Not too long ago we had planned to read the Sermon on the Mount in front of the largest Hindu temple in the US. The day came and it was dark and raining. One of the trio asked if we should still do it since no one was going to hear. I said let’s do it and we started. Half way through, a man stopped his car next to us and said if we do it again he would like to join us. I wondered how many other people drove by and what they where thinking.

Steve: Maybe the lack of response you experienced has something to do with the fact that you, unlike Peter, don’t quite look 17 years old. (I know your pain, brother.) Peter would appear to be more of a peer to those on campus and, therefore, more approachable. That’s life, man!

Nonetheless, great witness! BOTH of you!

Thanks for the great advice!

The photos were taken in the first minutes that I was holding the cross, when I was pretty apprehensive. After about 10-15 minutes, I took off my glasses, smiled, and held the cross on high (notice the last image of the article), and I will continue the practice of smiling, eyeballs visible, with the Cross of Christ held high.

Still, there was no reaction. None, no matter how much I smiled. Bummer.

I’m looking forward to the next time.

There have been times when I have taken out the cross and set it up on an easel. Then, I sit next to the cross in a lawn chair and read my Bible. I’ve noticed that I receive far fewer reactions, positive or negative, when I am not holding the cross.

There is just something about a man or woman standing and holding the cross that draws more reaction. It’s as if the cross is more of an offense when someone is holding it than when they are standing or sitting next to it, or leaning against it. It’s as if lifting the cross is telling the world, “Here I stand. I stand for Jesus Christ. Are you ready?”

Certainly there is nothing scientific about my observations. And I’m not trying to over-spiritualize holding the cross. But there is a noticeable difference when I stand and lift the cross.

I would also like to suggest something else, Steve. You and I both know that our attitude, whether verbal or non-verbal, has an effect on not only how we act, but also how people ask toward us. We both encourage the people we are blessed to train and disciple to be friendly and outgoing, to always express an air of approachability.

Look closely at the pictures in your post. I see a difference between you and Peter. You can see it on your faces, posture, and appearance.

You are wearing very dark sunglasses (an open-air “no-no”). Peter is not. Peter appears demonstrative, even excited to be doing what he was doing. You, on the other hand my brother, do not. Peter is smiling in every picture. You, my dear friend, are not.

I know how skeptical you are of signs and banners. On many levels, I share the same skepticism. We so want to avoid becoming the parody of evangelism. But instead of worrying about looking like what is wrong with street evangelism, we ought not give up the ground to those who aren’t doing evangelism in a biblical and loving way. We wouldn’t dream of not open-air preaching because there are heretics climbing atop boxes. We wouldn’t dream of not handing out tracts because the JW’s hand out literature. We shouldn’t avoid white shirts, ties, or bicycles because Mormon missionaries utilize these things. (Of course, I would not recommend wearing a name badge in conjunction with the white shirt and tie while riding a bicycle–just in case.)

Is it possible (and I’m just asking) your demeanor might have made you less approachable that day? I remember when you and I tried “herding evangelism” on the campus of USC. Your smile brightened an already sunny day. We had a blast. I don’t see that same level of excitement in the pictures of you, in this post.

Sometimes, when I’m holding the cross, I can get lost in my thoughts and prayers and forget that I am standing on street corner for the world to see. I have to make a conscious effort to keep a genuine (not plastic) smile on my face. Everyone who waves at me (whether with five fingers or one) gets a wave back from me. Everyone who approaches the corner, whether or not they receive a tract or I engage them in conversation, receives a friendly “hello.” I already look strange standing out there. So I want to do what I can to let people know that I’m friendly, approachable, and of sound mind (for the most part).

Just some unsolicited (and friendly) observations and advice from a brother who loves you.