I told people I knew that I was going. I got blank stares. I got the "why" questions. I even had people respond like I was going to a strip club or something. It is amazing to see and hear the different reactions my news received.
His name is Richard. It was the usual "fight or flight" mechanism that swept over me. I had five seconds before he and his buddy would knock on my door. I could answer or I could let then just walk away and add to their 98% rejection rate as I would later find out is their percentage of rejection. I answered. A relationship was formed. He first went into his evangelism like I was someone who never had heard of the Bible. It was great, until he saw my Bible laying on my couch. I offered him a seat to his surprise, along with a drink. He was shocked. Frankly, it is what Jesus would have done I feel, so I let the Spirit guide me this day. It was great. We talked for over an hour, mostly about the doctrine of the Trinity. He left and promised to return after I ensured him that I would like to dialogue more about this.
Richard was back next week. This time we talked about holidays and the such, since Jehovah's Witness do not celebrate Christmas, birthdays, etc...It was another time of great interaction. He asked me if I would go to the celebration of the Lord's Supper with him and his family Wednesday. I promised him I would be there, much to his delight.
Wednesday night was an eye-opening time. I got to hear the message they proclaim. I got to watch interaction of everyone. But most of all, my relationship with Richard progressed even further. You see, people do not understand why I would go this. Its simple. For the same reason I would want my non-Christian friends to say "yes" to me when I invite them to church. I don't want to be a hypocrite. I want to meet people where they are at. I want to be in their world...Paul seemed ok with this approach. How else are we going to reach them?
3 comments:
To the Jews I became a Jew, being all things to all people, as Paul stated. A friend of mine went to the mosques with his Muslim friends for the same reason. Just cuz he went to a mosque doesn't mean he's a Muslim convert. The thing we need to keep in mind is being in the world but not of the world. We need to challenge our brothers and sisters of the faith to do this more so thanks for your post and taking a lead on it.
Way to break the mold, Grant. Keep it up!
Thank you for the encouragement Sarah and "Mercy".
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