Sharing the Gospel; More than Advice

Around three weeks ago, I went on my first mission trip.

It was one of the most amazing experiences of my entire life. I have felt called to the mission field for several years now, but I have not been able to go on a mission trip until recently.

We (my family and church) drove for six hours, and we focused on the homeless community. We were able to feed them with burgers, and then later in the afternoon we handed out Gospel tracks. The second day we had a church service, and then the women ran a small VBS for the kids.

The part that touched my heart the most was working with the kids. They were so sweet, and some of them came early and helped hand out food and clothes. I was blessed with the opportunity to teach the Bible lesson, and it was a wonderful experience.

If you have heard stories from people who came back from mission trips, you can probably guess what I will say next. Something along the lines of no matter where we are we can share the gospel. And this is true. However, I have always been a bit frustrated with this advice, because it is true, but when sharing this with others we often neglect to say how or where. It always seemed to me that sharing the gospel is much easier said than done.

I learned that we need to share the gospel everywhere, but that to do this we need a few things.
First, it is important to understand how to share the gospel. There are YouTube videos on how to do this (though make sure they are a Biblical source) and there are so, so many methods that you can use. I suggest picking one or two to learn. I like seeing different methods, but it can get confusing if you try to practice all of them. And there are bracelets, hats, and shirts that are tools you can use.

My favorite resource is Life on Mission app, created by North American Mission Board (NAMB). They show how to use two methods (The 3 Circles, which is my favorite, and The Best News method).

Moreover, I have found that it is more difficult to share if you aren’t searching for opportunities.

The leader, who we partnered with on the mission trip, talked about being Mission Minded. Searching for moments to bring Jesus in the conversation.

He also talked about the greater importance of being Mission Hearted. We are all called to be missionaries, no matter what job we have. The entire world is a mission field. We all have been called and commanded to follow the Great Commission. The “outside” world, countries outside of America, are not the only ones who need Jesus.

To be Mission Hearted means to have love for the lost, and sympathy, because they do not know or understand the truth. A desire to share the truth with them.

Finally, prayer. Pray for people. For the lost, the hurting, for opportunities to share the gospel with your friends, neighbors, family. I recommended the VOM or IMB apps, for prayer. They are great. Also, the company Not Consumed has two sets of prayer cards JOY and ACTS are super helpful.

My pastor talked with us before we went on the trip and reminded us that we don’t save the person. We share the gospel, but the Holy Spirit works on their heart. And the main thing is as long as you aren’t rude, or say something false you did well and you obeyed God.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You that I was able to experience this. I ask that You help more people see opportunities to share and serve and have the courage to take them. Let us remember that it is You not us, and please bring more workers to the harvest. Let them be able to go on mission trips, and to bring You glory in their lives. Bless them and keep them and grow us all in this area, no matter where we are in the world.

And save the lost Lord Jesus. They don’t know any better, and they so badly need Your truth, Abba. Please let them receive, give them hearts of flesh and not of stone. In Jesus name I pray amen.