The Word Street Journal

CURIOSITY AND THE CROSS

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 03:56:00 +0000

After many years of use in the ministry of street evangelism, the "Are You Ready" cross that I hold against my right shoulder (it's not heavy) continues to be a most effective tool in stirring up the curiosity of passersby causing most to either 1) come up to me and ask "Am I ready for what?," which leads into an immediate gospel conversation OR, 2) take from my outstretched free hand my corresponding "Are You Ready" gospel tract before moving on.

Either way, people leave me having heard the gospel or they will read of it at their leisure. (Actually, most who stop by to speak with me take a gospel tract as well.)  

The "AYR" cross is an effective street evangelism tool for two reasons. The first reason is because the cross is a globally recognized symbol of the Christian faith. Whether seen by a believer or not, its relation to Jesus Christ, who was put to death on a cross, is a no brainer for most.

Secondly, the 3 painted words on the cross asks a question which causes people to wonder what the connection is between the cross and the question. Hence, without having to approach people, people approach me to talk with me and/or take a gospel tract with them as they continue on their way.

  I find it interesting that some people who see the cross from a distance will make the effort to go out of their way to come over to me to chat and/or take. It proves to me that there are countless souls out and about who are sincerely seeking the truth of God.

 Of course, there are always a number of those who see me with the cross and go out of their way and get in my face to mock, to laugh, to curse, to ridicule, to take a tract only to rip it up and throw it on the ground, etc. That's to be expected. But thankfully, these God-haters are the minority and not the majority.   

Last week, in between my morning and afternoon shifts at work, I went downtown to stand with the cross and hand out gospel tracts. As I was sharing the gospel with a fellow who stopped to speak with me for about 20 minutes, others were walking by us asking me for a gospel tract to take with them.

Such are the moves of the Holy Spirit present in the work of those who take the saving gospel of Jesus Christ to the public square.

  "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth fastened around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace." - Ephesians 6:14-15

HOPE FOR ANTHONY

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 02:43:00 +0000

In my last street evangelism report, I told of an elderly woman I had a conversation with named Cathy who confessed to me that, after 40 years of practicing faith in the Roman Catholic system and then 30 years in the Seventh Day Adventists system, she knew she was still not in a right relationship with God (not saved) and was unsure as to how she could ever be. I counselled her at some length with the simple gospel truth to which she was greatly encouraged to hear and receive.

A few days ago, I was back on the street handing out gospel tracts to passersby on one of the main corridors of the Ottawa downtown area during the lunch hour when there was lots of pedestrian traffic given the warm summer weather.

One fellow walked by and snagged a gospel tract from my hand and began to read it in front of me. He didn't get past the first sentence when he began to to grill me, almost belligerently, on my knowledge of the Bible and the Christian faith.It would not be long before he admitted he was a disgruntled and discouraged religious person having grown up in the Jehovah Witness system only to cross the floor to the Seventh Day Adventist system and, finally, out into nothing.

  It reminded me right away of my encounter with Cathy the week before who had suffered a similar experience of being in one professing Christian faith system and leaving it for another only to be further discouraged and feeling spiritually empty.

This fellow, Anthony is his name, felt shortchanged in the long run by the institutions he used to belong to and practice in. Cathy shared similar sentiment.   

Could it be that they felt short changed because they were under teachings that compromised the genuine gospel as found in the genuine Bible?

Could it be because they were in "churches" where if Jesus were to say anything about them today, he would say:

  "These people honour Me with their lips but their hearts are far from me." - Matthew 15:8

In explaining various Bible verses, purposely focussing on the gospel and using relating analogies to help illustrate them, Anthony seemed to calm down in short order when it came apparent to him that I genuinely cared for him and that I was not just spewing religious gobbledegook at him but that what he was hearing (similar things he had heard many times before) seemed to be making sense to him for the first time.

That certainly would be God the Holy Spirit at work in his heart and mind.

By the end of our half hour together, he was smiling and seemingly understanding of the things I had shared with him. He mentioned I had given him things to think about, not ever having heard them explained so simply.

Having to go, he thanked me for my time, said he enjoyed our conversation, asked me for another gospel tract so he could give it to a friend of his, shook hands and wished me well with which I promised him prayers for his salvation. As he walked away, I got a thumbs up in return.

Fellow Christian, please join me in a prayer or two for this discouraged fellow's heart that God would be gracious to regenerate it, granting him the gifts of true repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for the once-and-for-all forgiveness of his sins that he may be saved and granted eternal reward in glory for all eternity.

  Oh, and maybe one more prayer for Cathy, too.

Okay, that's it! Thanks!

I'M NOT RIGHT WITH GOD

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 00:31:00 +0000

My new summer work schedule has once again given me opportunity to spend a portion of my time off in between my morning and afternoon shifts to hit the streets with the gospel these past 3 weeks, choosing a different location of the city everyday, finding a good spot and handing out gospel tracts as people pass by.

It has proven that on most days, in the couple of hours I have, someone is bound to take a tract, begin reading it and then start to ask questions leading to a fruitful conversation about the gospel.

With time not being on my side, I am not able to go into great detail of my gospel giving encounters. Suffice to say as per example, however, I had key conversations on various street corners with   

1) a university student who recognized me from being his bus driver during the spring season and had been thinking of God as of late,

2) an elderly man who, after seeing the cover of my "Are You Ready?" tract, shared with me how on two occasions in his life he came within an inch of dying,   

3) a young fellow who was ashamed of himself because he claimed to believe in God and knows he's a sinner but cannot shake his crack cocaine habit which he got back onto 6 months ago and   

4) an elderly handicapped woman (the one in the photo who approached me curious of what I was handing out to people) who after I shared the gospel truth with her, she looked away and thought quietly to herself for a while, looked up at me and confessed, "I'm not right with God! Oh, my! After 30 years in the Roman Catholic faith and the last 40 years with the Seventh Day Adventists, I'm still not right with God!"  

She seemed to be greatly encouraged when I told her that it's not too late. I told her that the very fact she now knows - despite her many years of sincere "religious" practice - that she is still a sinner in need of God's mercy and forgiveness, once and for all before she dies, through genuine repentance and faith in Jesus Christ for her eternal salvation.

I backed the encouragement with a few verses of Scripture of which she was glad to hear.  

"It is by grace you are saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is a GIFT of God - not by works so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9

  I was just about to pray with and for her but her driver whom she was waiting for showed up to wisk her away. With that she smiled a big smile, squeezed my right hand with both her hands and thanked me for being there for her. She said I had given her much to think about and pray for.   

We both acknowledged that the Lord had arranged this unexpected encounter for her sake and for the glory of God.  I assured her of my prayers for her and told her I would be looking forward to seeing her in Heaven some day. She went away somewhat elated.  

Aside from my one-to-one encounters I take advantage of at work, I am so grateful that God has once again opened up for me a season of opportunity to be found busy out and about on the streets of the city, like so many of my brothers and sisters in Christ everywhere, sharing the most important news that anyone can ever receive and/or hear in their lifetime: the eternal life saving gospel of Jesus Christ.   

Our time as Christians here on earth will be the only opportunity we will ever have to proclaim this great news to anybody. There will be no need for it in Heaven so let's be out there as the the salt and light we are called to be while God still gives us time.

A SIMPLE EASTER WITNESS

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 03:15:00 +0000

There is not much in the way of traffic in our little town during the week but, due to it's quaint popularity, the number of cars passing through Almonte on weekends seems to increase tenfold.

Hence an opportunity to be a witness for Christ on the most important day of the Christian calendar by standing on a busy intersection of town with our "CHRIST IS RISEN" cross, one of a good number of tools we use on the street to grab the attention of passersby.

This being Easter Sunday, in the hour and half I spent there facing constant traffic, I received many a honking horn, thumbs up, smiles, nods of approval, waves and words of blessing from people stopped beside me at the red light.

It was quite encouraging. For the first time in years, I was not the recipient of cursing, one finger salutes, thumbs down and mockery as I usually do in the downtown core of "the big city" we moved from. Maybe that has something to do with being in a small town. Maybe it has to do with the meaning of the day having more relevance here.

Either way, through this simple act, hundreds of people were reminded this afternoon of the most important event in all of history when Jesus was miraculously raised alive from his grave like He said He would happen and, in doing so, He defeated death and sin, thus, opening up the gates of heaven for all those whose faith is in Him alone for their salvation!

My Lord, my King, my God, my Saviour, Jesus! It is a pleasure, an honour, a privilege and joy to serve Him.

Shouldn't we all? It doesn't take much if you're willing.

MEET BROTHER JUAHN

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 20:26:00 +0000

As promised in my last post, here is my short Q&A with a relatively new worker in the harvest fields of the Philippines.

We all have a story to tell regarding how God the Holy Spirit put it in our hearts to become fools for Christ, His ambassadors, and graciously being granted by Him the opportunities, courage and words to proclaim the Good News of salvation in the public square wherever He has us.

It is my pleasure to introduce to you our brother and fellow gospel herald, Juahn Dablo.
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1) What is your first and family name?

My first name is Wilfredo and my family name is Dablo. The nickname I publicly use is from my days in underground fighting. I am known to my close friends as Jauhn.

2) Where do you live?

I was born in Manila, Philippines. 1971. But currently I live 24 miles away from work in the province.

3) How long have you been a Christian?

I was a Catholic for 20 years. Converted to the Christian faith but lived carnally for 19 years.

I was only regenerated in the middle of 2014, when I was holding bible studies with the people at my work, thinking I was doing a good thing. Living in the province was a blessing to me. It was inefficient in terms of travel (3 hours on a good day, 5 hours with traffic)

It was at this time that the Lord used those long hours of driving from house to work and back, to have me listen to the sermons of Paul Washer, Leonard Ravenhill and Paris Reidhead to awaken me.

I was a carnal man then, and I found it impossible to reconcile my current life to what I was hearing. I slowly but surely realized I had everything wrong, and that the Lord, in his mercy, was reaching out to me with the truth. I have since been continuing in the grace of the Lord since then.

The Lord made me realize that doctrine was of extreme importance and what we learned in our church centred only on success and blessing. God was schooling us in the secret place of prayer. We moved out of our megachurch two years ago and have been holding home church instead.

4) How long have you been doing street evangelism?

I just started end of April this year, 2017. Reluctantly, I must say. But the Lord was so gentle and patient with me.

5) How were you first inspired to do street evangelism?

I don't really recall how. But I do know the need and passion to do so was placed in my heart solely by the Lord. I wouldn't have done it on my own being an introvert but I see that it was what the Lord was looking for in me, that all the glory should go to him. Just to muster up the courage to step up the steps in front of the people with the cross, and open my mouth - I die every time.

The very first street preaching I saw was Ruben Israel's. It shocked me to the possibilities and reality of the need for the Gospel. I continued watching other videos, one was a famous online preacher. I wrote him for advice, he replied kindly but there was somewhat of an impersonal barrier.

When I watch most of the preaching videos online I can't help but feel an invisible of wall of "you sinner, me saint" attitude. Its somewhat more about berating the person instead of preaching Christ. Subconsciously, I was looking for my Christ being preached.

That's why when I saw your 2015 gay pride parade outreach video, the thing that struck me was when you said, "We love you, we care about you, we're concerned for your soul, and we will do all we possibly can to steer you in the right direction." I said to myself, "This is it. That is how I want to lift the Lord up, with brokenness for the lost."

Most of all was the cross. I cannot explain it. But I just had to carry that cross. It excites and terrifies me every time I carry that cross. At my first pride event, the cross spoke for Christ more than I did and that's just how it should be. I barely had to open my mouth. I just prayed as I held on to the cross.

6) Who do you have joining you at times when you go out with the gospel?

I started with my family on our first few weeks. But I was led to brethren who was on fire for the Lord when we attended our first pride event. (This was the same event I asked for advice from you).

Since then, I go out on day offs with my new brothers to minister to the people. I recently ditched driving to work in exchange for commuting, this way I can interact more with people along my route. I always bring tracts and my speakers with me. I am still praying for leading to go full time by next year should the Lord will so.

7) Are there any other Christians doing what you're doing on the streets where you are?

There is a very small number spread all throughout the country, but only a handful in my city. There are cults here (4th Watch) that preach the gospel on the streets and buses but they have big baskets with them and approach people to give out donation envelopes and ask for money.

As a result, preaching here has been frowned upon with disdain and reduced to being associated with money making schemes. We often have to assure people that we were not going to ask for anything when we preach, and discourage everyone to give or donate anything if people approached them with envelopes. I set aside a portion of my daily allowance to buy what I need for the ministry and print our tracts. It's doubly hard, but it is to be expected.

Please pray for me that I may be worthy to stand before the Son of man. I am continually humbled by your ministry and total surrender. May the Lord be pleased to grant me even a drop of your boldness.

Give my love to sister Kim and the brethren in your company. My family and I are forever thankful to the Lord for you and yours.

For the Lamb who alone is worthy,

Juan Dablo
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Friends, you can see the work Juahn does via his blog "fairsunshine.blogspot.com."

And, if you would like, send him a friend request on Facebook where he goes by the name, "Dragoro Dragozinho."
Lastly, please be in prayer for our brother in the Philippines and encourage him as he brings the gospel to the lost in his corner of the world.

Praise the Lord for new fellow labourers in the harvest field!

Welcome, Juahn!

A NEW FIELD WORKER

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 22:18:00 +0000

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.'" - Matthew 9:37-38

As I regularly pray for the Lord to bless the gospel seed sowing work by all present day street evangelists around the globe, I also pray that He make able and willing more gospel labourers for the purpose of increasing the number of Christians spreading the Good News of Jesus everywhere.

Until the very day that our Lord and Saviour returns to earth for the second and final time, the world can never have enough true gospel preachers proclaiming the gospel "in the highways and byways" wherever they may be.

Last summer, I was blessed and humbled to have received an inquiring email from a brother living in the Philippines whom I had never met or known of before but who came across a video of mine on the internet and felt compelled to write me.

His name is Wilfredo Dablo, but he is better known simply by the name, "Jauhn."

It has been a blessing to get to know him over the last few months. I have had the privilege and joy to see his growth in boldness and courage in preaching the gospel in the public square where he is via his blog at "fairsunshine.blogspot.com" .

Jauhn admits he is an introvert by nature but the conviction he had on his heart to obey the Great Commission overpowered his shyness and by the grace and power of God he has been faithfully proclaiming the gospel on the streets of his city ever since last April.

Jauhn had some practical questions for me at the beginning of his newfound ministry so I had some questions for him.

I had intended to paraphrase the content of my short email interview with him in this post but I changed my mind and decided to allow you to simply read his story in his own words which I will present to you in my next blogpost.

I'm certain you will be able to see how the Lord has been graciously instrumental in bringing this dedicated, humble servant of Christ and His gospel to the forefront of the public square in his city despite his natural apprehension.

THE PAPER PREACHER

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 04:06:00 +0000

There is no greater substitute for actually preaching the gospel and having gospel conversations with people than handing out gospel tracts.

For those who feel compelled toward doing 'something' in the realm of street evangelism but are either apprehensive and/or are not sure how to start, (especially those on the shy side) this short video I made proves that one can plant gospel seeds in good numbers without having to say a word to anybody. And that by just standing in one spot on a busy sidewalk holding out the tract as an offering as people pass by.

For many pedestrians, their curiosity is tweaked and they will snag the tract out of the holder's hand and continue their way with it in hand and pocket.

The "Paper Preacher" (the gospel tract) presents the saving gospel of Jesus Christ on the giver's behalf. From that point, on God takes care of the rest. The job is done. You have done "the work of an evangelist" and God is glorified.

It's really that simple.

TIRE TRACTS

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 04:04:00 +0000

Recently, I pulled into a portion of an east end road where we park our buses in between runs to rest, use the facilities, grab a coffee, etc. I came up on my lane and parked behind this fellow who had pulled off the road to change his flat tire. I got out to see if there was anything I could do to help.

Me: Had better mornings?
He: One or two. (Laughter.)
Me: Would you like a hand?
He: Oh, no but thanks anyway.
Me: Would you like a coffee?
He: Oh, no thanks. I got one in the van.
Me: Would you like to use the facilities? I got a key.
He: Nah, I'm fine, thanks.
Me: Would you like a million dollar bill?
He: Ha! Now THAT I could use! (Laughter)

So I gave him one.

I told him the gospel message on the back is worth more than all the money and gold on the whole planet. It will give you something to think about.

He looked at it, still laughing, put it in his pocket and said, "Thanks a lot. I'll read it after I get this thing fixed."

It is my hope that this was the main reason why this fellow got a flat tire that morning. The Lord gave me this opportunity to give him a gospel tract. It might be the most beneficial flat tire this guy ever had.

Gospel tracts. Never leave home without them.

THE SILENT PREACHER

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 04:04:00 +0000

My lunch hour a few days ago was spent on a sidewalk feeding the poor.

This time around, instead of preaching the gospel as I handed out tracts, I said nothing. All I did was offer my hand out with the front of the tract showing the words in bold type asking, "ARE YOU READY?"

It proved that the question itself is enough to grab the attention and the curiosity of passersby causing MANY to snag them out of my hand. From there, the gospel tract does the preaching for me. Silent it may be but powerful in its delivery.

Nothing could be easier to get the gospel into the hands and hearts of needy people wherever they may be. That would be everywhere actually.

So easy, even YOU can do it. Hint?

SMALL TALK AND NOT SO SMALL TALK IN SMALL TOWN SHOP

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 23:51:00 +0000

It was a beautiful day so Kim and I decided to hit the road and drive through a bit of small town Ontario to check out some antique stores we have not yet been to.

We walked into one of four antique shops in small town Arnprior (not far from our own small town) and four local men, one of them being the shop owner, were gathered in a semi-circle at the entrance having a small town chin wag about who knows what.

The door was only half way shut as we made our way in and before anybody knew what was happening, Kim had already joined in on their conversation, much to their amusement but not to my surprise.

This is one of the many things I love about my dear wife: she is a great conversationalist. Kim can pretty much carry a conversation about almost anything with almost anybody, including total strangers, no matter who or what they are nor what they are talking about. It's a joy for me to watch and hear her in engaging conversations with people.

The five of them talked for about 20 minutes about a number of things before two of the visiting men had to leave. It would be another hour and a half of Kim and me enjoying conversations with the other two men before we finally left the store. And, yes, with a purchased item.

And, yes, the topic of faith in God 'somehow' came to the forefront of topic before we left. The shop owner and his friend clearly heard the gospel from us and we discussed it with them for a good amount of time. They each accepted a gospel tract, told us they enjoyed our visit, thanked us and told us to make sure to drop by again. And that we will.

Kim and I had a great afternoon together in Arnprior perusing through 4 antique shops, chatting with and sharing the gospel with the proprietors and in this case, their fellow Arnpriorites.

No matter where we go, it seems the gospel always wants to come with us for the ride. It's always welcome company. The gospel tracts we leave with people carry on the conversation.

REACHING OUT TO THE POOR IN SPIRIT

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 15:14:00 +0000

Off to the University of Ottawa to plant gospel seeds to those in need of the true gospel, whether they know it or not.

I placed myself on a busy part of a sidewalk route that great numbers of students use at the same time to get to their next class destinations. It's shoulder to shoulder like this for about a half hour.

I miked myself up and preached the gospel as everyone was walking by and held out my Are You Ready tracts. It was interesting to see that the various gospel laced words that went out from my speaker caught the attention of certain young peoples' ears, many of whom, like the young lady in the photo, went out of their way through the moving crowds to grab a tract and take it with them.

Gospel tracts are a great means to spread the gospel message to people who are interested in what is being presented but have no time to stop and listen and/or have a conversation.

Praying for the many recipients that heard a snippet of the gospel as they passed by and for those who took a tract, as well.

"...so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." - Isaiah 55:11

GOSPEL PROJECTION VS GOSPEL REJECTION

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 01:08:00 +0000

Recently, I spent my lunch hour on a corner in downtown Ottawa with my "FORGIVEN" cross that Kim made for me. I stood silently as I held out gospel tracts for people to take as they passed by. I didn't say a word.

And, yet, the sight of the cross alone with its one word message of hope was enough to get some peoples' eyes rolling, heads shaking and, in this case, thumbs down with some choice words to boot.

It reminded me of 1 Corinthians 1:18...

"The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

Gospel rejection. It comes with the territory.

SMALL TOWN EVANGELISM

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 00:31:00 +0000

I think it goes without saying that living in a small town is not the same as living in a big city. That being so, I have come to know that spreading the gospel in a small town is not the same as spreading the gospel in a big city.

Thankfully, there are a variety of ways in which the same gospel message can be spread around our little town albeit, obviously, on a lesser scale than that of a busy big city downtown street corner or civic event. The important thing we must continue to heed to, nonetheless, is the Great Commission wherever we are. As you are probably aware, Kim and I now live in small town Almonte, so here we are.

With me being at work in Ottawa during the day, while on her daily walks, Kim has taken it upon herself now and again to tacking up gospel tracts here and there for people to find and take home with them.

In the few weeks, the Lord has granted me opportunities to share the gospel at various business establishments I patronized via handing out gospel tracts and, in some cases, have meaningful gospel conversations with the owners and/or employees of these places.

A while back, I had a penchant for a hotdog from an outdoor hotdog stand at the edge of town. When I went to pay for it, I asked the vendor how much it cost and jokingly he said, "That'll be 4 million dollars." I smiled at him and calmly said, "I think I can handle that."

I reached in my pocket and pulled out 4 one million dollar bills and gave them to him. He yelped and burst out laughing as did the customer beside me who saw this exchange go down.

He asked me what they were and I said they were gospel tracts. I said, "The message on the back is worth more than all the millions in the world." He asked, "So I can have these? I said, "Yes, you can have one but make sure to hand out the others to those who work with you!" There was no opportunity to chat with him as he was quite busy.

The hotdog tasted great!

A couple of weeks ago, I went into a small family owned doughnut shop. There, after getting my Boston Cream doughnut, I thanked the owner and her son and handed them each a million dollar bill tract on top of the $1.50 tab. They were amused and asked what it was all about. They thought it was intriguing that it had the gospel on it and we proceeded to have a discussion about the gospel for a few minutes. Before I left, they expressed their gratefulness for what they received and heard.

The doughnut tasted great!

On another day that week, I drove by a local french fry truck not far from our house and ordered my fries. While waiting for the taters to fry, I introduced myself to the proprietor and we began chatting. We got on the topic of Canadian history. With that, I asked which Prime Minister's portrait is on the front of the Canadian million dollar bill. He said, "There was no such thing!" I quickly proved him wrong.

That opened up a gospel conversation that last about 20 minutes. He asked good questions and admitted he had never really ever heard the gospel put that way. He then told me he appreciated me sharing that with him as it gave him something to think about. I gave him another bill to pin up on the wall inside his truck.

The fries tasted great!

The local gas station we go to is open 24 hours a day. I think there must be about 12 or so different staffers who work there. I have gone there at different times of the day and night whenever our car needed gas. I usually pay at the pump but other times I will choose to pay at the inside counter in hopes of handing a gospel tract to the whoever was working the cash.

I am pleased to say that over time I have been able to hand out a tract to each and every staffer who works there including the managers. Even better, I had good and lengthy gospel conversations with at least 4 of them as on each occassion it was quiet and they were open to discussing the things about faith in God.

The gas tasted awful!

Kim and I have been blessed with great neighbours in our new neighbourhood. Our great neighbours already know that our faith is in a great God. The conversations continue.

Big city vs small town, it matters not. The Great Shepherd's sheep are astray everywhere and need to be brought safely into the fold.

Our mission field does not have to be in some far off place oceans away. Our mission field can be right in our own backyard right where the Lord has us. At least its a good starting place.

And the food can be real good there, too! :)

"Make known among the nation what the LORD has done...let this be known to all the world." - Isaiah 55:3

BACK TO THE STREETS

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 01:52:00 +0000

After a year long hiatus from regular street evangelism due to our prep to move last year, our actual move, our settling in our new home, crazy work schedules, etc., I have finally been able to step back into my gospel shoes and hit the streets with the gospel here in Almonte, in Ottawa and this past Sunday in Picton, Ontario. Not that the Lord has not kept me busy in spreading gospel seed. I lost count of the many times He graciously provided me with opportunities to share the gospel on a one-to-one basis with people and hand out tracts to people wherever He had me.

On Sunday, Kim and I took advantage of a beautiful summer day for a road trip in cottage country Picton, Ontario. Picton is a small town that is rife with antique shops, boutique shops, trinket shops, etc. I handed out gospel tracts to people as we walked along the crowded streets and left others lying in places where people would find them.

The best were the times when God was gracious to provide opportunities for me to verbally share the gospel with 8 different store vendors as we went along from store to store. Good conversations were had and I left them with gospel tracts, as well.

Today, during my break between my morning and afternoon shifts, I went downtown Ottawa to open air the gospel while handing out my "Are You Ready" gospel tracts.

As I left to start heading back to work, I stopped by a Jehovah's Witness stand and opened up a conversation with the two female reps there by saying:

"You know, for me, it's not about 'What does the Bible REALLY say?', as the sign on your mobile bookshelf says, but rather, "What does the REAL Bible say?"

From there, we had a surprisingly good exchange for about 15 minutes. I referred to some of the false teachings of the JW cult and they listened. More than that, I presented the full gospel to them and they seemed to have listened intently without interrupting me once which is not what I'm used to experiencing when talking with JW representatives.

After correcting them on their erroneous interpretation of Romans 6:23, I left them with a promise to pray that God would open their eyes and hearts to the truth of the gospel and leave the JW cult to live for Christ in Spirit and in truth. They actually thanked me for stopping by which again took me a bit by surprise.

It's good to be back on the streets again serving the Lord in the building of His kingdom. Never a dull moment.

The apostle Paul's statement below is what drives me and helps me to get over the ever present initial nervousness of being the Lord's representative when starting out at each gospel outreach:

"I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation for those who believe..." - Romans 1:16

A MINI REUNION (AND WITNESS) AT THE FAIR

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 02:51:00 +0000

Aside from the fact that I love going to small town fairs, last evening I made my way to the annual Almonte Fair which, by the way, has been an annual event here in our little town since 1840. That's 177 years of a great tradition.

I wanted to accomplish two things while I was there: 1) take some photographs and 2) hand out gospel tracts to our locals here at the fair with the hope of having the opportunity to share the gospel one-to-one with whomever the Lord may lead me to. As it turned out, Lord was gracious in helping me accomplish both these things.

Both outside and inside the fairgrounds, I was able to hand out a good number of gospel tracts to people as I made my way through the fair. A while later, I was able to start a conversation with a fellow selling 50/50 raffle tickets at a booth. He had a break from customers and was able to chat with me for about 5 minutes.

It's a amazing how much ground can be covered in 5 minutes in regard to articulating the simple bare bones gospel. That's because the good news IS a simple message. He was appreciative and thanked me for the chat and the gospel tract I gave him.

Not long after that, I saw a man sitting way off by himself behind a country music stage area. I thought I would make my way over to him and start a conversation. As I got closer to him, lo and behold, I realized it was my Grade 10 and 11 marketing/business teacher from high school whom I have not seen since I graduated in 1974! He was one of my favourite teachers.

The unexpected reunion was wonderful. He was just as happy to see me as I was to see him. We talked of the "old days" and played "catch-up" on our lives for about an hour. It was so interesting. I did not, however, forget the motive I approached him for in the first place.

So within the things I shared about myself since 1974, I mentioned to him that I had become a Christian 17 years ago in the hearing of the gospel. He looked at me with a quizzed look on his face and I knew why. The high school he taught me at was a Roman Catholic school and he was and still is devout follower of Rome.

For the next almost half an hour, I shared with him what I came to know as the gospel truth. He chimed in here and there with questions and comments. I shared with him the law and grace aspects of the gospel, focussing on the fact that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone via repentance. I assured him that being religious and doing good works had no bearing on one's salvation.

He was attentive but I could sense somewhat unsure of the some of the things I was saying. All done and said, he heard the plain and true gospel. We enjoyed our discussion and he gladly accepted the gospel tract I gave him to take home with him.

My former teacher was born and raised in Almonte. I never knew that. And though he is retired, he chooses to work part time. His house is a less than 10 minute walk from my house. We have agreed to get together again. I hope it will be in order to continue the conversation. In the meantime, I will be praying for him.

I had a great time at the fair. God is SO very good.

FROM THE "ENCOURAGEMENT AND HOW-TO" FILES...

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 22:00:00 +0000

In the unpopular but ever so important task of spreading the gospel Jesus Christ through the practice of open air preaching in the public square, there are some aspects of it that are important to prayerfully consider and do.

There is not just one 'set-in-stone' way of presenting the gospel BUT it is imperative that when the gospel is being presented in public (or even on a one-to-one basis) it is preached in Spirit and in truth in accordance to the word of God, the Bible. Hence, the FULL counsel of God must always be contained and proclaimed in each presentation.

Like snowflakes, no two gospel harbingers are exactly alike. We all bear and, therefore, display different characteristics about ourselves that are in tune with the way God made us individually. We may have different styles of preaching but the important thing is that the message is clear, concise and completely in line with the gospel we know from God's word.

A sampling of a few simple rules one would be wise to follow when up "on-the-box" (if one is used) may include:

- a friendly greeting
- a short explanation of what you are about to do and maybe why
- announcing the theme of what you are about to share
- read a theme related portion of Scripture
- preach the law and the gospel, the bad news and the good news
- confess that you are not above or better than anyone present
- possibly present listeners with a short version of your testimony
- closing words encouraging listeners to repent and believe
- offer listeners an opportunity to ask questions
- offer listeners an opportunity to pray for them if they ask
- thank listeners for listening

For a sampling of one who usually goes by the list shown here, I present to you (above) one of many encouraging videos produced by a dear friend and brother of ours, street evangelist Bill Rhetts, of Redlands, California.

Among many other places and events, Bill regularly preaches the gospel to groups of people outside the local Social Security Administration building, which is public property. He shows up early enough to hand out gospel tracts. He then preaches the gospel before the doors open and the people file in.

Through Bill's faithful ministry there, many have expressed gratitude for what they have heard. As well and as expected, there are those at times who have openly opposed and insulted him due to their hatred of God and what they are hearing.

Back to the good side, many have approached him afterwards requesting prayer to which he has gladly obliged. And, best of all, by the grace of God a good number have come to faith in Christ as a result of his preaching there...the ones that he knows of at least.

If you are encouraged by Bill Rhett's evangelism ministry, then I encourage you to view his website to see how open air preaching and other forms of street evangelism can be done effectively...

...for the glory of God.

LUNCH TIME WELL SPENT

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 04:30:00 +0000

Recently, I pulled up to the front of a convenience store to use the ATM during by lunch break at work. It was raining so hard, I didn't notice until I got back in my car that a young fellow, about 24, was standing under the shelter of the overhang smoking a cigarette. I started the car, ready to go, but just stared at him.

"The gospel," I murmured to myself. "The guy needs the gospel."

I confess, I actually debated with myself if I should bother even giving him a gospel tract because it might ensue a conversation of which I didn't have much time for, not to mention I would get doubly wet from the downpour.

Alas, I knew couldn't leave without at least giving him a tract. I got out of my car, pulled a tract out from my pocket and walked toward him with my hand extended out. I told him I could give him something to read while he smoked his cigarette.

I said, "What's on here changed my life forever 17 years ago." He accepted it saying, "Thanks!" I turned to run back into the car, got to the door and he called out to me saying, "Hey, this is about God, right?"

With the rain drowning me, I said, "Yes, it is!"

Then he asked, "Do you think God can help me quit smoking?"

"Yes, He can and SO much more?", I replied. "I smoked for 35 years of my life and God helped me to finally quit for good."

"How did that happen?", he queried.

It was at that point I realized that my lunch time was going to be cut real short but I knew it would be worth it. I joined him under the shelter.

The smoking issue was the springboard God gave me to jump into the gospel with him and we had quite the 20 minute conversation. He was very pleasant to deal with, most attentive and asked real good questions. No debates.

I took him through the law (bad news) and followed that with grace (good news). He said he knew his conscience was always after him and believed that he would have to answer for his actions at some point but did not know what to do.

I pointed him in the right direction of which he was grateful for. I then offered him my email address in case he had any questions and he gladly took me up on that. With that I gave him a promise to pray for him as he considered what he had heard and received.

He smiled, shook my hand and said, "Thanks. It was real kind of you to come up to me and tell me about these things."

And to think, I debated whether or not to get off my duff and give him a tract for the sake of a few minutes of lunchtime. Lord forgive me.

MY MOURNING SPRINGBOARD

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Tue, 30 May 2017 04:30:00 +0000

Here in Canada last May 3, it was the "National Day of Mourning" in honour of the memories of workers who have been killed by accident while on duty at their jobs, deaths by unexpected and sudden circumstances.

While commuting to work in my car that morning, I thought that the theme of this memoriam would be a great springboard into sharing the gospel with people. While praying for an opportunity to do so, God reminded me about the four men back at home in Almonte who were installing our new fence in the rear portion of our home.

That's all I needed. I felt compelled to drive home during my break between shifts, have lunch with Kim and before leaving home to go back to work in Ottawa, I would gather the fence makers together, bring up the topic of the National Day of Mourning, share the gospel with them and give them gospel tracts to take home.

So I arrived home noon, had lunch and when it came time to leave, three of the men were in front of our house putting a panel together while the fourth was working in our back yard. I opened up by asking them if they knew what day it was. They were not aware so I told them.

I asked them if they ever had anyone die on the job and they said no but they recounted two occasions involving close calls. I then asked them if they had any guarantee that they were going to make it home alive that night. They agreed that there never is a guarantee and their lives, like anyone else's, could be snuffed out like a candle in a blink of an eye with no warning.

With that, I told them of their need to be made right with God before the inevitable happens, which and whenever way it happens. "Ten out of ten people die," I told them. This got their attention.

Not having the luxury of time on our side, I gave them a shorter than usual version of the gospel, law and grace, but then I offered them each one of my "Are You Ready" gospel tracts to take home with them which they received gratefully.

One of them was especially taken by what I shared and thanked me more than once. I then went to the backyard and had a short chat with the fourth worker and gave him a tract, as well.

Fellow Christian: we do not need a special day to share the gospel with others. Everyday is THE day to spread the good news of salvation (by whatever means) through repentance and faith in Christ.

"I tell you, NOW is the time of God's favour, NOW is the day of salvation." - 2 Cor 6:2

Your mission field is not in some far away country across the ocean. Your mission field is right under your feet. People are dying all around us without the knowledge of Jesus and what He did to save sinners. And that to their eternal peril.

Won't you do what you can right where you are and, with compassion, help make people aware of the love of God for them through Christ?

Like you, their tomorrow is not guaranteed to them. Take hold the urgency and dare to be a fool for Christ. God the Holy Spirit will be with you.

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." ( 2 Corinthians 5:20 )

Because He is.

SO THIS (HOMELESS) GUY GETS ON MY BUS

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Sun, 28 May 2017 19:37:00 +0000

He comes to me and in a quiet tone tells me with no long winded alibis: "I'll give it to ya straight: I simply have no money today."

He had an honest but anxious look in his eyes. I smiled and said, "Have a seat." He was overly gracious with his expression of gratefulness.

He came to me when we reached his destination. He thanked me again followed by, "God bless you!"

I said, "He does everyday. And He blesses you, too, you know, even though you may be lacking in some things others have."

He responded: "Well He blessed me with you, today, did He not?" I told him that was very kind of him to say.

"Hang on a second" I told him as he was saying goodbye. I reached into my back pocket where I keep a few Million Dollar Bill gospel tracts. (I carry 3 different kinds of tracts with me all the time.)

And WHAT does the guy say just before I pull one of the tracts out???

Laughingly, he says, "Oh, what now? Ya gonna give me a million dollar bill?"

I snapped the bill right in front of his eyes and said, "You betcha!"

He let out a yelp! We both laughed. He couldn't believe it! He asked, "What the heck is this?"

I said, "It's a gospel tract. On the back of the bill is the gospel. It starts off with bad news but ends with good news. It's worth more than all the money in the world. Do what it says and you will be richer than the wealthiest man on earth!"

He knew what I was trying to say. He smiled and said, "God bless you and thank you." I said the same to him as he got off the bus.

The traffic light had now turned red. I looked in the curb side rearview mirror and watched as he took a few steps while reading his tract and then he stopped. He stood hunched over his tract for about a minute and then put it in his pocket before moving on.

Made my day. Praying for him.

GOSPEL TRACTS...Never leave home without them.

BACK TO THE BLOG

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Mon, 08 May 2017 00:25:00 +0000

Hi! Remember me?

I'm the guy that does this blog.

I've been away from the blog since June of last year and it's been quite the last 10 months.

Deciding to move to a new home, looking for a new home, trying to sell our old home, finding a new home, overseeing the building of our new home, moving to our new home and, finally, settling in our new home was the most time consuming exercise ever.

And, believe it or not, we're still unpacking.

As well, Kim and I no longer reside in Ottawa. With the Lord's leading, we settled to move to the small cozy town of Almonte just a half hour drive outside of "the big city."

With all that's been going on I/we have not done much in the way of street evangelism, per say, but if all goes well, that is about to change.

The Lord has kindly kept us busy these past months, however, sharing the gospel with people on a one-to-one basis and handing out gospel tracts everywhere we went. I hope to be back on the streets soon when possible during my four hour break in between my morning and afternoon shifts at work.

So, through this blog, I hope to be able to get back to the practice of doing what it was designed to do in the first place and that is to encourage those who share their faith on a regular basis and help motivate those who do not.

Our lifestyle may have changed, but our duty to remain faithful in the work of building the kingdom of God has not.

Now, where did I put my gospel shoes?

ME, A MUSLIM AND THE GOSPEL

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 00:33:00 +0000

I recently took the opportunity to glorify God in the public proclamation of His gospel on a downtown street corner.

Following prayer, I opened up by standing on a busy corner and read from the Book of Isaiah, chapter 53. That just took a few minutes but I did not get to preach the gospel for almost another near 2 hours after that for what I was reading caught the attention this young man.

At the end of the reading, he came up to me and politely asked if he could ask a question. What I feared might be someone's attempt to distract me from my preaching (as is the case at times) it turned out to be a wonderful lengthy dialogue with a friendly, respectful, animated, articulate, intelligent, well learned and devoted Muslim.

Dawnesh is his name and he began his chat with me by telling me he used to be a Christian but converted to Islam from Catholicism in his later years after becoming disgruntled with the RC system.

I told him he had every reason to be disgruntled with the RC faith as they, among many other things, preach a different gospel, one of works and not of grace and is, therefore, apostate. I added that, in converting, he had jumped from the pan and into the fire. With all due respect to, I told him he had never been a Christian from a biblical standpoint and gave him the reasons why.

He was as well versed in the Bible (via his own studies) as he was with the Qur'an. He had an refute for most things I pointed out to him in the Scriptures regarding the gospel, of which we poured over for some time, but much of his argument came from having taken various verses out of context. No surprise there.

What I liked about talking with him was that he was a good listener. He didn't interrupt me when I was speaking or reading from the Bible. He had much to say about the good of Islam and I gave him the same respect in listening attentively to him as he gave me.

We went back and forth on many things but, by God's grace, I was able to keep steering the topic back to the gospel without veering off too far.

I was surprised he knew as much as he did about Christianity as he was surprised by what I knew about Islam, which is always in need of refreshment and further study. I am always in need of brushing up on my knowledge of this false religion.

I am quite confident, based on his queries, that I had presented the gospel to him in a way that he had never heard before as he listened intently. After almost two hours of conversation, however, he encouraged me to take a deeper look into Islam and seek its truth. With that I told him I already know the Truth and His name is Jesus.

Dawnesh willingly accepted my "Are You Ready" gospel tract and that led to 10 more minutes of chinwagging before we departed shaking hands. We exchanged each other's appreciation for the conversation and I told him I would be praying for his very soul that he may take what he had heard and been given by me to heart and that God would grant him the gifts of repentance and faith in Christ for his salvation.

I tell you, if God ever did cause him to be a born again in Christ, I would want this guy to be on my evangelism team!

After he left I finally did get to do a bit of preaching but only for about 10 minutes before I had to leave, as well. I was late getting home but grateful to the Lord for what had transpired that evening. I had a plan just to preach the gospel to many that night but God had another plan in mind.

A prayer that the power of the Holy Spirit would come upon the heart, mind and soul of Dawnesh would be most appreciated, brethren.

Whichever way God has predestined, it's still so reassuring to know that God's word never returns to Him void. Glory to the Lord, as always.

MAYBE NEXT YEAR

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 15:13:00 +0000

For the first time in the past 9 years, Kim and I were not present at the annual gay pride parade here in Ottawa (which took place yesterday) to proclaim and spread the Good News of the gospel of Christ as we have been called to do to participants and spectators, as well to rebuke religious leaders of certain pseudo Christian denominations who support the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer movement by preaching to them that God is OK with their lifestyle and by preaching a twisted version of the gospel, a gospel that keeps them parading on the road to eternal destruction in hell instead of eternal life in heaven.

It is not a day we have ever look forward to at all. It's a hard day on many levels. From a biblical Christian perspective, however, light has no effect unless it shines in the darkness for which it was sent to dispel.

Within the thousands of people who participate and spectate, we are certain there are those in attendance that God has His eyes on for salvation, those He has sovereignly chosen from before the creation of the heavens and the earth (Ephesians 1:4-6). Lost sheep who either do not know they are lost or do know and have no clue how to escape their predicament.

We did not miss the celebratory party atmosphere of blatant sin. We did not miss the nudity and the depictions of sexual acts among same sex couples on the street to the cheers of thousands. We did not miss being sworn at, yelled at, laughed at and God being mocked. We did not miss our hearts grieving over the hundreds of small children, young teens and teenagers we saw being exposed to these kinds of things.

We did miss, however, the post parade opportunities we usually have when small numbers of spectators would approach us to ask us what we are all about and have decent gospel conversations with them. This is how we know there are those among the throngs searching for the truth of God in their lives and we are glad to be there for them.

If the Lord wills, we will be return to attend next year's parade and continue our work in being ambassadors of Christ with His hope giving, eternal life saving gospel; a light in a place of great darkness. It is our love for Jesus our Saviour out of gratitude for what He did for us on the cross and our love for the lost that drives us.

"Jesus also said to them, “Does anyone bring in a lamp so he can place it under a basket or under a bed? Doesn’t he set it on a lamp stand?" - Mark 4:21

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." - 2 Cor 5:20

"THAT SURE LOOKS LIKE A WAKE UP CALL TO ME"

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 15:41:00 +0000

By the Lord's grace I was able to make time, albeit just for an hour, to represent Him as His ambassador early this morning in the downtown core holding my 'Are You Ready' cross and wait for the fish to start nibbling.

The 'Are You Ready' cross, now in it's 8th year since it's inception by Tony Miano in California, never fails in pricking peoples' curiosity which causes some to walk over to the carrier to ask the question, "Am I ready for what?" A gospel conversation ensues. No cold calling, no springboard needed. The cross is still a wonderfully effective street evangelism tool.

There is usually no shortage of mockery from passersby, one finger salutes, snickering and insults but that's all part and parcel for anyone willing to stand as a fool for Christ in public.

The fellow in the photo saw the cross from a distance and walked toward me saying in a loud voice, "That sure looks to me like a wake-up call of some sort!" I responded, "It sure is!"

I asked him if he were to die today where God would have him spend eternity, in heaven or in hell. With confidence he said, "Heaven." I then asked him, "By what merit?" He responded with, "I got baptized in the Anglican church."

And that's where our conversation took a turn for the truth. I let him become aware of the fact that the waters of baptism cannot save anybody's soul but rather, and only, through genuine repentance and faith the blood of Christ to save him, both of which I explained to him their meanings. We had a good conversation following that opening and he went away knowing more than he did before he met me and he gladly accepted my "Are You Ready" gospel tract.

Later, a middle aged lady stopped by to ask the question and I responded, "Are you ready to stand before God after you die to give an account for everything you have ever done, said and thought. She said, "Yes, I'm ready!" Then she told me she prays to Jesus everyday, prays to Mary, prays to saints, never misses Mass, etc.

On top of that, after taking her through the law, she actually told me she has never 'really' sinned. Ugh! I don't think I have to tell you how I corrected her on that point but I did so biblically and lovingly. She was a real sweet lady, sincere in her faith but, sadly, totally deceived. Such is the result of the Roman Catholic system. It preaches a different gospel, one that does not save. As hard as it was to hear, I told her the biblical truth. Before leaving she told me she appreciated our chat and went home with a gospel tract.

Aside from that, many passersby took gospel tracts from my extended hand and I blessed them as they carried on.

It was a beautiful morning to be in God's service. May souls be saved and God glorified.

WIN SOME, LOSE SOME

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 02:35:00 +0000

I recently went out to proclaim the gospel via streetlight preaching and offer out gospel tracts to passersby at a busy downtown street corner. I was miked up with my small speaker so as to be able to gently talk the gospel and make it audible over the din of traffic noise.

As with most outreaches, most people (those gathered at the corner to wait for their light to turn green in order to cross the intersection) just quietly ignored me. Others heard me speak of their need for salvation via Christ and out of interest and/or curiosity went out of their way to come to me and take from my outstretched hand a gospel tract to read.

There was, however, one exception. A fellow (one who self identified himself as an atheist) marched over and went face to face on me. He went on this angry rant saying I had no business doing what I was doing; that I was annoying everybody; that nobody wanted to hear me; that I was causing a public disturbance by 'yelling' at everyone with a mic and speaker; that I was 'forcing' my literature into their hands; that I was an idiot for believing what I believed; that HE was sick and tired of people like me and that I should be forced to shut down.

Yawn. Same old, same old.

The last thing Satan wants us Christians to do is spread the eternal life saving gospel of Jesus Christ in the public square as we have been commissioned to do so by the Lord, Himself. So the devil will send one or more of his minions to do the dirty work on his behalf to try and shut us down, discourage us, embarrass us, interrupt us, make us look like fools. In most cases, like this one, it is he who looks like the fool.

I simply kept my calm. I challenged him but couldn't get a word in edgewise as he continued to rant and rave. He unplugged my mic wire from my speaker as he left. I simply plugged it back in and went back to work. All in all, in was a good evening.

So, ya win some and ya lose some.

By the grace and power of God, we press on.

HARD AT WORK IN THE TAIWANESE HARVEST FIELD

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Latour) — Mon, 09 May 2016 02:44:00 +0000

Behold my faithful, hard working Canadian brother, Blaine, in Taiwan, preaching his heart out with the gospel of Jesus in English...and Chinese!

I don't have to know or understand Chinese to hear in his voice and see in his expressions the passion that he has for Christ and the compassion he has for the people of Taiwan as he proclaims the gospel truth on its streets.

Blaine and his dear wife, Ingrid, are a constant presence in the public squares of Taiwan faithfully spreading gospel seed via open air preaching, handing out gospel tracts and holding gospel conversations with passersby on the street.

Arriving in Taiwan from Canada as English teachers, years before they became genuine Christians, it is as though today their secondary job is their teaching kids in schools but their main job, the work that God had already set for them to do before they knew it, was to be gospel missionaries in a foreign country.

I thank the Lord for such dedicated servants as they are a wonderful source of encouragement for fellow Christians, novice or veterans in street evangelism alike.

I pray for more gospel labourers wherever they are needed (which is everywhere) as we read what Jesus says to us:

"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." - Luke 10:2