Spiritual Formation
and Soul Winning
This is yet another class that I enjoyed very much. Also, like many of the other classes, this one got me out of the class room and onto the mission field.
This class had many great things to help the student develop their own spiritual formation and it also equipped the student to win souls to the Kingdom of God.
The following assignment, is an example of both. During week two of our class we were asked to take a look inside and type up our testimony. During week three we were asked to share it with a complete stranger, and try to lead them to the Lord. The following is my account of that interaction.
This class had many great things to help the student develop their own spiritual formation and it also equipped the student to win souls to the Kingdom of God.
The following assignment, is an example of both. During week two of our class we were asked to take a look inside and type up our testimony. During week three we were asked to share it with a complete stranger, and try to lead them to the Lord. The following is my account of that interaction.
W3 Share your Testimony
Refer to the testimony that you prepared in Week Two. Share your testimony with a non-Christian. Be sure to show the contrast--before and after you met Christ, and also avoid language the non-believer cannot understand.
Report on the experience. How did it go?
I would like to start out by stating that I was extremely pleased in how this assignment played out. A woman named Pam is the person who cuts my hair. Pam and I have been friends for about three years now. She works at the Wal-Mart. Pam and I have talked in great lengths about faith in Jesus Christ. In addition, Pam is a confessing Christian, and she is currently walking in the light that she understands. However, Pam is not the non-Christian that I shared my testimony with, although; she has heard it before.
A few weeks ago Pam sent me a text about a young man in her chair that was looking for a residential rehab facility to check into for drug abuse. I told her the name of a few faith-based organizations and informed her to give this young man my number and to have him call me. Due to my time spent with Pam, I was certain that she would inform him of my past and my current call to ministry (I found out later that she did). She responded to my text and informed me that she would pass it along, and that the young man said he would call me when they were done.
I waited for the remainder of the evening; however, the call never came. When Pam first sent the text she had expressed a desire for me to come down to the Wal-Mart to meet the young man; however, It has been my experience that I cannot jump at every single chance I get to help somebody. I have learned the hard way that you cannot help someone, unless they are ready to help themselves first. So I was not extremely surprised when the young man did not call. I have learned to put my number in people’s hands with a verbal communication to call anytime, day or night; in order to put the ball in their court. This approach tends to help me conserve my efforts and provided help where help is needed and wanted.
After a few weeks had passed my hair was overdue for a cut. I had decided to wait until the next day to get it cut, however; something inside of me felt that I needed to get it cut today. I chalked it off as Pam needed to talk to somebody. In the past, it seems that whenever I cannot put my haircut of any longer and go to the Wal-Mart; that Pam is going through a crisis and I always seem to show up “just at the right time” as Pam always puts it. I would like to believe it is God’s heavenly timing, however; I am starting to think that hair dressers carry around a lot of drama. I am just kidding, but seriously it seems like they do.
So my wife and I went down to the Wal-Mart and I hopped into the chair. It was early on into my cut when Pam said “look here comes the young man that I was telling you about.” I put my cut on hold long enough to stand up and shake hands with the young man, and he informed me his name is Kevin.
I immediately recognized this encounter as God appointed, and I wasted no time in asking Kevin questions about his life and faith. Kevin informed me that he was not a believer and that he “never spent the time to investigate Christianity.” I also learned from Kevin that he had been sober for the last few weeks, but things were getting tough. Kevin is about to be a daddy for the first time. In addition, I learned that Kevin did not own a bible, nor had he been to church. He informed me that he was attending narcotics anonymous meetings instead.
After allowing Kevin to talk for a while and answering a few of my questions, I then proceeded to give him my testimony of Christ’s redemptive work in my life. During which time, Pam continued to cut my hair, while my wife was getting her hair cut by another stylist.
As I told the story of God’s amazing grace and the insane road that I traveled down to reach it; I could tell that Kevin was beginning to relate to me and he was beginning to open up to the message of God’s reconciliation. By the time that Pam had finished my hair, I had provided Kevin with about three-fourths of my testimony. I decided it was time to take a break. I then proceeded to ask Kevin what he was doing at the Wal-Mart today.
Kevin went onto inform me that he was there “hoping to get some money for three quarts of oil and about seven dollars for some gas.” He then informed me that his car had taken a nose dive in the parking lot. I informed my wife that I would be back for her, and asked Kevin to take a walk with me.
It was then that Kevin and I went to the automotive section of the store to get some motor oil. He told me that he really appreciated my act of generosity. It was then that I informed Kevin that my god does not make mistakes and that He orchestrates my coming in and going outs. I informed Kevin that in addition to my God not making mistakes that it was no mistake that I felt urged to come get my hair cut and it was no mistake that he broke down in Wal-Mart on the one day in the month when I am actually there. I also informed Kevin that God had provided our meeting together. I could tell that Kevin realized the significance of this chance encounter.
Kevin and I then proceeded to finish my testimony and it was at this time that we arrived in the book isle. I scanned the shelves for a bible that he could relate to and then I picked it up. The Bible that I picked up was a really nice NLT bible (I prefer the NKJV). It had a price tag on it for twelve dollars and ninety-seven cents. I informed Kevin that I was going to buy him the motor oil and give him some gas money regardless of his answer to my proceeding question. I then asked him if I were to buy him a bible; would he read it. Kevin gave me his word and informed me that he would. I then told Kevin that I believed that God can change a man’s entire world and flip it completely upside down for twelve dollars and ninety-seven cents. I told him that I believed this because that is roughly what the bible cost that I first received. Kevin began to tear up.
I also showed Kevin an analogy. I had already taken the bible off of the stocking shelf. I then asked him “now that the shelf is empty, what will happen tonight when they close the store?” Kevin answered “they will put some more bibles back on the shelf.” I said “exactly, and that is the way that life is. I believe that we are all born with something missing. I believe that God allows this, so that we will call on Him to fill that missing spot in our hearts. I call it being homesick for Heaven. Trust me Kevin; I know what I am talking about. Before coming to know the Lord I had tried everything there is to fill the void of the empty shelf in my heart; drugs, booze, women, pornography, and even video games. However, nothing ever seemed to fill the hole inside of me. On the contrary all those things left me more and more empty than when I started. You have done the same thing in order to fill the void in your heart too, by abusing drugs. In addition, you have also just taken something very important to you off of the shelf; your drug of choice and now you feel like something is missing. You have got to put something back on the shelf in its place, and this something has to be more powerful than the drugs. That something is a relationship with Jesus.” We then proceeded to the checkout lane. He once again began to cry.
Before Kevin left I gave him the gas money as promised, along with a bible inscription/dedication, and two of my business cards. I informed him to call anytime day or night. I told him he can call me when he is struggling, or if he just wants somebody to vent to. I closed by asking him a question. I said “Kevin, you have seen today how a complete stranger can accept you just as you are. You have also seen how a complete stranger can love on you. Let me ask you this Kevin; if a complete stranger can love you, accept you, and express forgiveness for the things that you have done, how much more so do you think God in Heaven; who the bible says has every hair your head counted, and every tear you have ever cried recorded in Heaven and this is the same God who the Bible says knit you together in your mother’s womb; how much do you think that He accepts, loves, and forgives you? One last time before departing home; Kevin began to tear up.
Kevin said “Chuck, I cannot tell you how much this means to me.” I told him “you don’t have to; I remember how much it meant when God sent someone to do it for me.” Kevin told me that he would be in contact, and I believe he will.
I did not lead Kevin into the “sinner’s prayer.” I have learned from our weekly reading assignment (Pippert) that it is best not to give them too much, too fast. I have also learned from Pippert that it is best to allow them to walk in the light that they have been given. I look forward to my next meeting with Kevin.
Refer to the testimony that you prepared in Week Two. Share your testimony with a non-Christian. Be sure to show the contrast--before and after you met Christ, and also avoid language the non-believer cannot understand.
Report on the experience. How did it go?
I would like to start out by stating that I was extremely pleased in how this assignment played out. A woman named Pam is the person who cuts my hair. Pam and I have been friends for about three years now. She works at the Wal-Mart. Pam and I have talked in great lengths about faith in Jesus Christ. In addition, Pam is a confessing Christian, and she is currently walking in the light that she understands. However, Pam is not the non-Christian that I shared my testimony with, although; she has heard it before.
A few weeks ago Pam sent me a text about a young man in her chair that was looking for a residential rehab facility to check into for drug abuse. I told her the name of a few faith-based organizations and informed her to give this young man my number and to have him call me. Due to my time spent with Pam, I was certain that she would inform him of my past and my current call to ministry (I found out later that she did). She responded to my text and informed me that she would pass it along, and that the young man said he would call me when they were done.
I waited for the remainder of the evening; however, the call never came. When Pam first sent the text she had expressed a desire for me to come down to the Wal-Mart to meet the young man; however, It has been my experience that I cannot jump at every single chance I get to help somebody. I have learned the hard way that you cannot help someone, unless they are ready to help themselves first. So I was not extremely surprised when the young man did not call. I have learned to put my number in people’s hands with a verbal communication to call anytime, day or night; in order to put the ball in their court. This approach tends to help me conserve my efforts and provided help where help is needed and wanted.
After a few weeks had passed my hair was overdue for a cut. I had decided to wait until the next day to get it cut, however; something inside of me felt that I needed to get it cut today. I chalked it off as Pam needed to talk to somebody. In the past, it seems that whenever I cannot put my haircut of any longer and go to the Wal-Mart; that Pam is going through a crisis and I always seem to show up “just at the right time” as Pam always puts it. I would like to believe it is God’s heavenly timing, however; I am starting to think that hair dressers carry around a lot of drama. I am just kidding, but seriously it seems like they do.
So my wife and I went down to the Wal-Mart and I hopped into the chair. It was early on into my cut when Pam said “look here comes the young man that I was telling you about.” I put my cut on hold long enough to stand up and shake hands with the young man, and he informed me his name is Kevin.
I immediately recognized this encounter as God appointed, and I wasted no time in asking Kevin questions about his life and faith. Kevin informed me that he was not a believer and that he “never spent the time to investigate Christianity.” I also learned from Kevin that he had been sober for the last few weeks, but things were getting tough. Kevin is about to be a daddy for the first time. In addition, I learned that Kevin did not own a bible, nor had he been to church. He informed me that he was attending narcotics anonymous meetings instead.
After allowing Kevin to talk for a while and answering a few of my questions, I then proceeded to give him my testimony of Christ’s redemptive work in my life. During which time, Pam continued to cut my hair, while my wife was getting her hair cut by another stylist.
As I told the story of God’s amazing grace and the insane road that I traveled down to reach it; I could tell that Kevin was beginning to relate to me and he was beginning to open up to the message of God’s reconciliation. By the time that Pam had finished my hair, I had provided Kevin with about three-fourths of my testimony. I decided it was time to take a break. I then proceeded to ask Kevin what he was doing at the Wal-Mart today.
Kevin went onto inform me that he was there “hoping to get some money for three quarts of oil and about seven dollars for some gas.” He then informed me that his car had taken a nose dive in the parking lot. I informed my wife that I would be back for her, and asked Kevin to take a walk with me.
It was then that Kevin and I went to the automotive section of the store to get some motor oil. He told me that he really appreciated my act of generosity. It was then that I informed Kevin that my god does not make mistakes and that He orchestrates my coming in and going outs. I informed Kevin that in addition to my God not making mistakes that it was no mistake that I felt urged to come get my hair cut and it was no mistake that he broke down in Wal-Mart on the one day in the month when I am actually there. I also informed Kevin that God had provided our meeting together. I could tell that Kevin realized the significance of this chance encounter.
Kevin and I then proceeded to finish my testimony and it was at this time that we arrived in the book isle. I scanned the shelves for a bible that he could relate to and then I picked it up. The Bible that I picked up was a really nice NLT bible (I prefer the NKJV). It had a price tag on it for twelve dollars and ninety-seven cents. I informed Kevin that I was going to buy him the motor oil and give him some gas money regardless of his answer to my proceeding question. I then asked him if I were to buy him a bible; would he read it. Kevin gave me his word and informed me that he would. I then told Kevin that I believed that God can change a man’s entire world and flip it completely upside down for twelve dollars and ninety-seven cents. I told him that I believed this because that is roughly what the bible cost that I first received. Kevin began to tear up.
I also showed Kevin an analogy. I had already taken the bible off of the stocking shelf. I then asked him “now that the shelf is empty, what will happen tonight when they close the store?” Kevin answered “they will put some more bibles back on the shelf.” I said “exactly, and that is the way that life is. I believe that we are all born with something missing. I believe that God allows this, so that we will call on Him to fill that missing spot in our hearts. I call it being homesick for Heaven. Trust me Kevin; I know what I am talking about. Before coming to know the Lord I had tried everything there is to fill the void of the empty shelf in my heart; drugs, booze, women, pornography, and even video games. However, nothing ever seemed to fill the hole inside of me. On the contrary all those things left me more and more empty than when I started. You have done the same thing in order to fill the void in your heart too, by abusing drugs. In addition, you have also just taken something very important to you off of the shelf; your drug of choice and now you feel like something is missing. You have got to put something back on the shelf in its place, and this something has to be more powerful than the drugs. That something is a relationship with Jesus.” We then proceeded to the checkout lane. He once again began to cry.
Before Kevin left I gave him the gas money as promised, along with a bible inscription/dedication, and two of my business cards. I informed him to call anytime day or night. I told him he can call me when he is struggling, or if he just wants somebody to vent to. I closed by asking him a question. I said “Kevin, you have seen today how a complete stranger can accept you just as you are. You have also seen how a complete stranger can love on you. Let me ask you this Kevin; if a complete stranger can love you, accept you, and express forgiveness for the things that you have done, how much more so do you think God in Heaven; who the bible says has every hair your head counted, and every tear you have ever cried recorded in Heaven and this is the same God who the Bible says knit you together in your mother’s womb; how much do you think that He accepts, loves, and forgives you? One last time before departing home; Kevin began to tear up.
Kevin said “Chuck, I cannot tell you how much this means to me.” I told him “you don’t have to; I remember how much it meant when God sent someone to do it for me.” Kevin told me that he would be in contact, and I believe he will.
I did not lead Kevin into the “sinner’s prayer.” I have learned from our weekly reading assignment (Pippert) that it is best not to give them too much, too fast. I have also learned from Pippert that it is best to allow them to walk in the light that they have been given. I look forward to my next meeting with Kevin.
Update on Kevin
I recently got a phone call from one of my fellow Kentucky Jail Ministry members, and he informed me that "a man named Kevin was in there and asking about me." He went onto tell me that "this young man said that I will never know just how much of a positive impact a made on this man's life." Granted from an outside perspective, a young man saying this from inside a jail cell does not seem like all that great news to most. However; I will be the first to testify that a jail cell can be the best place in the world for life transformation to happen. Sometimes the world and the individual are moving to fast to hear the Lord in the outside free world. Therefore, the Lord allows them a little bit of thinking and quiet time inside a cell. It was when I slowed down and listened that I was finally able to hear His voice.