Witnessing in public... - pretty long. :-/

[LaylaMonroe]

Ok, so yesterday, I was on the train heading to the airport.  There was a guy sitting diagonally across from me who kept catching my eye. (Not in a flirtatious kinda way. I was just drawn to him, for some reason).  Anyway, I looked up at him a few times. He was a young guy, maybe 25-26, about 5'7" maybe, light-skinned, and had a very noticeable tattoo on his neck that said "Love" in a fancy script.  He wore glasses and a brilliant smile, and was just looking out the window, or at me, or at the TV screen... just minding his business.

So, about 10 minutes into the ride, I see him pull a Bible out of his bookbag and start reading.  I thought to myself, "I knew there was something about him."  I smiled and went back to returning e-mails. Out of nowhere, I hear this loud, booming "GOOD AFTERNOON, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN." And it was so loud that I literally jumped, dropped my BB and grabbed the pole near my seat out of reflex.  Just the volume of his voice scared the bejeesus out of me.  I looked up, and it was him.

He walked to the center of the car and began sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.  He said, I just want to share this scripture with you, if you don't mind.  Read a very brief passage, and began to talk about how Jesus had changed his life (used to cuss, doesn't cuss anymore, etc.) He also talked about what God planned for the world, and how if we lived by His plan, we wouldn't have the problems we have today.  He said that the Bible teaches against getting drunk, and that if no one ever got drunk, we'd have NO DUIs.  He said that the Bible teaches against sexual immorality, and that if no one fornicated, we'd have no STDs or babies out of wedlock, etc.  Anyway, the whole thing took about 5-7 minutes, and at the end, he said, "if anything I've said sparks in you a desire to know more about Jesus, or if you would like information about a local church to visit, please let me know and I'll be happy to help you."  He thanked everyone for listening, and not yelling at him, etc.  A few people clapped, and he sat down.

When he returned to his seat, I told him that I commended him for his courage, and thanked him for doing his part to spread the gospel.  We had a brief, but pleasant conversation about church, Jesus, and witnessing.

Anyway, would any of you ever do that? What do you think about unsolicited witnessing in places like that?

[nessalynn77]

I think it's cool, especially if you don't get arrested, lol.  I admire that.  I would hope I could do something like that being led by the spirit, of course.  I say that because it's definitely a delicate and potentially dangerous platform, so I'd need God to help me.  If I felt I was just doing it in myself, I'd be very scared, but if I felt his leading, I think I'd be able to do it.

Because the guy sat there for so long, and seemingly waited for the right time, I would guess he was being prayerful, and asking for direction, or maybe he didn't plan it at all and God spoke to him. 

At any rate, I think it's cool.

[LaylaMonroe]

He was definitely being prayerful. He told me that during our conversation. I had mentioned the same thing you said, that I admired him for his courage (and the passion with which he spoke). I told him that I know that can't be easy (especially after what he said at the end of his speech about how he's had people cuss him out, tell him to shut up, start blasting music or even throw things at him), and he said that he gets really nervous, so he has to really pray before he gets up there.  I got the impression that he does this often (and not necessarily at his convenience, either.  I don't think he just "happened" to be on the train.  He waited until we passed the stop where a lot of people usually get on, then a few minutes later, he did his thing, then got off.  But he stayed on the platform, seemingly waiting on the next train - which would be going to the same destination as the one we were on).

LOL @ especially if you don't get arrested.

I don't think I could do that.  I think if the Lord ever told me to, He and I would have to really go back and forth about it... lol.

[LaylaMonroe]

Oh, and I'm LaRue, so I have to give my opinion... lol.

First of all, I LOVED his message. It was so real, practical, relevant and down to earth.  It was a message that anyone, any age, and from any walk of life could take home.  It was simple and to-the-point, but meaningful and powerful.  If no one got drunk, we'd have no DUIs. That's pretty heavy, considering just about everyone knows someone who was affected by a drunk driver. 

While the God in me loves what dude did, there's still the ever-compassionate person in me that isn't so sure.  I mean, I think I'd be a little annoyed if a Muslim did that.  I don't wanna hear no 7 minutes of no Allah foolishness... I'm sorry; I just don't wanna hear that.  I also wouldn't wanna hear JWs talking about paradise and how 144k will make it in and the rest of us will just chill on earth.    I don't wanna hear atheists spewing their rhetoric about how there IS no God and we've all been deceived, etc... (and I hear those folks quite often).

So, I kinda wonder if that was disruptive and invasive to those who may not be interested in hearing the gospel.  I mean, for 7 minutes, this guy took advantage of a very captive audience who had no choice but to listen to what he said. That's kinda unfair. 

[Fenix]

Isaiah did this and was sawn in half. I suppose it is disruptive to other people, but if he was led by God then disruptive takes a back seat.

In any case i know there are churches who make it their policy to preach and witness in very public places.

I truly commend that fellow and wish i could do that kind of thing. I am ashamed to admit that i have been led to witness to peeople on the train, bus e.t.c but was so scared to do it that i just didn't.

 

**Sigh**

Sometimes we get so comfortable that we forget that there are poeple out there on the front lines, witnessing to folk.

[B3Wannabe]

Sweet.

[nessalynn77]

IDK, Rue.  You might be annoyed, but the bottom line is they still do it.  I respect their right to do so, and I wish that we were out there matching their efforts for the Kingdom of God.  We have the true gospel and the only means of eternal life, if that's not motivation, then I don't know what is.  Yet we tend to lag behind everyone else in our enthusiasm and commitment.

[LaylaMonroe]

HUGE cosign to Nessa and Fenix. I have more to say but I'll wait till I get back home so I can type. LOL

[B3Wannabe]

I've done it in a BK while in Korea.

[BigFoot_BigThumb]

I've had it done to me and it was somewhat deceptive.  A couple of drop-dead GORGEOUS young ladies approached me in the park while I was having lunch one day after some eye contact and made small talk and had me thinking I was the man, the next thing you know they're giving me a Watchtower and witnessing to me about how great the Jehovah Witnesses are. 

Another time I was with a group of friends at a Bible conference and we were just some normal teenagers not doing anything out of the ordinary and these two Black women approached us and next thing you know they had us thinking that we were on our way to Hell and had us doing the Sinner's Prayer.

Another time I was at the Sweet Auburn Street Festival in Atlanta wit ha group of friends which happened to be going on during the fabled Black College Reunion b.k.a. Freaknik.  We were checking put some bands, toured the King Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church,  and were just enjoying each other company acting nowhere near like those other fools up the street. 

So these two Black women approach us and ask us, "yall wanna go to a party?"  We said "no, not really."  She said "yall need to come through, it's gonna be the BOMB!!!!!!!"  Then proceeds to basically force "fliers" into our hands which turned out to be religious material and walked off. 

The only time I have a problem with public witnessing is when it is pushed on you based upon an unwarranted assumption as demonstrated with my presentations.  Even when you show a knowledge of God, they just have to "one-up" you as some have done when coming to my front door.    I've even had a woman keep my from getting in my car in my driveway because she was insisting on praying with me even though I told her I was running late for an appointment.  Just because I don't look just like you doesn't mean I don't know the Lord. 

[LaylaMonroe]

Share, B3W.

[docjohn]

Pretty awesome stories,a brother at my church does the street preaching thing in the square and other public venues.Lately,LORD has been rewarding our outreach to the Marietta square with salvations.We also had a fellow who had some kind of deliverance,when we were speaking with him-he bablled and just made NO sense.However,we gave him some food and water,he actually found his way to Bible study and had mellowed out.(he didn't appear to be on a drug high or anything like that) Some,water,some sow,some weedeat-LORD gets the glory and increase.

[B3Wannabe]

I was in a BK with my family. During our whole meal I kept feeling led to talk to a Nigerian that sat near us.

I didn't force feed him. I ask if he went to church. He said yea. I said if he's not busy, maybe he could stop by one of our programs, and gave him my card.

That's usually as far as I go. I talked with a Korean JW for a good while too, train station. I let her talk, and when I could get my phrases in, I did. We exchanged email addresses.

I know that I can't be converted, because I'm pretty headstrong. I will fellowship with anyone. Personally, I try to be a friend before proselytizing (saying anything about church).

[LaylaMonroe]

Isaiah did this and was sawn in half. I suppose it is disruptive to other people, but if he was led by God then disruptive takes a back seat.

In any case i know there are churches who make it their policy to preach and witness in very public places.

I truly commend that fellow and wish i could do that kind of thing. I am ashamed to admit that i have been led to witness to peeople on the train, bus e.t.c but was so scared to do it that i just didn't.

 

**Sigh**

Sometimes we get so comfortable that we forget that there are poeple out there on the front lines, witnessing to folk.

This post resonated in my soul because I have been in the same position. In fact, just the other day, I was sitting at a restaurant and the lady across from me was crying. I've been there, and seeing her cry actually reminded me of the day I sat in a restaurant trying so hard not to cry, but couldn't stop.  Anyway, I tried to ignore her, but there was such a strong pulling to minister to her.  It would've been so easy, too, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.  I often minister to strangers, but there are definitely times that I resist the unction.  I don't think I could ever do it on a train or in a park or something like that.  It just takes a degree of courage that I don't have.

And I SOOO agree with you that if the Lord led him to do that, then disruptive doesn't matter.  I strongly believe that God-assignments trump all else - whether we agree, understand or not.

IDK, Rue.  You might be annoyed, but the bottom line is they still do it.  I respect their right to do so, and I wish that we were out there matching their efforts for the Kingdom of God.  We have the true gospel and the only means of eternal life, if that's not motivation, then I don't know what is.  Yet we tend to lag behind everyone else in our enthusiasm and commitment.

Total cosign about wishing we were out there doing the same thing. Part of me wishes I had the courage to do that, but the other part of me is cool because I know that's not my calling.  I share the gospel with the unsaved in other types of settings (though still not as often as I could/should), so I do contribute to spreading the word to advance the Kingdom.  But like you said, I wish there were more of us that were out there on the "front lines" getting loud and bold and passionate about it.

Btw, I don't think they have the "right" to do that, legally (at least not on the train). LOL

[B3Wannabe]

My wife will hug a person if they're crying, strangers too. She'll talk to them then ask if they need a hug.

[LaylaMonroe]

My wife will hug a person if they're crying, strangers too. She'll talk to them then ask if they need a hug.

That's beautiful, and having met her, it doesn't surprise me one bit.  She is VERY compassionate. I might have to try that, myself.  I usually just ask if they're okay and if they need help.  If they appear to want to talk, I'll minister to them, pray with them, and refer them to a church if they don't have one.  I also give my phone number out (to just about any and everyone who has any kind of need... lol).

[Hasmonean1]

I'd love to say that I would do it but I honestly don't know and won't know unless I'm put in that situation.  However, knowing my track record I'd say probably not.  There have been times when I didn't witness to individuals when led to.  Thank God I didn't have a Jonas experience  .
   I think it is commendable what the guy is doing.  He'll probably get alot of fruit that he will never see.  Some people no doubt are being blessed even though they don't approach him.  Shoot, I'm blessed and encouraged even though I have never seen him.

[LaylaMonroe]

I'd love to say that I would do it but I honestly don't know and won't know unless I'm put in that situation.  However, knowing my track record I'd say probably not.  There have been times when I didn't witness to individuals when led to.  Thank God I didn't have a Jonas experience  .
   I think it is commendable what the guy is doing.  He'll probably get alot of fruit that he will never see.  Some people no doubt are being blessed even though they don't approach him.  Shoot, I'm blessed and encouraged even though I have never seen him.

YES!!! That's something I talk about all the time, even here on LGM! I believe in planting seeds whether YOU get to see the fruit or not... Paul planted, but it was Apollos that watered (and of course, God who gave the increase). A lot of times, it isn't our job to plant, water, and nurture the seed. Sometimes, God just charges us to plant...

I'm actually motivated a little bit... I'm not saying I'll do what dude did, but I definitely feel a boost of courage to do more than I've been doing.

[baggettcindy]

Naaahhh....I wouldn't do that. I admire those who do. 

[BookerTFan]

I ride the train everyday and I thought this post was going to be about panhandlers that I've encountered. This one panhandler in particular, waits until the train leaves the station, stands up and announces, "Excuse me Ladies and Gentlemen... I will only take a moment of your time". He continues by telling where he stays and that he needs money for "basic hygienic needs". Some of my co-workers have seen his presentation as well. Most people who are riding the train, wear headphones and try to ignore any "announcements"...whether it is a message or a solicitation. I am personally opposed to tracts, because most of them find their way onto the ground.