Eight Ain’t Enough!

I loved growing up in a large family! There were eight children under one roof and only one bathroom. In spite of the challenges and the discomforts of sharing bedrooms and even beds, I would never trade it for anything. Not everyone would say that about a large family but for me the benefits of always having something to do and someone to do something with outweighed any of the hangups and difficulties. We weren’t the perfect family but we learned how to get along with each other.

Strict rules and routines with structure made it workable. My favorite day was Saturday because it was laundry day. This usually meant throwing all of our clothes to the bottom of the stairs and for entertainment we would take a running leap into the pile as my mother attempted to sort through various colors. Breakfast was usually on the go as we hurried to catch the bus for school. Sunday meals usually offered plenty to go around but during the week, if you missed the call for supper you may not have anything to eat but a dry bowl of cereal; that is without milk.

We always kept the line of credit at the local country store next door and there were those evening emergency errands in the dark because someone ran out of toilet paper. We were often fighting for leftovers from my dad‘s lunch but we called this family.

All of us were expected to get jobs at an early age to help pay the family bills. My first job was when I was  ljust 9 years old. It was a job helping a neighbor lady every day after school and on weekends trim bushes and mow grass or working at her marina cleaning boats and repairing the docks. We shared responsibility from year-to-year passing down our newspaper route from sibling to sibling. Each of us had a responsibility for custodial work at our church. It’s hard to believe but we did this for over 25-years. Each one of us took turns with the responsibilities from the time we were children until we were adults.

There were times when groceries were delivered to our home from the Salvation Army. When we went shopping our shopping cart was filled with generic foods. I remember seeing mostly black and white cans while all of my friends had colorful carts of food. In that day generic foods were packaged in black-and-white labels. No one will ever forget the annual occasions of living in a floodplain area near the shores of Lake Erie. We got hand-me-downs and second hand clothes. My parents were stressed but we called this home.

We had lots of fun as children making our own entertainment. I can recall times fishing off my back porch as bluegill swim by when creeks would run over and the lake would flood into our backyard. On occasions we would take all of the items we could to the second floor of our home because water was going to come into the house. We loved hiking through the swampy back yard and wet & woodsy playground. We called this an adventure. 

When I started a family of my own, we would eventually have foster teens live with us. At one time we had eight of us living in the same home. I considered it just like my childhood home. My wife called this ministry. The neighbors called us crazy seeing not only our natural children but foster teens as well. Like my childhood, they were plenty of adventures and things to do. 

The home was busy but orderly. Even at times when we would have 15 or more gather around our dining room table as foster kids and their friends along with our own children would sit down for supper. My wife had a standing invitation that welcomed anyone in our home but for meals you had to arrive by 5:30 pm if you wanted to eat supper with us. For a while our table was too small to accommodate everyone. Eventually a member of our congregation brought over pictures of a used but new to us dining room set that was being given away. That was an answer to prayer and an upgrade. That meant that everyone could be at the table at the same time.

Even with having eight in our household at one time there seemed to be room for more. Our home was full but yet we thought, eight ain’t enough. Cindi used her gifts of hospitality and helps to nurture and love those in our family. Even though she didn’t grow up in a large family she seem to adapt comfortably to meet the ever-growing needs of others. There were times where it seemed like chaos, when things were unmanageable but there were timeless when it seemed like the calm before the storm. We grew to depend on the Lord for everything. In a sense, paraphrasing a quote by Chuck Norris, we lived life never knowing what the day would bring but we knew the One who brought the day.

I look back with fondness as I think about those years early in marriage with an appetite for ministry that was bigger than our resources. I believe that everyone in our family was impacted in a positive way through the experiences of ministry life. We each learned to do a lot with very little. In ministry we discovered that the benefits outweigh the sacrifices. Of course we had to share a little more and cooperate to make everything work out in a busy household. Whether it was coordinating transportation for the kids or managing limited resources and even having to manage conflict and crises, we realized the opportunities before us. We called this ministry.

No matter what the opportunities are before you, God will lead and provide for you at the right time and always on-time to meet your every need. You might call it family. Some may call you crazy. You might see it as an adventure. You may even define it as ministry. When you follow God‘s Will you live a life filled with blessings and hopes. It may not always be easy but with God’s help you can make an eternal difference.

Do It Anyways!

Don’t tell me that you’ve been told the same thing as I have. It’s pretty annoying in fact. I’m certain that you could get as discouraged as I have when I’ve been told not just once but several times, "You can’t do that!"

Even those who are well intended can bring discouragement to another individual when they say that. I’m certain that they are often thinking about circumstance in their life that didn’t work out or even concerned that I could fail at whatever I am making an effort to accomplish.

Someone once said, "Don’t let someone who gave up on their dreams talk you out of yours."

These comments can come from people whom you trust or those that are your mentors. They are likely trying to keep you from getting hurt but what they don’t realize is that perhaps God has planted a dream on your heart.

If Thomas Edison would’ve quit after his first field effort we likely would not have the inventions and the convenience of the incandescent light. In fact, he faced 100’s of failures what could have discouraged him and was even overheard saying, "That’s 500 ways that I know won’t work."

Sometimes what keeps us from trying is the fear of failure. It may be just a few words but someone else’s discouragement can keep us from realizing our dream or for filling our purpose. 

Proverbs 13:12 reminds us that, "Hope deferred his heart ache, but a dream for filled is the tree of life."  All throughout Scripture in fact we find that hope is often set aside. Abraham face this challenge when he chose his own plan instead of waiting for God to give him a child. Moses spent 40 years in the desert before responding to God’s Call. The Israelites were sentenced to 40 years in the desert because the spies, who surveyed the promised land came back with a negative report. Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers because of their jealousy of him.

Over and over we can find examples of God’s people becoming discouraged and having their hopes dashed my circumstances. Of course we’ve all heard similar words of discouragement that have kept us from our dreams. 

I’ve heard it said that hope is stronger than fear. The proverb also reminds us that a dream for filled is the tree of life. It is a reminder that as our dreams are accomplished and we are able to see results, it gives us greater opportunity and potential to dream bigger dreams. In fact, we are encouraged to have a "BHAG", a big hairy audacious goal.

Experts tell us that if we fail to dream big then we fail to dream at all. Scripture reminds us that we should pursue something bigger than ourselves because it is a reminder that only God can accomplish our BHAG. 

Ephesians 3:20 tells us that God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ever ask, think, or imagine.

Often we limit ourselves because of a barrier or lack of resources. We may say to ourselves that it cannot be done. We may even talk ourselves out of it. We might worry that it’s too much sacrifice or we may fail so we simply follow the status quo.

The Bible is the most optimistic book ever written. It tells us that we can accomplish great things for gods glory. It reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. It tells us that with man it is impossible but with God all things are possible.

Most of us are not motivated because of the fear of failure. But I say that we should strive anyways. I want to encourage you that no matter the barrier or lack of resources or circumstances that seem insurmountable that you should do it anyways. Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.

Passion in itself may not be enough but coupled with your abilities and God’s empowerment you could accomplish much for His glory and His heavenly gain. Proverbs 16:3 reads, "Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed."

Evangelism: Taking the Path of Least Resistance

"Peace is the only battle worth waging." Albert Camus

For many people the idea of sharing their faith is terrifying. This conjures up images of conflict and emotional stress that can immobilize people at the very thought of evangelism. I have spoken with Christian who are so easily overwhelmed by the idea that they will avoid it at all cost. They may be like what Albert Camus who wrote about; keeping the peace above all things. However, sharing your faith is very rewarding and can be inspiring to your own spiritual growth. 

What if I told you that there are two strategies of evangelism that you can use that can reduce the stress? What if I told you that there is a path of least resistance? Would you give it a try if it came with guarantees? Or if you can fairly sure that there would not be conflict at the very suggestion of the gospel. 

Too often we work so hard at being a peacemaker that we miss the opportunities that God has for us. My hope is that this will challenge you to take a risk to realize the eternal reward that is available in Jesus’ name. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and we are also called to reach others for Jesus, as His witness. That requires a risk but I do believe that we can have a peaceful engagement in our world through the following strategies that I will explain. You might say that we are taking the path of least resistance but hopeful that we can make an eternal difference if we dare to confess Jesus.

I remember like it was yesterday my very first opportunity to share my faith. I was in high school and the pressure & fear I felt was like spreading frozen butter over dry toast. Like nails to a chalkboard, the fear of failure was very much on my mind. 

It was over lunch and the subject of my youth group came up. A comment was made, "Oh you don’t go to one of those, do you?" I quickly gathered my thoughts. I didn’t want to be like Peter who denied Jesus. I wanted to be bold and assertive but instead I simply said, "We do fun things there too, you know!" I felt as if I was defensive and hostile but I didn’t know what exactly I should do. It was fortunate for me that one of my other friends, who also attended a youth group, spoke up in my defense. Her answer was an example for me. She simply said, "Do you want to go with me the next time we meet and see for yourself?" 

All I remember from that point on was that I needed to be more positive and easy-going when it came to sharing my faith. The opportunity to talk about Jesus was really not as difficult as I made it out to be. I have come to realize that it is only my responsibility to share what I can about Jesus. When Jesus sent out the 72 recorded in Luke chapter 10 he told them to take little provisions and depend upon that which is given to them. He shared with His disciples that whatever home welcomes them that they have the obligation to fellowship and to share about Jesus. The responsibility in the decision to follow Jesus is up to those that we minister to. In fact, he told his disciples that whoever does not receive them that they are to just simply wipe the dust off their feet and move on. It tells me that if I simply remain faithful that God will do the work in the hearts of people.

Since realizing this truth, I have found that there are many opportunities that are before us. I have since been involved in many of different strategies to evangelize. I have attended seminars and even took classes in preparation for the ministry that prepared me to deal with nearly every circumstance that could arise when it came to evangelism. I have knocked on hundreds of doors and have spoken to even hundreds more through casual acquaintances and brief encounters that the Lord has led me to. Through each of these experiences, I have learned to depend on the Lord.

Evangelism can take on many different functions from friendship evangelism, proclamation evangelism, acts of service evangelism, and even what I call, "crisis evangelism." The term "crisis evangelism" is a much more popular phrase today but it was years ago when I would apply those tactics. In the early 90’s I designed my entire ministry philosophy around five different opportunities for ministry and evangelism. The ideas were simplistic but seemingly effective. I thought of the different times in peoples lives when there were potential threats and difficulties that people faced. Those included; marriage, the birth of a child, family crises, illness, and the death of a loved one. Later in life, as my children became teenagers I would’ve added raising teenagers as a sixth crisis evangelism opportunity.

A friend and I were talking one day about evangelism and he attributed a phrase to Dr. Billy Graham; "Evangelism without discipleship is irresponsible." I haven’t yet found the evidence or who actually offered that phrase but I tend to agree with it. Everyone that we witness to and even lead to Christ needs to be led and discipled. It is fruit that needs encouraged because of the complexities of life and the need for understanding of God’s Word.

However, if the first step is not completed then there’s no need for the second step. We must evangelize in order to have disciples. Too often I find people willing to disciple others who havevnever shared their faith. That doesn’t seem to be the order of God’s plan as we read Matthew 28. He did tell us that we all are to go, proclaim, then baptize abd disciple. I have to believe that is God’s plan for us. We are to lead people to Jesus and then disciple them. He is telling us in the great commission that we all have the responsibility to lead others to Jesus and disciple them. This is not just reserved for those who have the gift of evangelism or the gift of teaching but it is for every one whom God equips and who are filled with His Spirit.

Let me share with you that there are two paths of least resistance when it comes to sharing your faith in Jesus. If you are a follower of Jesus you have the responsibility of sharing your faith. This is part of your act of confession that Jesus is Lord. In fact, every time that you confess with your mouth you reaffirm your faith and tell others of the transformation that God has done in you.

1. Testimony.

When you examine your testimony you come to realize that the story is more about what God has done in you than it is about you. A testimony of Jesus Christ is a witness because of the way He has worked in our life both in the past as well as in the present.

I talk to many people about evangelism in a growing trend is what is called "friendship evangelism". This trend is popular because it requires little commitment on our part and it is met with little resistance on the part of those who we talk to.Yet, I find it ineffective. 

I’ve heard people tell stories of how they have become friends with someone of a different faith or no faith at all. They spend time sipping coffee and discussing the current affairs of the day. When I asked them about how it’s going with sharing their faith, they simply respond but they don’t want to put any pressure on their friend. They confess that they’ve kept the conversation rather casual. While I agree that we should be friendly I’m not sure how effective it is in reality. Often I have asked the question about a person coming to faith or even joining them at church. Over and over again I hear that but have not gotten to that point yet. Months and even years can pass without let me even sharing a simple testimony.

The truth is that our world is very accommodating and if we have a personal testimony of how God has changed our hearts and minds or has provided for our needs, we need to let others know. Our world is generally kind and may even reciprocate the relationship but sharing our faith gives them the motivation of our heart. 

In fact, I have never been insulted or criticized by anyone ay anytime I have shared my testimony. I want to emphasize that a little more deeply. Even if what I share is not put in to the best of terms, as long as I am authentic people will generally respond positively. I don’t have to have a polished speech ready. In fact, I would encourage it to come from your heart and to share about your vulnerable times as well.

There are opportunities that we are confronted with every day in which we can give our "elevator testimony". There are opportunities for us to share a 30-second testimony about what God is doing in our lives. Even a simple phrase spoken with authenticity can open the door to evangelism. "How are you doing?" can be that key. 

Often I believe that we are afraid to risk in fear of rejection or persecution so we stay silent on the sidelines. We never really know but what you say can actually be just what the other person needs to hear. If we say it with kindness and genuineness, most people will reciprocate. 

In fact, because of your kindness you can be a silent witness but God doesn’t always receive glory until you confess that your motive is because of Jesus. People say, "What a nice guy. " However, they may never know that you weren’t always that nice. Not until you confess Jesus with your mouth will people be impacted by the ministry of evangelism.

Take a few minutes and write down a brief testimony that you could use the next time you are at a restaurant or at the checkout lane. It could sound something like this:

"Thank you for your service today. You exhibit values and traits that I appreciate. There was a time in my life when I was not patient like you. People frustrated me. That is until I came to know Jesus Christ." 

A simple phrase allows you to confess Jesus with your mouth and not cast negative judgment on another person. It opens the door for a brief encounter. You don’t have to quote verse & text to get your message across. There is a great likelihood that you will see them again so you can follow up with that context of relationship with an invitation to church or special event or another simple expression of God‘s love.

2. Prayer.

Another tactic that I believe could be used is prayer. I find it to be a path of least resistance when it comes to sharing my faith in Jesus. I have never had anyone refuse my invitation to pray for them. While I may not be able to pray for them at that moment I can add them to my prayer list. Most people receive that genuine invitation with a heart of gratitude.

I was having lunch with the pastor one day at a local restaurant when I decided to use a genuine concern to meet the needs of our waitress. The waitress had already served us our meal and filled our drinks and was simply stopping by to see if there was anything else she could do for us when I said to her, "You have been so kind and patient with us. You are treating me better than I deserve. Is there anything that I can pray about for you?" At that moment the waitress begin to break down and cry. She leaned over and in a soft tone to say to us that she has several serious concern and expressed appreciation for our interest. I asked her if I could pray for her that moment without hesitation she said, "Indeed!" She wept as I prayed for God’s blessing on her life and following our prayer she seemed as if there was a huge weight that have been lifted. With a smile she simply said, "Oh, here’s your bill."

I thanked her for her service and I left a generous tip. My opportunity to be a witness was coupled with a heart of generosity through my tip. I believe God could use this to further provide opportunities to be a positive witness in the future. This was a simple and yet authentic way to evangelize. I don’t believe that she thought I was weird or a fanatic or crazy.

We all have those opportunities because we do go to the store or to a restaurant. There are always opportunities if we are prayerful and we were looking out for them.

On one of my business trips I stopped at a fast food place during a busy lunch hour. I happen to be a woman who appeared to be homeless asking for handouts. Instead of just giving her a few bucks I asked her if I could buy her a meal? She joined me at the cash register as I said to her, "Pick anything that you want because I’m buying." She made her selection and after paying I stopped and said, "Can I pray for you?" She said but it was okay. Without thinking about the customers behind me I begin to pray for her out loud with my hand on her shoulder. It was a long prayer and it was truly authentic and genuine. As I finished praying I suddenly realize that I was holding up the line. As I turned to apologize I noticed that most people in the line we’re also bowing their heads with several giving me a gentle smile indicating that it was okay as if to say that there’s always time for prayer.

These two tactics can be a positive means, if used appropriately and with a genuine heart of love and care to be a positive witness. You may even have the opportunity to pray as someone receives Jesus in their hearts.

We read the scripture in Luke 10 that Jesus taught his disciples to be a witness. He told them that the fields are ripe unto harvest so pray that the Lord would send out workers to gather the harvest. This metaphor would’ve been easily understood by his disciples as being prepared to go out and be a positive witness to proclaim the ministry of Jesus. If we say that we are his disciple then we have an obligation to be a witness to those around us. Believe me, I meet many people for the very first time and I use these simple tactics and a genuine and loving way to share about Jesus. It’s not because I’m a preacher that it makes it easier. In fact, most people don’t know that about me. I’m just a patron getting a sandwich and then I’ll be on my way. My hope is that I could drop a seed in the life of another so that I’m doing my part to make a difference.

One final note and an assignment. Often I will pray a prayer inviting God to give leadership to my opportunity to witness throughout the day. I simply pray, "Lord, send a divine interruption into my life today. Send someone that will not be on my radar but instead an interruption so that I have no choice but to follow through with sharing my faith because it was you that sent them." Pray this prayer each day and see what God has in store for you.