Happy New Year ! / Scott's Testimony

We pray that this will be a great new year for everyone! There are still souls to be won in 2012!

On New Year's eve, Bro. JJ and I evangelized at Walmart. We were there from about 3:45 till 5:00. We witnessed inside first. I was giving out tracts on the way in. I talked to Charles who was looking at the liquor( which they have at the front ). I told him my testimony briefly. Upon leaving that section, I explained to another man what I was doing. He took a New Year's tract from me. I got to share my testimony with a few others.

We preached and held the cross for about 45 minutes. At the spot that we are preaching in now, there is a path where employees and customers walk to go to the bus stop. We gave most of them tracts. Only one man didn't take a tract from Bro. JJ. I talked to my friend, Willie, who was walking to Walmart. He had worked at Ryan's several years ago. I gave him the address to the Spanish blog (He is from Venezuela ). I gave a tract to Trey at Walmart last night. We saw him walking to the bus stop today.

My Testimony - Nineteen years ago on New Year's Eve, I was involved in the party scene. I thought I was living the good life. I had moved to Shreveport to manage the GNC at Southpark Mall. I had just bought a 1992 Dodge Dakota Sport. I tried to find a picture of one like I had, but the one in the picture above was the closest. I had row bars and a tarp on the bed. I was twenty-three at this time. Before this,I managed the GNC at Pecanland Mall in Monroe. I was into working out with weights.I had lost about 65 pounds through exercising and dieting. My friend, John, helped me to get on track. In November, my boss asked me if I could transfer to the Shreveport store. I eagerly told him that I could. I was wanting to go up in the company.
I had met a young woman at one of the clubs that I hung out with my friend, Al. We started dating before I moved. She lived in Ruston. I stopped in see her one day when I was going back to West Monroe to visit. She broke up with me that day. The day before New Year's Eve, she called me to ask us to hold a place for her at the club where we would be at in Monroe. I was going to show her that I could be with someone else! We all got to the bar that night with partying on our minds. I started drinking mixed drinks. Sometime after midnight, I blacked-out. I remember just bits and pieces of what was to happen after that. I remember walking out to my truck. After that, I remember shutting the passenger door to the truck. Then, I was walking on the other side of the bridge down Trenton Street in West Monroe. Then, I was at the door of Al's apartment. I woke up at 10:00 on New Year's Day. I told Al that we needed to find my truck. I didn't know where it was! We drove around looking for it in West Monroe and Monroe. I finally called The Monroe Police Department to ask I'd they had towed the truck. The woman on the line told me that it had been towed to Master's Auto Service in Monroe. I went to see it there. The hood and front was crushed in the middle. The owner of the towing company told me that I was fortunate to be alive. I had hit a utility pole on the corner of Pine and Walnut, which was several blocks from the club. The police had pulled some of my hair from the windshield where I had hit with my head. I had walked about two miles from where I had wrecked. The officer that worked the accident called me at midnight on January 1st to ask me about what had happened. I lied about what I did, but they knew that I had been drinking.
I had to go back to Shreveport without transportation. Over the next several months I depended on my parents to come to bring my back home
on most weekends. I walked to work sometimes and got a taxi at other times. One day at work I was talking with a regular customer about some of our products. She and her husband worked for the Shreveport Police Department. We ended up talking about church and Jesus. She asked where I went to church. I told her that I was trying to go back to church. She said "You're not doing anything! You better come back to Jesus now! "
There had been others who had witnessed to me before, but her words made me to think. I didn't write the exact date down, but around March the 15th I repented of my sins, asked for forgiveness, and was saved at my apartment in Kingston Village Apartments on Kingston Road! What a change! I got born-again! I told everyone what had happened to me! I couldn't go back to the clubs anymore!
I couldn't listen to the same music anymore! I didn't have the desire to drink anymore! I was a changed man!
I was able to move back home and get my old job back in April. I started passing out tracts. I went to church whenever I could. I wanted all that the Lord had for me! I wanted to do His will! I met Todd at a revival one night. We passed out tracts at several bars around town. Later, we preached at some of the bars. I was nervous about street preaching, but I was hooked after I did it a few times! I love to tell the story of how the Lord saved me!
I am thankful that I have had an extension on my life. I should have died and went to hell that night of my accident, but I am alive! I am saved!
Happy New Year !

Evangelism Update - 12/30/2011

The Monday After Christmas - We were off from work due to Christmas being on Sunday. After going to my parents, my family and I ate at CiCi's Pizza. A Spanish couple was sitting in the booth behind us. When we were leaving, I told the gentleman " Feliz Ano Nuevo " ( Happy New Year ). We talked for a few minutes. He is a Doctor from Mexico City who lives in Dallas. I gave him my email and Spanish blog address. I gave out tracts at both of our Walmart stores.

Tuesday - I went to Walmart on my lunch. I talked to Luis, who is a truck driver that was passing through. I gave him a tract. He said that he lives in California. In witnessing, sometimes you run into people who aren't from the area that you live in. I've talked to different ones who are working in the area on a job that they travel with ( like construction ). I've talked to men that work on pipelines. Most likely, I will never see them again. At least I have talked to them about their soul or have put a tract in their hand.

Wednesday -At lunch, two Taco Bell employees got at tract. I went solo to jail service at Claiborne Parish Detention Center. We had a great service. I preached on " Set Free " out of Mark 5. I talked about my testimony and the born again experience. Many of the men took tracts, the gospel of John and Romans, and devotions. Two of the tracts are featured in the photo above.They are from this months Bezeugen Tract Club shipment.
One man asked me how to deal with his cellmates who weren't saved. I suggested that he read Ephesians 5. On the way home, I stopped at Walmart in Farmerville. I talked with a man whose name is pronounced " ses- toes ". He is from Mexico. After our conversation, I gave him a tract. I gave a New Year Resolution tract to the cashier as I was leaving.

Friday - I passed out several tracts at the mall tonight. I talked with a Spanish man who lives in Arkansas.
As I gave out the New Year Resolution tract, I would tell the receiver that there was a gospel message on the back. My five year old son helped put a few tracts out for someone to pickup.
At Walmart, I talked to Jorge. He works at a Chinese restaurant in the mall. My friend, Manuel, worked there until he moved back to Honduras last year. Jorge Is also from Honduras. He is a Christian, but can't go to church much because of his work schedule. At the checkout, I talked with Xavier. Then, I spoke with a couple from Columbia, South America. They know of a Spanish preacher that I know. Last stop: Water By The Gallon ! We went to fill up three water jugs. I gave a tract to a man that was leaving WingStop. I left a few at the water dispenser, also. Maybe someone who is getting natural water will receive the Living Water !

In my next post, I will write about my testimony. I was in an accident that led to my salvation. Only one more day in this year. Make it a soul-winning one !

Merry Christmas !

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. (Luke 2:1-21 KJV)

Last Minute Christmas Witnessing !!

We stopped at Walmart to get a few things after leaving our Christmas get-together at my brother's. I gave Roman and his friend the " Feliz Navidad " tract. I also left a " Get Out Of Hell Free " card at the checkout area. Last stop :
Fred's ! My dad wanted me to see if they had some chocolate covered cherries for my mother. As I was leaving, I gave a tract to a man who was getting in his car. It's almost Christmas !

The Night Before Christmas Eve !

I went with my family tonight to do some last minute shopping. Being the next to the last night before Christmas, just about everyone was out doing the same. The mall was our first stop. I got to give out a holiday tract that I had printed out earlier from Steve Sanchez's blog, Stone The Preacher. ( The Tract is in the picture. ) It is a Spanish tract that ask if one has been good or bad. I gave it to Alejandro, who said that he wasn't a Christian. I gave out several " Get Out Of Hell Free " cards as we made our way through the crowds. A man named Leonard found me after I gave him one. He asked me what it meant. He said that he was a Christian. We talked
about the born-again experience. He asked if I had singled him out. I told him that I was giving out several different tracts. I gave him another one and challenged him to give it to someone.
At Stienmart, I ran into Luther, a Christian brother, that I haven't seen in years. He said that he was living in Arlington,Texas. We encouraged each other at our brief conversation.
I took my family home around 9:00 pm.
I still had a few more things to do. I picked up Bro. JJ to go back with me for the fellowship. The crowd was still in full force when we got to Walmart. Three Spanish men were in line to purchase a case of beer. I got the same tract out that I gave to Alejandro. I gave them one each as I wished them " Feliz Navidad ". It seemed that they had already been drinking. I pray that the will come to drink the living water ! I talked to Sly at the checkout line. He told me that he was a freelance artist. I gave him a new " Are You Ready ? " tract. Have you shared your faith this Christmas ?

Christmas Scriptures

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. (Matthew 1:18-25 KJV)

Jesus - For He shall save His people from their sins !
Jesus - He died to give us life !
Jesus - He became a curse that I could be blessed !
Jesus - He paid a debt that I couldn't pay !
Jesus - He took my place !
Jesus - He took my sin away !
Jesus - He loved me and He still loves me !
Jesus - He still saves !
Jesus - He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life !
Jesus - He reigns and lives forevermore !

Evangelizing At Christmastime

I have been handing out tracts this week to people as I tell them " Merry Christmas ". It seems easier to witness to some at this time of the year. (Anytime of the year is a good time to witness, though ! ) May people really see why Christmas is celebrated.
Traffic was crazy today as we did some Christmas and grocery shopping.
I placed a few tracts in the stores that we went to. When we checked out at Walmart in the garden center, the same young woman that I posted about on November 2nd was at the register that we went to. She asked again if I had any pamphlets. I gave her three more tracts ! I got some more coming from Carl with the Bezeuen Tract Club. When I get them, I'll take her a few more ! Happy soul-winning at Christmastime !

Soul-Winning Words

"Jehovah Witnesses don't believe in Hell and neither do most Christians"
- Leonard Ravenhill

Soul-Winning Words

"'Not called!' did you say? 'Not heard the call,' I think you should say. Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear Him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help. Go stand by the gates of Hell, and hear the damned entreat you to go to their father's house and bid their brothers and sisters, and servants and masters not to come there. And then look Christ in the face, whose mercy you have professed to obey, and tell Him whether you will join heart and soul and body and circumstances in the march to publish His mercy to the world."
- William Booth (Founder of the Salvation Army)

Soul-Winning Words

If you found a cure for cancer, wouldn’t it be inconceivable to hide it from the rest of mankind? How much more inconceivable to keep silent the cure from the eternal wages of death.”

- David Davidson

Soul-Winning Words

We are never closer to God than when we share His heart for the unevangelized.
-Patrick Johnstone

Friday Night Evangelism

Bro. JJ and I went witnessing for a few hours tonight. We started out at McDonald's. We wanted to see if the young man that I witnessed to several weeks ago was working. He wasn't, so I asked the woman who took our order if he was still there. He was off tonight. I asked her to give him the tract in the picture above to let him know that we came by. We also gave tracts to her and a manager.
Next, we went to Walmart to preach. We preached at the usual spot and a new spot closer to the entrance. When I went to see how far I cold hear Bro. JJ, I gave tracts to a few Walmart employees and customers, I also ran into Lance, who has been to our church. I invited him to come to our Christmas play next week.
While I was preaching, there was a man that was listening from across the street. I wished him a Merry Christmas when he walked away.
On the way home, we stopped at Circle K to get a drink. I gave a tract to the gentleman that was working at the checkout.
The tract in the photo is from the Bezuegen Tract Club. If you want to join, go to http://bezeugentractclub.org . I have used the two Christmas tracts in previous post. Have you given out tracts this Christmas Season ?

I Memorized John 3:16 In Spanish Today !

I have been wanting to do this for a long time now. I finally did it ! I just needed to take time to do it. I went to get gas at Walmart after work, so I went in to look for someone to witness to before I got the gas card. I found Roberto and Jorge. They were from Bossier City. Roberto said that he was a Christian, but Jorge wasn't. I gave them a tract each and told them Merry Christmas. I need to work on memorizing more scripture in English and Spanish. God bless !

Witnessing At Fred's

O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. (Psalm 43:3 KJV)

I went to Fred's tonight to see what they had in Christmas lights. When leaving, I talked to a man who was in the passenger side of a truck that was parked by me. His name is Dewayne. I gave him the tract about the Legend of The Candy Cane and one about Christmas. We had a good discussion about Christians, churches, and the Bible. He said that he lived by some of the Bible. He had his own opinion of how Christians should live. I hope I challenged him to read more of God's
Word and to apply the scriptures to his
heart. I gave a tract to his friend, Ozzie, when he came out of the store. I felt encouraged after talking to these two men. I love sharing my faith ! I want others to know my Savior; to experience His power in their lives !
His light and His truth leads me on !

His Name Is Jesus !

He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:10-13 KJV)

Eternal life is found only through God's Son, Jesus ! God proved His love for us in Jesus ! There is not a secret way to Heaven. He did not hide His name and make it hard to find the way of salvation. Several religious groups think that they have the only "name" of God that you can know Him by. They think they are right and all the Christian teachings are wrong. The Bible clearly states that Jesus is the way to know the Lord ! These scriptures in 1 John say that He that hath the Son hath life. I've got the Son of God in my life, therefore, I have life ! I have been washed in the Blood ! I got baptized, but I was saved before I went under ! If you are born again , you should be able to tell those who try to deceive you into another way that you know that you are in the truth and that Jesus is your Lord and Savior ! His name is Wonderful ! His name is Jesus !

Missionary Spotlight

Bro. and Sis. Petit, missionaries to the Philippines, were at our church tonight. They usually come by when they are in the states. They have been there for a total of six years. In February, they will return for three more years.
During tonight's service, Sis. Petit shared some of her experiences there.
They were great testimonies of God's saving power. Bro. Petit preached a great message about the sower from Matthew 13:3. We must sow the seed of the Gospel no matter what the ground looks like. Thanks !