Gone Fishin' SixSample

Gone Fishin'

Lessons I'm Learning About Fishing

So many of you email me, and it REALLY encourages me! Thank you!!

Often, you say:
...How do you do it? I want to.
...I'm too afraid to share my faith, but I want to.
...I'm glad you can do this, but I can't.

Mainly, you just tell me you are blessed! Well, so am I, thanks to your support!

What I do isn't "special." I don't have the gift of evangelism; some days are harder than others. I'm learning.

But here are some things everyone can use to extend their ministry.

Be Available

This is perhaps the most important step of all. God can take a heart with a desire to share their faith and do wonders. Say, "Yes, God. Here I am. Use me."

Be Intentional

Instead of staying home, finishing tasks, or doing what you want that pleases you, go where you might meet new people.

I decided to walk the two miles each way to be at the hospital's waiting room. I know it's a sacrifice, and it will take a couple of hours out of my day, and I may not even get to talk to anyone. But I get to talk to God to and from the hospital, and he opens doors because I said, "Here I am." I'm doing it on regular neighborhood walks, too, as the Lord provides openings.

Love

LOVE is what I intend before I ever go for a walk, to the store, or the waiting room in the hospital. It guides everything I say, who I talk to, and what I'm willing to do in the moment. I pray during our talk for His Love to shine through me.

Rest

I have decided to believe God will give me the words from the Holy Spirit when the time comes. The Bible says it's so! That's big! So I can feel relaxed and unpressured. I can't fail. God saves. Not me.

Pray With Them

My desire is to pray with each person if they will let me. So, I am looking for things I can ask them to pray for as we converse. I ask. "Would it be all right if I prayed with you about...?" I'm asking because of something they've said. This boldness will come if you ask the Lord for it and are loving, resting, and not trying to perform.

Share a story

You have so many personal stories illustrating God's goodness, what He has done in your life, and who He is to you. Ask God to guide you and see if He brings to mind some story the person you're sharing with will appreciate.

"Jesus taught by using stories, many stories." Mark 4:2 The Message

Tools

You've heard it said, "You can do most anything if you have the right tools." It's true. Here are two suggestions. Find something comfortable for you..

Sometimes, you can clearly share the Gospel using a tract like Steps To Peace With God from the Billy Graham Association. I read it aloud with them and stop to get feedback by asking for affirmation or "Do you understand?" etc. You might end up just giving them the tract because there isn't time if you feel led. Don't force it.

I keep the "10 Question Survey" I created after listening to Living Waters on my phone so I can refer to it and stay on track.

Oh, one more tool. Look for reasons to exchange phone numbers so you can communicate via text.

Finally

Most of the time, I get to pray with the person I meet because I ask! I am not going to force a presentation of the Gospel on anyone. It is very clear when the Lord wants me to, and then it is no difficulty doing it. I ask their permission first.

Hope this helps!

PS Notice, I'm not "quoting Scripture" to these folks. The pressure's off. I can and will if the situation arises, but the tract or video work just fine.

Be Encouraged. Be Inspired.

Have GOALS.
Go. Open Your Mouth. Ask Questions. Listen. Share your story.

Hope this helps!
Your brother in Christ, Drake