My Testimony / Happy New Year 2014!

Two years ago, I posted about my testimony. I wanted to repost it because it is the anniversary of my wreck that led me to call upon the name of The Lord! Here it is: 

Twenty one  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, La. to manage the GNC at Southpark Mall. I had just bought a 1992 Dodge Dakota Sport. 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 went to. We started dating before I moved. She lived in Ruston. She broke up with me when I stopped in see her one day on the way back to West Monroe to visit. The day before New Year's Eve, she called me to ask me and my friend, Al, to hold a place for her at the club where we would be at in Monroe. I was going to prove that I was ok without her! 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 if 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 truck was totaled. 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 one mile 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 me back home 

on most weekends. I walked to work sometimes and got a taxi at others. 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 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 witness as much as I can. 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! I never get tired of telling this story! Jesus is my all and all. He has done so much for me. I must do much for Him! 

           Happy New Year,

             Scott 

Another Look At Professor Grant Horner's Bible Reading System

On September 16, 2011, I posted about this great Bible reading plan. Here's what it read: 

On August 22nd, Tony Miano posted on his blog about Professor Grant Horner's Bible Reading System. I have never had a solid plan where I have read all the way through or in a year.

With this plan, I will have read the Bible in 250 days. I am currently on day 31. I am very excited about this!

My wife started this week . Several people from our church have also got on it. Here is the link if you want to look at it for yourself :  http://www.onthebox.us/2011/08/professor-horners-bible-reading-system.html

Each day you will read ten chapters a day with ten list to read from. I make sure I  get at least ten read everyday. I have doubled up a few times, reading two days worth. This system is very challenging. In Sunday School this weekend, I am going to talk about this plan in our Adult class as I teach on the Word of God. My Bible-reading will never be the same! 

Currently, I am in the second time around. I haven't done this reading as quick as the last one. I plan to do better. Here is the link to the list: 

http://www.thevinefellowship.com/10Lists.pdf

Try it out! I believe that you will really like this plan! Happy Bible Reading in 2014! 

Gospel Tract Spotlight - The New Year Resolution Tract

This is one of the four tracts that is featured in the Bezeugen Tract Club for the month of January. Everyone is thinking about those resolutions now! This is great to hand out while wishing a Happy New Year. Here is the text of the tract with the question on the front:

Can you name TEN of the top New Year Resolutions?

Answer (in no particular order): 1. Lose Weight, 2. Stop Smoking, 3. Go Greener, 4. Upgrade My Technology, 5. Change Career, 6. Get Organized, 7. Start a New Hobby, 8. Get Out of Debt, 9. Spend More Time with Family, 10. Help Others.

Each of these has to do with changing the way you think and act about something. God wants you to change the way you think and act about His Law, the Ten Commandments. The Bible says, "it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment" (based on the Ten Commandments). How many lies have you told? Have you ever stolen anything? Ever hated someone? Jesus calls hatred murder! Ever looked with lust? Jesus calls lust adultery. Innocent or guilty? Heaven or hell? God does not want you to go to hell. He sent His only son Jesus Christ to fulfill the Law. Being fully God and fully man, Jesus lived a perfect life. He died on a cross to pay for your sin. Then He rose from the dead, defeating sin, death and the devil. God commands all people everywhere to repent and trust in Jesus (Mark 1:15, Acts 17:30-31). Consider making repentance and trust in Jesus your number one resolution this year! www.AfterLifeCatalog.com

Merry Christmas! - 2013

I pray that everyone has had a Merry Christmas this day! Here's my Christmas Card to all the bloggers and readers! 

May Jesus bless you abundantly as we celebrate His birth! 

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)

Christmas Tract Bags

I've made up several bags with tracts and peppermints or miniature candy canes to hand out this Christmas season. Everyone that I've offered them to has took them. I even made a few Spanish ones. When I go through drive-thrus, I give one to the person who takes my payment and the one who hands me the order. At a Church's Chicken in Ruston on Friday, I gave 7 bags to the woman at the window and asked her to give them out to the other employees. This is a neat way to witness. I bought the bags and peppermints  at The Dollar Tree. My wife bought me the smaller bag with snowflakes on it. The bags with candy canes on them are perfect to use with The Legend Of The Candy Cane tract. We only have a few more days till Christmas. People need to know the real reason for the season!

Christmas Witnessing

 

As my wife and I did grocery and Christmas shopping at Walmart on Saturday, I was able to give out several Christmas tracts. I talked to Quan, who said that he needed to do better. I took him through 3 of the commandments. He admitted that he was guilty. Sam said that we can't know where we go when we die. I quoted 1 John 5:13 to him and said that we can know. Foster and his friend took the What List Are You On? tract. He thanked me got giving it to them. Christmas is a time to give out  Gospel tracts.... as you go!

Christmas Tracts - Tis' The Season....

Christmas  a time to ask "Did you get one of these?" I love witnessing with tracts at Christmas! It is so easy giving a tract to someone by saying "Merry Christmas". I ask at times: "Did you get your Christmas Gospel tract?"So many people will take a one from a courteous stranger. They need to believe the Gospel to be born again. We can ask if they know the real reason for Christmas. This will open up a witnessing opportunity. On Thiursday night, I got to give one to a college student named Charles. He had got behind me in line. When I saw that he had just a few items, I let him go in front of me. This opened up a conversation while he was checking out. I was able to give him a tract during that time.

On Friday night, I gave the "What List Are You On? tract to Kendrick. He said that he  was guilty after I took him through 4 of the commandments. I asked him to read 1 John 5 and John 10. He thankede for the talk. 

On Saturday, I took my two sons to the annual Kiwana's Christmas parade in Monroe. I made up 100  bags with "The Legend Of The Candy Cane" tract and a candy cane or peppermint. I was able to give out 50 of them. I gave out 2 at the McDonald's drive thru, also. 
What are you doing special to witness in this joyous season? Please feel free to leave a comment about your witnessing experiences. Be creative to win people to Jesus so that they can have a Christ-filled Christmas, too! 

So Much To Thank Him For! - Happy Thanksgiving 2013

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving .  Psalms 69:30

As this peaceful day is coming to a close, I am meditating on who and what I am thankful for. We know that this day is focused on being thankful to God for who He is and what he has done. David said this in Psalms 40:1-3:

 I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. 

I remember the pit that he brought me up  

out of. I was sinking, but He rescued me! He put my feet upon a solid foundation: the Rock, Christ Jesus! My goings are established! Now I am singing a new song under the blood of the Lamb! 

Thankfulness is something that flows out of a Christian's life. Having the attitude of gratitude shows in everything that we do.

Let's magnify him with thanksgiving! 

Gospel Tract Spotlight - Four Christmas Tracts

This is a re-post from last year. The tracts are the same this year: 

December's Bezeugen Tract Club mailing had all Christmas tracts enclosed: The Legend Of The Candy Cane, Merry Christmas, Christ-mas, and What List Are You? 

The Legend Of The Candy Cane gives account of the Urban legend claim that the candy cane speaks about Jesus.

Then, the tract presents the Gospel message. 

Merry Christmas talks about why we don't say the politically correct "Happy Holidays" and the real meaning of Christmas. 

Christ-Mas gives the definition of Christmas from dictionary.com on the front. The back has scripture from Luke 2. The law is presented, also. 

What List Are You On? is similar to the Are You A Good Person? tract. It has a red bulb on the front that "will fade" if whoever puts their thumb on it is a good person. It has the Ten Commandment test on the back. 

These tracts can be ordered from http://www.shop.onemilliontracts.com/Bezeugen-Gospel-Tracts_c28.htm

There are many other Christmas Tracts that you can find to witness with. I will be using these this Christmas, praying that someone will receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord!

Christmas Gospel Tract Spotlight - Naughty Or Nice

There were four Christmas tracts in the Bezeugen Tract Club for December. These are great to use for this joyous season. Here is the Naughty or Nice tract. It's similar to the Are You A Good Person? Tract. This one and the other three (The Legend Of The Candy Cane, Chrismas Defined, And Happy Holidays) can be ordered through onemilliontracts.com. 

Front of Card: Which list are you on? Place your thumb on the red bulb and leave it there for five seconds. If you've been good the red will fade. Back of Card: Sorry . . . you're just like the rest of us. The dictionary says "good" is to be "morally excellent." Let's check the standard the Ten Commandments, to see how far we fall short: Is God first in your life? Do you love Him with "heart, mind, soul and strength?" Have you made a god to suit yourself? Have you used His name in vain? Have you always honored your parents? Have you lied (including "fibs"), stolen (the value is irrelevant), or coveted other people's possessions? If you are honest, you know you will be guilty on the Day of Judgment. God, however, doesn't want to send you to Hell. Jesus Christ suffered and died on the Cross, so you could go free. That's how much God loves you. We broke God's Law, but Jesus paid our fine. Then He rose from the grave. If you repent (turn away from all the things you know are wrong) and trust in Him, God will forgive your sins and grant you everlasting life. Begin by reading your Bible daily (start with the book called John) and obey what you read. God will never let you down. For more information please visit: www.YouGotOurTract.com

Friday Night Evangelism - November 8, 2013

On Friday night, we went to the Trial Bar in Monroe. We met at the Walmart parking lot after 9:30. There was five of us on tap for the night: myself, Gary, JJ, Rob, and his friend, Chad. It was Chad's first time with us. It wasn't a very large crowd when we got to the club. They played recorded music for most of the night, with a few soloist playing. JJ was able to preach one good round. As soon as we got there, we heard several conversations about us being there. One man was comparing us with a man that comes out there. We have always went out there with the goal of presenting the right spirit when we preach and deal with people one on one. They have to see our concern for their souls. Too many street preachers have went out with a bad spirit, giving us a bad name. The patrons want to group us with them, but realize that we are different when they talk with us. This happened twice this night. Erin came to talk to Gary and me. She was the designated driver for her friend. She said that she was a Christian who liked 80's music. She told us that there were street preachers in her home time that were rude. She thanked us for not being like them. One highlight for the night was when I talked with Craig. We had talked with him a while back when he played with a band called Electric Sermon. After he talked with us, his band was up to play. We heard him say "There's some Christian protesters out there. This first song is about the devil." This time, he was playing solo. He came over with the intention to heckle. I called him by name when he came over. I told him that I remembered him from that night. He described the other man that comes out there. He realized that we weren't like him.We talked about Jesus' death on the cross; how that all the sins of the world were placed on him at that one moment. He asked me to forgive him for heckling us! I gave him a card that had had the link to Genius: the Movie and the Million Dollar Eye Test booklet that I had brought back from the State Fair Outreach. Please pray that Craig will be saved!
One young man wanted to have his picture taken with me with our street cross.Rob said that he do the pagan sign. When he came back out to his vehicle, I told him he had to take a tract since he had his picture taken with me. I found out that his name was Mike. Later on, him and his friend "Mighty" Mike came back out while I was talking with Craig. "Mighty" Mike took a tract, too. JJ, Rob, & Chad talked with Elizabeth and a friend. Then, she talked with Bro. Gary and me. She said that she thought it was ok to drink in moderation, but she was a little drunk.
JJ tried to reason with Jeremy, a tattoo artist. He wasn't being logical, wondering why we didn't go preach at churches (i.e: mosques and cults) that we thought were wrong. JJ was trying to make the point that Jesus was the only way to Heaven. He was the last encounter for the night. We stayed longer than we thought. We always have a great time. I thank The Lord that he has bought us together with more men to witness with us. We can't wait till next time!

Soul-Winners' Book Corner: New Book by Claire Goodwin - Compelled ToTell

NEW BOOK RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENT

COMPELLED TO TELL: A FASCINATING JOURNEY FROM A NEW YORK DEAD-END STREET TO A LIFETIME OF MINISTRY AND SOUL WINNING

By Claire H. Goodwin

Compelled to Tell will catapult you through riveting experiences and intrigue as Claire Goodwin's struggling, dead-end beginning quickly grows past fear and fighting, danger and murder into a God-directed life filled with fascinating adventure and thrill. Tears mingle with joy, as Heaven supernaturally shapes her life for marriage, ministry and soul winning.

·       Compelled to Tell is the biography of a burden that will captivate the heart of any who long to find God's will and to become an instrument in his hands.

·       If a spiritual fire is growing inside your being and you hunger for more of God's power to work in your life, then this book is for you.

·       If you long for something to set aflame a passion for souls, you've found it! Get ready to dig in and absorb the heartbeat of this book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

CLAIRE H. GOODWIN has been a passionate soul-winner since her teens. She taught personal evangelism for forty years at Free Gospel Bible Institute in Export, Pennsylvania, and is the author of Reach Them One by One. Claire speaks fervently about evangelism to many churches. She and her husband, Bob, reside in Dallas, Texas, and are international evangelists, actively involved in witnessing.

COMPELLED TO TELL is published by WestBow Press A Division of Thomas Nelson Publishers. It is a 274 page paperback book that includes 30 photographs and a foreword by Rev. J. Kevin Lloyd.

It is available now at:

·       www.calvarypentecostalrevivals.org

·       through most major bookstores

·       or from Claire H. Goodwin, 2626 Frankford Rd, Apt. 7106, Dallas, TX 75287   (412)496-6996

Or Visit her blog @  http://gowiththegospel.blogspot.com/2013/09/compelled-to-tell.html?m=1

He that winneth souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30

My Bus Ride To Dallas

I took the Greyhound bus to Dallas when I went to the State Fair of Texas Gospel Outreach on October the 18th. I had many opportunities to witness on the way. My bus was supposed to leave at 8:55, but we didn't leave till 9:52. The first person I talked to was Justin at the Monroe station. He was waiting for the bus to Baton Rouge. I gave him two tracts as I told him why I was going to Dallas. He had a Bible that someone had gave him. A man,who I would talk to in Shreveport, was curious when he saw me put a Got Peace? tract on the pay-phone. I gave tracts to two other people who were getting on the bus going to Baton Rouge. The bus to Dallas arrived about 20 minutes later. 

On the bus, I gave tracts to Terrell and Wesley. I found that Greyhound had a perfect place for tracts on the back of their seats. 

We had several stops on the way to Shreveport. We picked up a few people in Ruston and 1 Spanish man in Grambling. We got to the Shreveport station at 11:50. 

When I got off the bus for a few minutes, I spoke to the man who got on at Grambling. His name was David. He was going to New Orleans. I gave him the Spanish Ten Commandments tract. Inside the station, Wesley asked to use my phone to call his contact. He was an alcoholic who was seeking help. I gave him the Got Peace? tract. He said "I need peace." While getting a drink and a snack, I talked with Steven. He was on the same bus. He said that he was reading his Bible on the bus. I told him that I was doing the same. Later, he would be sitting beside me. Several new people got in at Shreveport. We made some stops once we got into Texas. At one stop, it looked like the bus was over booked. The driver scrambled to see what happened. One man was standing for a few miles. At another, the driver asked Steven to move so that a family could sit together. I motioned for him to sit by me. We talked for the most part till we got to Dallas. He was from North Carolina, going to work in Arizona. He told me about some things that happened back in North Carolina. I believe that The Lord had me there to encourage him. I gave him a few tracts and an invite to the Bezeugen tract club, 

At a travel center stop, one man sneaked beer onto the bus. I think he drunk it before the driver found out that he had it. Another woman tried to buy an alcoholic beverage with the bus driver near her. He told her that she couldn't. I took a few pictures at the adjoining restaurant of the western figures. 

I gave tracts to two other Spanish men - Alonso and Daniel. Alonso said that his mother, who was in Mexico, is a Christian. He read the Ten Commandments tract that I gave him.
We got to Dallas  at 5:45, which was an hour late.

(This is outside of the Dallas bus station)

I gave a Give Thanks tract to our bus driver as we were exiting. I told him Happy Thanksgiving since I probably wouldn't see him again. 
The first person who I offered a tract to said no! As soon as I get to the Dallas station, a Spanish man rejects a tract! I got to give out several there, though! Carl sent me a text, saying that he was being delayed by traffic. I sent one back, telling that "I'll witness while I wait". I was able to give out 3 more Spanish tracts to Carlos, Mario, and a woman who was going out the station with luggage. Outside, I gave tracts to Reagan, a deaf man, and three women who were walking by. Inside, I talked to Danny. He was traveling from Florida to Sacramento, Ca. He was from an area in Ca. that was a few hours away from where my wife lived. Kenny had a lay over till 3:30  the next morning because of a booking error. I gave him a few tracts to read while he was waiting. He was going to trucking school in Georgia. He was from Oklahoma. 
It was almost 6:30 when Carl picked me up. I am thankful for the time that I had to witness at the station. I may never see those people again, but at least they have received a Gospel tract! 
I am grateful to Carl and his wife,Mande, for their hospitality. I met their son, Brendan, also. He is the same age as my oldest son. I stayed the night at their home. We had a good evening of fellowship. Carl showed me all the  Bezeugen tracts that were printed. It was a blessing to be with them on Friday and Saturday. We were at the Texas State Fair on Saturday for the outreach (Please read the previous post for the details of that day of evangelism!) 
As soon as we closed the booth down, we had to get to the station in Mesquite. The bus was scheduled to leave at 11:30.  The reason why I had to leave like this was because I was singing in our pastor appreciation service with my daughter on Sunday morning.The bus arrived at 11:51. I gave out my last tract in Texas to a man that got off the bus there. On the way back, it was quiet because it was late. I tried to sleep a little, but I think I only got about 40 minutes in. I made it back to Monroe at 5:04 Sunday morning. What did I do when I was waiting for my father to pick me up? I gave a tract to a man who was getting gas! 

State Fair Of Texas Gospel Outreach - Oct. 19, 2013

We had a great time of evangelism at the Texas State fair this past Saturday. The Texas State Fair ran from September 27 to October 20.  This is the largest state fair in the country, attracting 3.5 million people annually. The Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship In America sponsors the State Fair Of Texas Gospel Outreach booth. It is manned every day that the fair is open, with witnessing going on 12 hours a day. Rex Whitton is the manager of this outreach. He trains those who are not familiar with the Gospel presentation portion of the booth. Carl Kalbfleisch of Bezeugen Ministries (the As You Go Blog and the Bezeugen Tract Club) invited me to join him for this day several months ago. He was the day leader. Rosie, Craig, and Arnold were there witnessing and giving out tracts. We also had about 30 students from the Gospel Of Asia School of Discipleship take turns in two hour intervals. It was great meeting all of these who were at the booth. We gave out the "Name 10 Things Fried At The Fair" and "The Ten Commandment" tracts from Bezeugen. We also had the million, the trillion, and the Ten Commandments coin from Living Waters that were supplied at the booth. 

Pictured: Rex Whitton, Carl Kalbfleisch, and Scott Thompson 

The Million Dollar Eye Test

We would invite people to come and take "The Million Dollar Eye Test". Here is an example (taken from the Bezeugen blog) of what would take place once someone would want to take the test: 

"Would you like to take the million dollar eye test?"

them: "Sure, what do I do"

We would keep the conversation really light hearted by saying things like "the use of your eyes is not required" or "it's fun, it's easy, no coupons required!" This was funny because at the fair you trade in your hard earned cash for coupons and then use the coupons to buy food from the vendors, ride rides, etc.

me: "For one million dollars would you give us your right eye? Before you answer let me explain that in this hypothetical example we have a surgical center right behind the booth. We can painlessly remove your eye and replace it with a glass eye. You'll look the same in all your family photo's. You just won't look the same."

them: "No way!"

me: "Oh, ok. Well, let's sweeten the pot just a bit. You see, actually we are looking for a matched pair of eyeballs. And therefore we are able to offer you one trillion dollars for both of your eyes. You could travel the world!"

them: "Yeah, but I'd be blind. so no."

At this point we could quote Jesus' words to them "what does it profit a man to gain the whole world (or a trillion dollars) yet loose his very own soul?" We have established that their eyes are valuable and that their soul is worth even more.

Then, we would ask "If God would require your soul tonight, where would you go? We would proceed to take them through the Ten Commandments to get them to think about their soul. Then, we would tell them what Jesus did so that we wouldn't have to go to hell. We had so many different responses. My highlights were talking with a young man named Richard and another named Arturo. A young woman named Blair said that she had a Jewish heritage. One of the Gospel For Asia students had a man leave when they got to the part about the soul. He said that the soul didn't exist. Jason, who had worked at the booth one year, gave me a test by seeing how knowledgeable I was. Then, he told me who he was. Some said that they were saved.  

It was estimated that about 200,000 people came through the fair that day. We probably gave out about 7,500 tracts. 

This was about 11:00 AM.

This was around 1:00 PM. It was like this most of the day! At one point when we were handing out the tracts, we were pinned against the front of the booth! 

It was a great day! I was glad to be part of what took place on Saturday! I am so thankful to Carl and Rex for letting me be a part of this outreach. Only eternity will tell what was accomplished throughout the State Fair Of Texas Gospel Outreach! 

Soul-Winners' Devotion - Spurgeon's Morning And Evening

I opened up this classic devotion this morning to find today's entry fitting for the Christian who has a desire to win souls. 

"Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught." --Luke 5:4 

We learn from this narrative, the necessity of human agency. The draught of fishes was miraculous, yet neither the fisherman nor his boat, nor his fishing tackle were ignored; but all were used to take the fishes. So in the saving of souls, God worketh by means; and while the present economy of grace shall stand, God will be pleased by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. When God worketh without instruments, doubtless He is glorified; but He hath Himself selected the plan of instrumentality as being that by which He is most magnified in the earth.Means of themselves are utterly unavailing."Master, we have toiled all the night and have taken nothing." What was the reason of this? Were they not fishermen plying their special calling? Verily, they were no raw hands; they understood the work. Had they gone about the toil unskillfully? No. Had they lacked industry? No, they had toiled. Had they lacked perseverance? No, they had toiled all the night. Was there a deficiency of fish in the sea? Certainly not, for as soon as the Master came, they swam to the net in shoals. What, then, is the reason? Is it because there is no power in the means of themselves apart from the presence of Jesus? "Without Him we can do nothing." But with Christ we can do all things. Christ's presence confers success.Jesus sat in Peter's boat, and His will, by a mysterious influence, drew the fish to the net. When Jesus is lifted up in His Church, His presence is the Church's power--the shout of a king is in the midst of her. "I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me." Let us go out this morning on our work of soul fishing, looking up in faith, and around us in solemn anxiety. Let us toil till night comes, and we shall not labour in vain, for He who bids us let down the net, will fill it with fish.

Soul-Winners' Devotion - Praying For Labourers

Therefore said he unto them , The harvest truly is great , but the labourers are few : pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest , that he would send forth labourers into his harvest . -, Luke 10:2 

Wherever there is a labour shortage, work can get backed up. It seems Walmart is short of help late at night. When the lines get backed up, people get irritated because of the waiting time. When we were at Burger King last week, our cashier was doing the job of two people. The  work gets backed up when there are fewer employees. God is wanting more labourers for His kingdom. There is so much work to be done in soul-winning. The harvest field is everywhere you go. 

When I first started passing out tracts at bars with a friend, sometimes we thought that we were the only ones doing it. Every once-in-a-while, we would see a stray tract that would encourage us. About two years ago, Bro. J.J. and I prayed that The Lord would send men to us to help in our street ministry. He answered our prayers by sending workers who were already seasoned in soul-winning! Another brother has just joined us for our last two events. We have about 4 - 9 people with is when we street preach or give out tracts at events like the Mardi Gras parade  and the fair. 

Let's pray that our burden for the lost to be contagious. Read about David in the Old Testament to see how his courage was contagious. Pray that The Lord will send forth labourers into His harvest! 

Texas State Fair Outreach 2013

I will be at the Texas State Fair with Carl Kalbfleisch from Bezeugen Ministries in two weeks to help with an evangelism booth on Oct. 19. This is the largest state fair in the country, attracting 3.5 million people! I am excited about going because of the witnessing opportunities that will be there. At the booth, there will be "the million dollar eye test". Please read about last year's booth here:

http://www.bezeugen.org/blog/?p=1143

This will be my first time going there.Please pray for seeds to take root in the hearts of people as we witness of salvation through Jesus Christ! 

He that winneth souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30

Thursday Witnessing

I started the day off before work by stopping at the Greyhound bus station, which is joined with a convenience store in Monroe. There were several people outside who we're waiting on buses. When I walked up to them, one man asked about the tracts that I had in my hand. I asked "You know I got tracts?" He took one from me. He was going to Shreveport. A woman name Cassandra asked me to pray for her brother, who was there also. I actually prayed for three people. Val and Jimmy were going to New Orleans. Val was from Mexico. I gave him 1 English and 1 Spanish tract. Cassandra asked me ton pray for Val, but I had to leave to get to work on time. Altogether, I gave tracts to 6 who were there. 

At lunch time, I went to McDonald's. I gave 4 men the Mancard tracts. They looked like they were together, waiting for their food. One was reading the tract as I was leaving. I had to stop at the Monroe laundry mat on the way home. After I finished my task, I gave out 2 of a new Halloween Bezeugen tracts to women that were waiting on their clothes. As I gave the first one a tract, she gave me a business card. It looked like mine because she used the same design from Vista Print. I asked her where she had got the card. Then, I realized it was hers. They were dancers. I talked to them about three of the Ten Commandments, but 1 said that they were Christians. The other was reading the tract as we talked. I pray that God will open their hearts to a true Christian experience through repentance and faith in Jesus. On the way out, I gave 2 more tracts to a mother and daughter. My last stop before home was Taco Bell. I went inside since the drive-thru line was long. I got to talk with an ULM soccer coach and a ULM  basketball coach. I gave them the Mancard tract, also. I talked to another man named Antron while I was waiting for the order. He took a Mancard, too.

My goal is to hand out 10 tracts a day. It's not that hard when there are people everywhere that aren't saved. They are not thinking about spiritual things. We have to bring if to the forefront of their minds. Gospel tracts are one of the best ways to do this. I am so thankful for the opportunities that I have had to witness. There are many more to come! 

What is The Everyday Club?

What is The Everyday Club?

This is an evangelistic Club where you make a goal to share your faith everyday through tracts, personal witnessing or open air preaching. You make your own personal goal and report on it at the monthly Everyday Club post that is written on the first of each month. The minimum goal would be to hand out one tract a day, but you can make whatever goal you want. You can read the rest of the background and details of the Everyday Club atwww.bezeugen.org/everyday/.

Join the Bezeugen Tract Club

 

Do you need tracts to be able to share the Gospel Everyday? The Bezeugen Tract Club offers 30 FREE Gospel tracts per month. You can enroll online.

God Bless,

Carl Kalbfleisch and Scott Thompson

Outreach At the Ark-La-Miss Fair - 2013

It was fair time again in Monroe, La. We do an outreach every year there on the last Friday night of this ten day event. We have open air preached near the front of it several times, but it was great for tracts and one on ones for the last 2 years. We had a total of 9 of us out there. It may have been the most ever to witness with us. Bro. Charles, Bro Gary, Bro. Rob, Bro. Buddy, Bro. Jonathan, Bro. J.J., Bro. Michael, my 13 year old son- Braylyn, and myself came together to pass out around 650-700 Gospel tracts. It seemed like the crowd was larger than last year. We split up to catch people as they were entering and leaving the fair grounds. I also brought the Are You Ready cross, which we held for a whole. I leaned it against a pole for most of the night so that I could help with the tracts. Some people said "I am ready!" as they walked by. It was Bro. Michael's and Braylyn's first time to come out with us. Braylyn was nervous, but got the fire stirred up once he started! He ended up giving out 45 tracts! This was Bro. Rob's 2nd time to be out with us, but the 1st for a large event like this. He was really stirred up when he went to the Trial Bar with us last month Read "The Night Of The Atheists" post about that night. 

Speaking about that night, we saw Tim and Hunt with their friends. They are the two atheist that we met at the Trial Bar. They recognized Bro. Rob and saw the other men standing near the cross. I was talking to a couple that were engaged. When they walked up to the others, they asked "Are you evangelical Christians?". I told Hunt that I listened to the No God Podcast when they interviewed Ray Comfort. They were on their way out. It was good that they saw us again, busy about the Master's business! 

Bro. Gary and Bro. Charles gave out all the tracts they had. Bro. Charles had brought million dollar bills with him. They had several conversations. I think Bro. Gary talked with a Jehovah Witness. I gave out 6 Spanish coins to two Spanish families that were leaving. Bro. J.J had several conversations, also. He had several one on ones. I saw a few customers that have got glasses from where I work. I also saw a few people that I knew. I gave my card to my friend, Danny. Bro. Michael had already given him a Football Trivia tract. We gave out about 180 of those. A lot of people were coming from the area football games. One man that Bro. Michael remembered giving a tract to was arrested at the gate for threatening the police. I talked with a young man named Ramon. He said that he was saved, but he seemed so cold and indifferent. He took 2 tracts, though. 

This was a great night of evangelism. We pray that someone will be saved through these efforts. On October the 19th, I will be going to the Texas state fair in Dallas to help out with the evangelism booth with Carl from Bezeugen ministries. OnDecember the  14th, there be a flotilla on the Ouachita River with the Duck Dynasty cast in Monroe. This ought to draw in a lot of people. Please pray for God to use us mightily for his glory. God bless! 

Soul-Winners' Devotion - Lift Up Your Eyes

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. (John 4:35 KJV)

The fields are white already to harvest. The harvest is before us everywhere. In a message that Keith Daniel preached, he said that "lift up your eyes" means "open your eyes". Jesus was letting the disciples know that the harvest was ripe for the reaping. Souls were needing to be reached as soon as possible, not later. Christians put off witnessing because they believe that they are waiting for the right time or that they must be gifted to evangelize. They leave the task for others to go into the fields while they stay in their comfort zones. We must pray that The Lord would help them to open their eyes to the vast harvest field that is before us. When I give a tract to people who say that they are saved, I do my best to encourage them to witness to the lost. I may give them a few tracts to hand out for themselves. I pray that if they aren't witnessing like they should, that they will catch the fire of the burden for the lost. A lot of people are "hoping" to go to Heaven, but there is a huge difference in hoping and knowing. As witnesses commissioned by God, we can lead them from hoping to knowing that they are saved if they repent of their sins and put their faith & trust in Jesus. Let's lift up our eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest!

The Everyday Club

The Everyday Club has moved to the "As You Go" blog due to some changes in the life of Steve Sanchez. His blog is currently called "Stone The Preacher". He is changing the name to "Not By Sight" because of his walk of faith as a Pastor. (See the blog @ stonethepreacher.com)
I found out about the Bezeugen Tract Club through his blog around June of 2011. Through the club, I have been encouraged to witness to more people through tract evangelism. I have had more one on one conversations and left tracts in more places. I would email pictures of places where I left tracts to Carl Kalbfleisch from Bezeugen ministries. One day in January of 2012, Carl invited me to post on the "As You Go" blog. This blog encourages Christians to witness "As You Go". I accepted his invitation and posted for the first time on Feb. 6th, 2012. I post about witnessing experiences with the tracts from the club and pictures of places where I have left a tract. I am grateful to Carl for allowing me to post on the blog. It has encouraged me knowing that others can be encouraged through these posts. Now, as Steve Sanchez makes his transition to Austin, Texas from California, the Everyday Club has come to the "As You Go" blog. I will be doing a post at the first of every month, asking the members to post about their monthly experiences in witnessing. Read about this club that ask those who join to make a commitment to share there faith on a daily basis on the "As You Go" blog. You can find it under "Soul-Winning Friends" on the front of this page or go to www.bezeugen.org/asyougo/

Join the Everyday Club today and be encouraged to witness "as you go" everyday!

How I Witness At Walmart

Here is a list of ways that I witness when I go to Walmart. This may be helpful for someone who is trying to get started in witnessing on a daily basis or a person that needs a boost in giving out tracts.

1. I keep tracts in one hand for easy access to hand out.

2. Even if picking up 1 or 2 items when I'm by myself, I grab a buggy to keep my hands free to give someone a tract.

3. I usually try to witness one on one. I don't approach a man and a woman when they are together unless I see a good opportunity. Groups of people are a little tough, but there are some exceptions. One time in the parking lot, I gave the texting tract to a group of 4 young people.
Three of them were texting! I usually give tracts to Spanish men when they are together. Speaking a little Spanish helps!

4. I try not to hand tracts to security. Fortunately, I know who are in security at one store. I know one that is the other local store.

5. I always ask "Did you get one of these?". Over the last several years I've heard Ray Comfort, Carl Kalbfleisch, Steve Sanchez, and others use this question. It works! If you ask "Would you like one of these?", most likely they will say no. We need to stir up their curiosity. It lets them know that it is important. The Gospel is very important! Their soul is important to God!

6. I am not persistent if the person I try to give a tract to acts like they are offended or don't have the time. I remember one time when a man wouldn't take a tract. I asked his name, shook his hand, and left. They need to see that we have a good spirit. If we are pushy, we may push them away from The Lord. One time, when we were outside of one of our street preaching fishing holes, we were talking with two band members that were playing that night. Another street preacher had showed up that isn't affiliated with us. He was very argumentive with the two men. It did not go the way that we wanted it to. We had to tell the bar manager that he showed up unexpected. The bar manager knew the man from a former bar that he worked at.

7. The checkout area is a good place to give a tract out. I try to give one to the person in front of me and the one behind me. When someone comes up behind me with just a few items, I let them go in front of me. When they are about to leave the checkout area, I will offer the tract. I've got a 100% success with this one! The cashier also gets a tract when I make my purchase. A cashier at the West Monroe
Walmart would always ask if I had any tracts when I went through her line. She knew that I always keep them with me.

8. I look for people to witness to at the check cashing and money exchange area. Most of the time there are Spanish men in line who I will give tracts to. I will usually ask if the man is a Christian. I will say that I have been a Christian for 20 years. Then, I will ask that he would read the tract later.

You can't stop once you get started. It's natural for a Christian to witness everywhere because the lost are everywhere! We have to be diligent in sharing our faith! I pray that you are encouraged after reading this. If you have ways that you like to witness, please leave a comment. I'll be glad to here from you!
Keep on going for Jesus! The race is almost over!

Friday Night Evangelism - The Night Of The Atheists!

Three of us went out Friday night. I text my friend, Rob, when I stopped to get coffee. I had asked him to pray for us and text him back to see if he wanted to go out with us one night. He called me after that.It worked out for him to come on his first trip to witness at the clubs. He has been involved in street ministry with the homeless. Bro. Gary, Bro. Rob, and I arrived at the Trial Bar around 10:00 to discover that the Hooking Bull Bar had closed down. There is only the Trial Bar on that particular corner now. Most of our witnessing has been done with the patrons there, anyway. We brought the cross with us, which attracted many over to talk with us. I had added Jesus' name on if before we came out. We couldn't preach because of the conversations that we had. Sky, who said thus she worked at the bar, informed Bro. Gary that they were having a fundraiser for a man that had lost his job, We met Tim and Hunt, who are brothers and professing atheists. They came and talked with us about three different times. They are the first atheists that we gave got to have discussions with on street ministry. Hunt said that he has seen Ray Comfort's new video, Evolution vs. God. Tim and I talked about abortion, creation, and evolution. Overall, we didn't argue except for their friend, Jullianna, who was drunk. We talked to Nathan, who was raised Catholic. Julius, who was just passing by with his little girl, stopped to see what we were doing. He had a history of being on the streets, but The Lord had him on the right track now. Pray that can find a good church to get planted in.
We also talked to Josh, Nathan, and Justin. We may meet up with Tim and Hunt again. Hunt mentioned doing a podcast. Pray that God can use us to reach them for His glory!