(Click here to begin the series with links to the other parts.)

You’d think that other Christians would see the value of a church in a pagan festival like Fiesta Hermosa sharing their faith. The unfortunate fact is, when people step out in obedience to God and witness for Christ, other Christian brothers and sisters will sometimes try to tear you down. Because so few churches emphasize evangelism, a concregation that actually does it seems strange, too radical, or downright weird.
They will say things like: “Gospel tracts? What’s the value in handing those out?” Or, “I don’t do it like you; I like to let my life reflect Christ.” Or, “I am not called to share like you; I have my own way of doing it.”

Or… you might get a stinky phone call—anonymous, first name only, no phone number—like I did when I checked my office voicemail on the Tuesday after the fair, and was greatly discouraged to hear this:

“Hello my name is C—– and I am a resident of Hermosa Beach… and I have been to your church a couple of times and was considering joining. But I have to say I am, as a Christian, embarrassed… embarrassed of your church’s behavior at the Fiesta Hermosa this weekend!

“I think that [it] is just outrageous the way your people behaved… handing out all that trash dollar bills—or whatever they were. Your representation of God–how embarrassing for a Christian! You should be ashamed!”

I can take solace though, in the words of George Whitefield, that great open-air evangelist of the 18th century who preached over 18,000 sermons in his lifetime. He said:

“I was honored today with having a few stones, dirt, rotten eggs and pieces of dead cats thrown at me.”

(Read about how to deal with confused, antagonistic brethren by clicking here!)