People Reach People
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This past week my wife and I visited some of our family in Arkansas. My Brother-in-law, Mason Leaf, works with Campus Outreach at Arkansas State University and was busy with ministry all week, which was refueling for me as I tagged along with him.Â
Monday night we met with about seven college students in a discipleship group, most of them are new believers since coming to college. The flow and conversation of the meeting was simple yet seemed to make you think these guys really knew what great comission living was all about. Each guy shared about his week in matters of the faith; what they were learning, how they are thinking, who they are sharing the love and message of Jesus with, things they want to see changed etc.
The time was God centered and encouraging as we then moved into discussion over their book study on 2 Timothy using the bible as there study and devotional book. They were very concerned with the manner in which they talked to people about Jesus and in grace. These young men are bold and have focus. It is as if they have just seen Jesus ascend and are about His work, convinced and willing. (matthew 28)
It is finals time so they decided to have a 3 on 3 basketball tournament on campus with some of the guys they had been reaching out to with the gospel. There were no posters, mailouts, or marketing. Just a bunch of guys that know people reach people, inviting their old and new friends out for a stress break and some fun.
75 people showed up. After the first round and an hour into the night one of the ASU baseball players shared with everyone about his relationship with Jesus and how Jesus has changed his life. In light of the VT madness two days prior I believe that many were very attentive. We did not have an alter call or time of decision at this point but the guys knew that follow up would be next, in the dorm, at lunch, in the car and where ever else they hang out. After the testimony, Mason had some of the guys that came compete in a quick slam dunk contest, it was crazy! In the end, a team received bragging rights and three all you can eat pizza gift certificates.
What did I learn? We can have our theories all day and talk about church pragmatics but at the end of the day can I say I have loved someone in deeds and with the words of the Gospel. Am I so focused on doing “church” that I forget to live ministry. Is my goal to be program and method focused or to be a laborer? Who am I sharing the gospel with? I am reminded that people need to hear the gospel, they don’t care if they are postmodern or not, if they are black or white or any other shade of God’s glory in creation. I am reminded that loving others with the love of Jesus takes time and is not numbers driven. I am reminded of how one person can multiply their lives out into many by being willing not only to share the gospel but to train others to do the same. I saw with my own eyes again that people reach people.
April 22nd, 2007 at 9:30 pm
Amen, my friend. Amen. However, let me slightly disagree (or change) with one comment you made. I am fortunate to see you “do church” everyday and I can testify that you do not forget to do ministry at the same time. I see one and the same in your walk.
Keep strong, Marc,
Jimmy
April 29th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
[...] As you know, last week my wife and I traveled to Arkansas to visit with family. On the way, my wife brought out a book on CD for us to listen to, Love and Respect by Dr. Emmerson Eggerichs. I was not a very loving husband as I let out a groan, not because I think that I am a great husband, but because I was not ready for confrontation or transformation, I was feeling just fine at the moment being a mediocre man. Shame on me. It took about 4 hours to get through it and by the time it was over I was glad that I had listened. [...]