Archive for May, 2009

The Everyday Club Report: For May

Sunday, May 31st, 2009

We started with over 50 enthusiastic, on-fire evangelists with a goal of handing out at least one tract a day, but I think the economy has gotten the better of them. What do I mean by that? Well, less than 20 are reporting in… and I understand.

It’s hard to stay committed these days to reaching the lost: We have great cable shows on TV, the summer blockbusters are here, the Lakers are in the finals (and the whole world is excited about that!), and there’s life. Life. Marriage, kids, friends, family—all good things, of course, but if they get us distracted from the important things, well, then, our priorities are out of order.

Here’s an opportunity to regroup (and if necessary, revise your personal evangelistic goal), and get on board again. Go ahead and post your totals for May in the comments section and state what your original goal was. You can either report that you made (or fell short of) your goal, or post the total number of tracts you gave out, personal witnessing encounters you had, or open air sessions you participated in. 

Remember, if we don’t make goals, we’ll reach them every time!

The Everyday Club gives you the opportunity to hold yourself accountable to whatever evangelistic goal that you have set for yourself, providing that it’s an everyday goal. Your goal can be to hand out one tract a day, or a thousand; it’s up to you! (You can join the 50+ others who have already signed up by clicking here!)

Sudden Death: In Church!

Sunday, May 31st, 2009

WICHITA, Kan. — George Tiller, a Wichita doctor who was one of the few doctors in the nation to perform late-term abortions, was shot to death on Sunday as he attended church, city officials in Wichita said.

An attorney for Tiller, Dan Monnat, says the doctor was shot Sunday as he served as an usher during morning services at Reformation Lutheran Church. Monnat said Tiller’s wife, Jeanne, was in the choir at the time of the shooting. —5/31/09, From The Huffington Post, and The New York Times

What’s Your E-vangie Tale? #32

Sunday, May 31st, 2009

Jude exhorts, “…snatch others from the fire and save them…” (Jude 23)

What are you doing to snatch others from the fire? Here is the place to write about your evangelistic encounters!

Our new evangelism class, “Sharing Your Faith Without Fear” just started with 32 students. Who will remain at the end of the six weeks?

As an extra added bonus, we have our church’s deaf ministry participating! When I asked them why they were taking the class they said, “Because you asked us to.” Now that’s a good sign!

See the creative way another deaf person was able to share the Gospel by clicking here.

If you’d like a free curriculum of this 6 week course, with over a 100 pages of material including teaching notes and student work, drop me an email or leave me a comment. All you pay is the postage.

The Shepherd of Brokeback Mountain

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

In light of Proposition 8 being upheld in California, the law that states that marriage is between a man and a woman, and due to the fact that I ran out of time when writing about our American Idol evangelism adventure promised this week, I’ve decided to re-re-post this very vital story.

“We’re here! We’re queer! Get used to it!”

That was the ominous chant I heard twenty years ago on a news program from a pro-gay group called “Act-Up!” I didn’t think much about it then—after all, this was some strange, fringe, radical group that would never make an impact with their in-your-face methods. Boy, was I ever wrong! They’re here. I’m a Christian. What am I going to do about it?! Click here to read the rest of the story.

Destination: Venice Beach!

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Last time we visited Venice Beach, we barely escaped with our lives… seriously.

We had set up a little open air microphone along with a heckler’s mic to engage the crowd on the downhill side of a grassy knoll. We were having a great time of it all day; the crowds were friendly, and everyone was enjoying the bright sunlight while they strolled on the boardwalk. Then things turned dark.

A homeless man stepped up to the mic to take “The Good Person” test. If he was good enough to make it to Heaven he would receive $20. Of course, after answering our pointed questions—”Have you ever lied? Have you ever stolen? Have you ever used God’s name in vain?”— he realized that he was not a good person but a lying thief and a blasphemer, headed for Hell. He didn’t get his twenty bucks.

He wanted the money. Show me the money!!!

I told him that he didn’t earn it, that no one is good enough to make it to Heaven, and, “Would you like a nice stuffed animal instead?”

No way. He wanted the money. “I want the twenty dollars!” He shouted more loudly, “I want my money! I want my money! This guy isn’t giving me the money!”

I looked around for help but there was none.

Suddenly, every homeless person in Venice appeared over the top of the grassy knoll like zombies out of “Night of the Living Dead.” “I want my twenty dollars! I want my twenty dollars!” the homeless man continued to yell.

Fearing for our lives, my two daughters and I cracked open the stuffed animal bin and handed out cute furry creatures to the ravenous mob, now ready and willing to devour our brains. Our driver “Righteous Richard” Chavarria, had left to get our ride and was nowhere in sight. The homeless man shouted and sputtered that he still wanted his twenty; the homeless zombies grabbed at stuffed monkeys and fluffy doggies until… the white church van pulled up.

“Richard!” I screamed. Hurry! Get us out of here!” We rushed all our equipment into the vehicle and slammed the doors. Speeding away, we saw the homeless man running alongside the van, still yelling.

It’s been two years since we’ve been to Venice Beach, and we’re going back again this Saturday.

I hope the homeless dude won’t recognize us.

Meet at Hope Chapel at noon to carpool. (Read about another visit to Venice Beach by clicking here.)

Sermon on the Mount Saturday: Mission Accomplished!

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time then you know how I feel about preaching in the open air with a Bible in hand—don’t do it! Why? Think about it this way: Before you were a believer, what did you think when you saw a guy standing on a structure and waving a Bible around? Were your first thoughts, “Gee… I wonder what that guy is saying? I think I’ll go over there and listen.”

Of course not.

In California, most people view “Bible thumpers” as part of a percentage figure: 52.3%. That’s the number of people who voted for marriage between a man and a woman, the number who voted against gay marriage. In other words, anyone who holds a Bible in the open air is a hater in their eyes… and a target. So if you are preaching in the open air, I recommend not holding a Bible. Let them hear your Bible words; let them hear your message; let them hear the tears in your voice as you proclaim the Law and Gospel. Why turn off a potential listener to your message before they even hear it by waving around a Bible? (For more “Do-Nots of open air preaching, click here.)

But there is a time to hold up a Bible proudly. There is a time and a place to hold that Big, BIG! Bible and proclaim the truth. When is that time? Whenever there is a nationwide call to read from the Good Book. My friend and brother Tony Miano, of the Ambassadors’ Alliance, made such a call, no doubt urged on by the apostle Paul’s admonition to “devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture” (1 Timothy 4:13). Last Saturday was deemed “Sermon on the Mount Saturday,” a time to go to any public place and simply read the greatest sermon ever preached: The Sermon on the Mount.

So we did, at the Strand in Hermosa Beach, right across from a bar called the Poopdeck, directly in front of the volley ball tourney sponsored by Bud Light!

I read chapter 5 of Matthew. Sample verse:“Blessed are you when people insult you and falsely say all kinds of evil against me.”

“Righteous Richard” Chavarria read chapter 6. Sample verse: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.”

And my daughter finished up by reciting chapter 7. Sample verse: “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

And another friend, Tom Nance Ulrich, read the whole thing at a shuttle bus stop at the Fiesta Hermosa!

 To all who participated: Well done!

The Empty Chair Memorial

Monday, May 25th, 2009

We remember those who fought and died with thankful hearts on this day in America.  We also thank those who continue to defend our freedoms at home and abroad.

We will never forget.

I gave a Memorial Day invocation at a man’s home who has devoted his life to remembering—and honoring—those who have fallen on Saturday. Reverend Bhagavan Friend erected a memorial in his front yard as a standing, visual reminder that those who gave the ultimate sacrifice are not here to enjoy the liberties they bought; it’s called the Empty Chair Memorial.

Reverend Bhagavan Friend, the founder of his own unique religion, doesn’t exactly agree with me on what happens to people after they die, but he supports my evangelistic efforts enthusiastically and continues to invite me to pray to the One True God (though we definitely differ on Who He is) in public venues.

Today I give another invocation at a city event thanks to Reverend Friend. This is a portion of the Psalm that I will read before I pray, honoring the One Who truly did offer up the Ultimate Sacrifice so that all may have the hope of everlasting freedom—from sin and death, if they repent and trust in the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Psalm 44: 1-8

We have heard with our ears, O God;
our fathers have told us
what you did in their days,
in days long ago.
With your hand you drove out the nations
and planted our fathers;
you crushed the peoples
and made our fathers flourish.

It was not by their sword that they won the land,
nor did their arm bring them victory;
it was your right hand, your arm,
and the light of your face, for you loved them.

You are my King and my God,
who decrees victories for Jacob.

Through you we push back our enemies;
through your name we trample our foes.

I do not trust in my bow,
my sword does not bring me victory;

but you give us victory over our enemies,
you put our adversaries to shame.

In God we make our boast all day long,
and we will praise your name forever. Selah

(Tomorrow: The results of “Sermon on the Mount Saturday”
and later this week, what happened at American Idol.)

Sudden Death: First Celebrity Swine Flu Fatality

Monday, May 25th, 2009

This is absolutely tragic…

And we know who gave it to him.

 

Stop Light Preaching: Yes You Can!

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

One of the best ways to begin preaching in the open air is to start small. Most cities have at least one busy intersection; why not use it to the Lord’s advantage? This 5 minute video will give you everything you need to know to deliver a 30-50 second Stop Light Gospel message. You will find it quite amusing, I’m sure.

To read about our Stop Light preaching experience in Huntington Beach, and to get the text of the message we preach, click here!

What Happened at American Idol?

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

You’re going to have to wait until next week for the exciting story because I have run out of time… But! Here are some teaser photos:

Tom Nance-Uhlrich, myself, Ed Lee and “Righteous Richard” Chavarria
crashed the semi-finals of American Idol.

Former Idol, Jason Whatever-his-name-is (I’ve never, ever, seen the show) got a Giant Money Gospel tract, but was very cautious about posing for a photo, so he skimmed the message on the back. If you know this dude’s name, leave a comment.

“Righteous Richard” did some illicit red carpet preaching (this was a new idea, never before tried), and was soon visited by Security.

The Red Coats are coming! The Red Coats are coming!

We also had visits with the LAPD and every 21-year-old Paul Blart-mall-cop-wannabe.

So what else is new?

And we were joined by some very helpful “EX-es.”

Tune in next week…. In the meantime, you can read about the incredible opportunity we had last year by clicking here! 

Fiesta Hermosa Weekend!

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

It’s that time of year again! That’s right. It’s summer fair time. This weekend we have nearly 100 volunteers ready and willing to work our evangelism booth at the Fiesta Hermosa, where 100,000 people come to party.

If you are near Hermosa Beach this Memorial Weekend, stop by. We will have a booth in the fair near the entrance in the “Free Speech” zone. We will also have a booth outside the fair, at the base of the Hermosa Pier. Working hours are from 9AM-6PM, Saturday thru Monday.

If you live out of the area, read what we did last year by clicking here; you may get some helpful ideas for your own evangelism booth.

Last year, I had to literally preach in the street. Watch how I got hassled…

 

Lakers Conference and American Idolatry

Monday, May 18th, 2009

On Tuesday afternoon we will be experiencing an evangelistic double-whammy hootenanny: The American Idol Finals at the Nokia Theater, and right across the street, the Lakers will be at the Staples Center playing to win the Western Conference title.

Last year I encountered a line of about 4,000 people waiting to get tickets to see their favorite Idol and had the opportunity to preach nine times—up and down the line—until I nearly lost my voice. The line was literally a mile long! (You can read the story by clicking here.) I’m not sure if the same line will appear again, but we will be ready.

If the line doesn’t appear at the Nokia then we will preach to the fans across the street at the Staples Center. You can read about last year’s encounter when I was preaching from a traffic sign and forcibly pulled off by an angry man. Also, read about how Security forbade ”Righteous Richard” from preaching in a planter box by clicking here.

I love L.A.!

Sudden Death: Nursing Home!

Monday, May 18th, 2009

CARTHAGE— A lone gunman burst into a North Carolina nursing home and started “shooting everything,” barging into the rooms of terrified patients, sparing some from his rampage without explanation while killing seven residents and a nurse caring for them.

Robert Stewart, 45, of Moore county, has been charged with eight counts of first-degree murder.

What’s Your E-vangie Tale? #32

Friday, May 15th, 2009

Jude exhorts, “…snatch others from the fire and save them…” (Jude 23)

What are you doing to snatch others from the fire? Here is the place to write about your evangelistic encounters!

Our new evangelism class, “Sharing Your Faith Without Fear” just started with 32 students. Who will remain at the end of the six weeks?

As an extra added bonus, we have our church’s deaf ministry participating! When I asked them why they were taking the class they said, “Because you asked us to.” Now that’s a good sign!

See the creative way another deaf person was able to share the Gospel by clicking here.

If you’d like a free curriculum of this 6 week course, with over a 100 pages of material including teaching notes and student work, drop me an email or leave me a comment. All you pay is the postage.

The Lesbian and the Communist

Thursday, May 14th, 2009

Sometimes people get offended and walk away when confronted with the fact that they will be held accountable before a holy God in an evangelistic presentation. Is it conviction?

In March I attended an anti-war protest march in Hollywood with the intention of reaching as many counter-cultural people as possible (read the series starting here). The two people in this interview, one a lesbian woman, the other a wannabe Communist, split the scene before our conversation ended. 

Leland’s Transgression

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

Yesterday I asked you to explain the interesting scenario that happened recently on a college campus when we set up our evangelism table. A young man named Leland was upset. Our evangelism leader, Bob Johnson, was on Leland’s cell phone talking to Leland’s Mom. I asked you to explain what you thought may be happening and I got some great responses to the photo on the right. (Read the original article here.)

Here’s what happened: Bob offered Leland $20.00 if he could pass the “Good Person Test.” He was excited to try. Bob took him through the 10 Commandments.

“Have you ever told a lie, Leland?” Bob asked.

“Nope,” Leland confidently replied.

“Stolen anything?”

“No.”

Bob persisted. “Have you ever looked with lust, taken God’s name in vain, or hated anyone?”

Leland denied ever doing any of those things. In fact, Leland always put God first, always honored his father and mother, never desired anything more than God, and never coveted anything.  And I’m sure, if asked, he never missed a Sabbath rest. Yes, Leland was the perfect man. 

Bob gently tried to demonstrate that no one could keep the perfect Law of God, but Leland insisted that he had never sinned.

I stepped in, explaining that if we say that we are without sin then we make God out to be a liar. I also instructed him that the Psalmist says “all men are liars.” “So, Leland, who’s lying? You or God?”

“God,” Leland insisted. Frustrated, I told Leland that he had just blasphemed, that he wasn’t getting the twenty dollars, and passed him back to Bob.

That’s when Leland called his Mom in Washington State to complain.

Bob took the phone and patiently explained the situation to Mom. Fortunately, she was a Christian and agreed with Bob, telling her son to listen to him.

Leland still wanted the twenty; instead, Bob gave him a stuffed animal.

Then his sister walked up to the table and I took her through ”The Good Person” test. But that’s another story.

Don’t get me started…

*****

Yes, in retrospect, we should have just given Leland the twenty. Oh well, live and learn.

*** The winners of the creative scenario contest, those who came closest to the actual event, were…Tom Nance-Ulrich and Paul Latour. May you be blessed with many Lelands in your evangelistic endeavors.***

Weekend Adventures: Two Parades!

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

This weekend we have two BIG events to attend. If you plan on evangelizing at a parade this summer, you will want to read my article “The 12 Step Program for Parades.”  This gives you all you need to know so no one will rain on your parade. You will also be linked to three additional parade articles.

On Saturday, we will be at the Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade. Meet at Hope Chapel at a SPECIAL TIME:11AM, to carpool.

On Sunday, The Long Beach Gay Pride Parade will be on the agenda. This will not be family friendly, so leave the kids at home. Tom Nance-Ulrich will be leading from Calvary Chapel, South Bay. Click here for the details: (more…)

What is Happening Here?

Tuesday, May 12th, 2009

I’m always writing down the interesting things that happen at our evangelistic encounters; now it’s your turn.

The picture below is from our evangelism table at a local college.

Here’s the partial scenario: The young man on the left, Leland, is upset. The man on the right holding the phone is an evangelism leader, Bob Johnson, talking to Leland’s mother.

What do you think has just happened? Why is the young man upset, and why is Bob talking to the Mom. Be creative. Be wacky. Whatever you come up with will not come close to what actually happened, though.

Tune in for the real story tomorrow!

Sudden Death: Dumb Husbands

Monday, May 11th, 2009

Every Monday I post a new, strange and awful way that God has taken someone out of this life. The purpose of these “Sudden Death” columns is to remind us of the urgency to preach the Gospel. But there is a whole people group out there who are clueless: Husbands.

I’m providing this video as a warning. Husbands, if you find yourself saying any of the things you see in this video, STOP! Stop before I publish you as a Sudden Death! feature.

Weekend Read: Objections to Street Preaching Considered

Friday, May 8th, 2009

This is a classic article written by William Taylor, a Methodist in the California Conference in the mid-1800’s. Although published in 1867, this article speaks to our generation. Mr. Taylor spoke about common objections to street preaching and uses many personal experiences to persuade his readers. The book from which this chapter is taken is called, “Seven Years Street Preaching in San Francisco, California.”

I. DO I HEAR YOU SAY IT IS A DEGRADATION OF MINISTERIAL DIGNITY?

I reply: Any minister of the Gospel, whose “ministerial dignity” depends, for its elevation and support, upon the sacredness of a consecrated pulpit, is not, I confess, a suitable person for a street preacher. A preacher, to succeed in the streets, must be dignified by a special unction of the Holy Spirit. He must feel such an undying thirst for the salvation of sinners as will prompt him, like Aaron to run out into the camp, and “stand between the living and the dead;” not only to offer the incense of earnest prayer to God on their behalf, but also to warn them from the example of their neighbors, who have perished in their sins. (more…)