Day 2 Evangelism recap from our teams

Today was a great day of stretching for many of our students. We attended church and heard a great message on not giving up and being guided by the spirit.  Afterwards, we made our way to the Straw Market where the students were challenged to share their faith and evangelize. The students were excited but a little apprehensive to get started.

Pastor Doug, Ms. Vitulli and myself reminded the students that all they need to do is begin a conversation with people. To be genuinely interested in their story, ask questions, and then direct the conversation when possible to spiritual things. We made sure to have them understand that it is not them doing the "saving", but the Holy Spirit that  does the work. It was very neat to see them then take on the challenge and talk with people and opportunities to share their faith then opened up. For many, fear gave way to confidence and boldness and awesome God stories will be shared at the campfire tonight.

"My girls had the opportunity to talk with a few or the Bahamian women at the straw market.  Rachel S. and Jullian talked with a women, Clarisse.  She shared about her life and the girls shared theirs.  As the rest of the group joined in we had the opportunity to pray for Clarisse.  She was thankful and in turn gave advice to our girls.  She told them never to take their eyes of Jesus.  As we prayed another women came over to join us. She praised the girls for being bold in professing their faith.  She told them not many girls their age would tell others about Jesus.  I was proud to see my group honor and glorify the Lord today." Dawn Vitulli

"Our group headed out with a passion to share Christ. They spoke with families and couples who had come on cruise ships, local vendors, and tourists. Many claimed Christ as their Savior. Some were short and angry with the fact that we said Jesus' name. Still, the girls persevered. We know God's Word says in Mark 13:13, "And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." We ventured into Subway were we sat down to eat. A local women was sitting at a table alone. After mustering up the courage, Bri and Marielle began to speak with her in a conversation that ended with them praying the sinner's with her. Kaya, Hannah B, Becky, Brooke, Hannah V, and Cameryn were able to share in the celebration as we rejoiced with her right there in Subway." Toni Frallicciardi

"The boys did a great job today. Matthew Travis Slaven and Jackson Sauder initiated several conversations and prayed with 2 different couples. Also Brandon Hollis and Massi Gamble spoke with a man walking by, and completed their challenge. We ate at McDonalds, had ice cream and shopped in the straw market where several of them continued to approach vendors and speak to them about Jesus. The 7 boys in our group are really enjoying each others company, encouraging and showing brotherly love to one another, which is a great sight to see!" Jesus Torres

"Our group used time walking around the  port to minister to people they met on the street.  A group of girls stopped to listen to a man playing the steel drums and they began interacting with each other.  He let them play on the drums and the girls used the moment to share the gospel.  Rebecca Mellinger and Sarah Pitilon were very couragous sharing with the man that they were from a christian school and they were here to spread the news about Jesus.  He said he didn't believe in anything and the girls told him about Jesus and their faith.  They were faithful to plant a seed in the man and even if he did not come to know God personally today, they did what God asked of them and had faith and courage to step out of their comfort level to do something for God.  Owen and Austin Davis had an experience where they started talking to someone who ended up already having a relationship with Christ. They were encouraged to meet people who traveled to another country to share the same faith that they had.  God used today in many ways to do His will both planting seeds and strengthening growing seeds. " Jared Fagin