly, but I’ve heard it’s true.

I explained that there are some Scriptures that appear to be contradictory, but investigation proves they are not. I suggested we look at some verses that prophecy Jesus’ birth.

In Micah 5:2 we learn that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. In Hosea 11:1 we learn that the Messiah would come out of Egypt. In Matthew 2:23 we learn that Jesus grew up in Nazareth.

Those prophecies appear contradictory, but we know Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Then the young family escaped to Egypt when Jesus was an infant. Scripture tells us they later left Egypt and moved to Nazareth where Jesus grew up.

The student listened and shrugged his shoulders.

I said, One reason we know the Bible is true is because of the many fulfilled prophecies. I showed him a leaflet on our table that explains some of the prophecies and other evidence that prove the Bible is true:

— If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed. Deuteronomy 18:22

— Most of the prophecies by the true prophets of God in the Old Testament were fulfilled in the Old Testament and most were fulfilled by 400 BC.

— "Consider that all the O.T. prophecies of Jesus first coming were fulfilled in the New Testament. Moreover, we have historical writings by non-believers such as Josephus that speak of Christ’s death and resurrection.

— Archaeological findings substantiate the Bible’s teachings.

— The fact that the earth is round was mentioned in Isaiah 40:22. Yet people believed the world was flat up to the time Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492.

— The writings of Buddha and Confucius lack any sort of predictive prophecy about the future. In the Quran Mohammed only prophesied that he would return to Mecca (a self-fulfilling prophecy), which he fulfilled.

Was the student convinced? Not completely. But he was open to reading our literature and learning more.

...a little here, and a little there. Isaiah 28:10 NLV

COLLEGE STUDENT HAD TO GET AN ABORTION

A STUDENT STOPPED AT our table and asked about the small baby feet pin we had on display.

I explained, These little feet are the exact size and shape of a baby’s feet at ten weeks after conception.

He was quiet, so I continued: It’s interesting that babies are commonly aborted at ten weeks. One student was told her ten-week pregnancy was just a blob of tissue. What do you think? Does this look like a blob of tissue to you?

He said, No, it’s a baby.

He was thoughtful for a moment then said softly, My girlfriend got an abortion, but she HAD to!

She HAD to get an abortion? Why?

It made her sick! She even threw up!

I said, Did you know it’s normal to experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy? It’s especially common to feel sick during the first three months.

He said, It is? Then he became quiet and pensive. I didn’t know that.

— Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, but we knew nothing about this, does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Doesn’t he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done? Proverbs 24:11-12

UNMARRIED & PREGNANT

A YOUNG COUPLE WHO faithfully attended our college campus Bible study came to me privately. She was pregnant.

I mentored Jaime for two years. Her love for God and His Word were strong. I was disappointed with the news, yet I loved them both. They said they loved each other and wanted to marry. I was invited to attend the wedding in three days!

I was there along with both immediate families and the best man. I then discovered that I was to be her matron of honor! The sweet ceremony was followed by a luncheon in a banquet room of a nearby restaurant. Just as the father of the bride was about to give a toast, the bridegroom spoke up.

I need to say something. What we did was wrong, and it was my fault. I want to apologize and ask forgiveness from each of you and from God. I know I’ve disappointed everyone here. But even though we did not start this marriage right, it is our desire to honor God with our lives. I love Jaime and I will cherish her for as long as I live.

Jaime and Joe recently celebrated 20 years of marriage. They are active in their church and are raising their children to love the Lord Jesus.

— Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. Ephesians 5:25-28

A UNIVERSITY STUDENT CAME HOME FOR A WEEKEND VISIT

HIS MOTHER HEARD THE alarm on his watch go off. He turned it off and said nothing.

His mother asked, What was that about?

He said, I set my alarm to go off every hour, to remind me to acknowledge God in whatever I’m doing.

UNIVERSITY ROOMMATES

WHEN MATT COMPLETED his second year in the university dorm, he decided that having Christian roommates made it too easy to be a Christian. He wanted to be more effective for Christ. Next year he would let God choose his roommates! Sure enough, the next fall he was assigned to a campus apartment with three guys he’d never met.

His parents visited one weekend and went by to pick him up for church on Sunday morning. The front door was ajar. His mom tapped on it and the door opened to a living room floor covered with sleeping students and empty booze bottles. She stepped around them, walked up the stairs and knocked on Matt’s door.

Come in!

Matt was sitting up in bed reading his Bible. In the next bed a couple peeked out from under the blankets.

Oh! You’re here! I’ll be down in a second!

Once in the car his mother’s only comment about the situation was, If Grant wants to have his girlfriend spend the night, you need to insist on school rules: No girls overnight in guys’ rooms.

When they returned home his mother wrote Matt a short note to encourage him. She included two Bible verses. The first was 2 Thessalonians 3:6 NASB: Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.

She said, Matt, I believe you are serving God just as much as any missionary overseas. You are allowing God to use you, while keeping yourself apart from the others. This is not easy, but it is good. I am praying for you, and I believe God has big plans for you.

The second verse was Psalm 119:165 Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble. She wrote, You are not going to weaken, Matt. You love God’s Word and God will keep you strong.

Incidentally, Matt talked with Grant after his parents left. That very afternoon Grant and his girlfriend moved their bed downstairs.

UNIVERSITY STUDENT FINDS JESUS

ONE NOVEMBER EVENING Matt returned to his on-campus apartment to discover one of his roommates sitting on his bed. He was reading Matt’s Bible!

Jeff had questions and they stayed up late discussing God and the Bible. Matt then invited Jeff to come with him to the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Two days later they went together. Jeff began attending Matt’s small group Bible study and little by little Jeff’s life changed.

At the end of the school year Matt’s sister, also a member of IV, shared a story with her mom. She said at the last meeting of the year, anyone who had experienced God in a profound way, was invited to come up and share. Jeff came forward and spoke before 700 InterVarsity students.

He said, "Last November I was going through a severe depression. Yet I had one roommate who was different. He was happy and seemed to have it all together. One night when he was out, I went into his room and discovered he had some Christian books and also a Bible. I was reading his Bible when he came in. We talked until late and that night he offered to pray with me, and I felt encouraged.

Earlier that day I had decided the solution for my desperation was suicide. Matt doesn’t know it, but he saved my life that night. I want to thank God for using one of my roommates to introduce me to Christ and to this Christian fellowship. This year I have found God’s purpose for my life, His peace and joy.

— For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

— "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

UNIVERSITY DORM ALLOWS CO-ED ROOMS

SOME YEARS AGO, A MAJOR university experimented with co-ed dorm rooms. Each student was assigned a student of the opposite sex (whom they didn’t know) to share the same room for a number of weeks. Our friend’s son was one of these students. He was uncomfortable but reassured his parents that they just slept in their own beds, and it was okay.

Is it okay? The problem here is that the God-given gift of modesty is broken down. Modesty is a gift that protects us. When it's broken down there is a loss of protection and loss of respect. When it’s broken down there is a natural tendency toward promiscuity. Our modesty shows God that we desire to please and obey Him. God told us to dress modestly.

Must we dress dowdy? No! We may have to hunt a little harder, but there are certainly fashionable clothes that are modest.

Men are stimulated by sight. That explains why pornography is sold mainly to men. This is why Jesus told the men of His day, Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28.

Persistent immodesty is evidence of rebellion toward God, toward His Word, toward the church, toward fathers and toward husbands.

Remember: Christians are the only Bibles some people ever read.

— Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

— I want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. 1 Timothy 2:9-10

PROFESSOR BELITTLES CHRISTIAN STUDENT

A CHRISTIAN STUDENT at the University of California was taking a Spanish class. As a Christian she knew she was in the minority, but her faith was strong.

Addressing the class in Spanish, the professor asked if there was anyone present who believed in angels.

Julianne raised her hand.

He chuckled and asked her why.

I believe in angels because the Bible tells us they are real.

He laughed aloud. Are you telling me you believe the Bible is true?

I do. He laughed even louder.

He asked her what makes her believe the Bible is true?

I believe the Bible is true because Jesus believed it.

The professor laughed out loud again! Now other students were laughing along with him. The professor asked, Are you going to tell me you believe that Jesus is going to return?

Yes, I believe that as well.

He continued the harassment while she continued to stand strong in her beliefs alone.

No other student attempted to speak up in her support.

After class two girls caught up with her and thanked her. They told her they had been silently praying for her. Perhaps others were as well. She couldn’t tell of course, but she knew she wasn’t alone. Jesus was standing with her. She had no regrets.

I NO LONGER BELIEVE IN GOD

A FRIEND CONFIDED IN me that her daughter, a university student, revealed that she no longer believes in God. Moreover, she recently moved in with her boyfriend!

Her parents were disappointed in both announcements, but stunned at their daughter’s declaration that she no longer believes in God! She had been a strong Christian in high school and faithfully attended church and youth group!

Unfortunately, the above situation is a growing trend. A pastor to college students explained that whenever one of his students tells him he no longer believes in God, he’ll ask him about his love life. He said that if Christians become involved in sexual sin, they will know it’s wrong and will experience the uncomfortable feelings of guilt. But if they believe there is no God to be accountable to, then it’s easier to continue in sin. Typically, they will begin to seek like-minded friends who share their atheistic views.

The psychological term used to describe those feelings of discomfort that result from holding two conflicting beliefs is Cognitive Dissonance. It’s simply an inconsistency between beliefs and behaviors. Something must change in order to eliminate or reduce the dissonance.

This growing tendency toward unbelief is common among secular university students today. I believe it’s another sign that our Lord Jesus is soon to return. Please pray for the multitudes of young people who have turned away from God, that they will return to Him before it’s too late.

— The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 1 Timothy 4:1

IT’S 1 AM AND I’M LONELY

RICK WAS IN HIS THIRD year at the university. It was 1 AM on a Saturday night when he received a phone call.

Hey Rick! This is Michelle. My roommate went home for the weekend and I’m feeling kind of lonely and scared being here alone. Just wondering if you’d like to come over and keep me company.

Wow! Uh... Thank you, Michelle. You know I really like you and I think you’re attractive and a neat gal. But I need to tell you that I’m a Christian. Coming over to see you at this hour of the night would put me in a compromising position. I hope you’ll understand.

Oh, I feel so stupid! I’m sorry I called. Just forget that I called, okay? Goodnight.

— Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

SURPRISE EVENING VISITOR

IT WAS AT 8:30 PM WHEN I received a text from a young college friend who had transferred to another city.

I know this is last-minute, but what are you doing tonight?

Just some paperwork. Why?

I decided to take a little drive to clear my mind. Now I realize I’m only a half hour away from you. I would love to see you.

I wrote, I would love to see you too, but we are not late-night people. We’ll be heading to bed around 10 PM.

I can be there by 9 and won’t stay long.

I put water on for tea and brought out the cookies. A few minutes later I opened the door to bubbly Elena. She told me about her classes, her two jobs and then her boyfriend.

We’ve been dating for a year. He’s 24, attends Bible college and someday wants to teach the Bible.

I am familiar with the school he attends, one of the best. My immediate impression was favorable. She explained that both of their parents are immigrants from the same country. They’ve attended the same church all their lives and knew each other as kids. They both love the Lord and want to serve Him together. They plan to become engaged in a year since they both need to complete their studies. She showed me his picture and I could see them serving God together.

I suggested it might become difficult to maintain a God-honoring courtship for such a long period. She explained that they avoid spending much time together alone. Rather, they intentionally spend time together with groups of friends with whom they do ministry.

I gave my blessing and we prayed together before she headed back. She left before 10 PM. What a precious ending to the day!

Thank You, Lord, for the privilege and the joy of knowing precious Elena. Keep her close to You. Guide and direct her ways and help her to love You more and more each day. I pray in the matchless name of Jesus, Amen.

CHAPTER 2

FISHING PIER OUTREACH & BEACH PROMENADE

IS IT LEGAL?

WHEN I FIRST CONSIDERED doing evangelism at the beach and on the pier, I wanted to be sure that what we wanted to do was legal. I called Jay Sekulow on his radio show. He is Chief Counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ).

I simply asked if it’s legal to put up a Bible table on the beach promenade for the purpose of freely giving out Christian literature and Bibles. I also inquired about doing the same in public parks during soccer games or other sports activities.

He said, Not only is it legal, but Christians NEED to be doing this in every public park and public beach in the U.S.

He promptly sent me papers showing our legal rights, in case we’re ever asked. I always keep those papers on a clipboard when we go out, but thus far, I’ve never needed to pull them out.

Where do we get our Bibles? Some of us used to order Bibles by the case. Then I had an idea! I called our local Christian radio station and was given permission to make a public service announcement! I explained there is a need for new or used Bibles to be used in our evangelism outreach. Many people have Bibles they no longer use. Churches often have unclaimed Bibles in their Lost & Found. Please consider donating them! We will use

Reviews for Evangelism 101

[Michael Parsa · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Incredible to see God work in such amazing ways in the life of this one simple person. Story after story reveals what God can do when we rely on Him and step forward in faith. Reading this book will challenge you to take your own steps of faith. Your life will be changed as God uses you right where you are!