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
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Street Evangelism in The Bahamas
Today was incredible. Please read a recap by Pastor Chapin.....
It started off with prayer. The next person walking Bank Street in Nassau was named Fritz. Fritz was greeted with, "Hi my name is Zack, do you know Jesus as your Lord and savior?" In a few moments of sharing John 3:16 AND THE LOVE AND GRACE OF JESUS FRITZ WAS ASKING JESUS INTO HIS HEART!!
In each of our groups, at Subway restaurants, in front of the cruise ship terminal and out in the open street, our "gallant and faith-filled" kids and leaders tenderly and lovingly shared the Gospel with those the Holy Spirit led us to. In the course of approximately 2 plus hours, our kids and team members witnessed to hundreds of people with many, many street-side conversions.
The joy of the Lord was truly our strength as we each had ample opportunities to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to those he has selected for salvation that day. Some of the comments from our kids about today included, "it feels good to share my faith with people," and, "I can't believe I just did that! I am so excited to do this!" The bus ride home was loud, joy-filled and full of enthusiasm for the evangelism we all had a chance to participate in today.
Thank you Jesus for those who got saved today. Please encourage and strengthen them in their relationship with you Lord, amen. - Pastor Chapin Marsh
It started off with prayer. The next person walking Bank Street in Nassau was named Fritz. Fritz was greeted with, "Hi my name is Zack, do you know Jesus as your Lord and savior?" In a few moments of sharing John 3:16 AND THE LOVE AND GRACE OF JESUS FRITZ WAS ASKING JESUS INTO HIS HEART!!
In each of our groups, at Subway restaurants, in front of the cruise ship terminal and out in the open street, our "gallant and faith-filled" kids and leaders tenderly and lovingly shared the Gospel with those the Holy Spirit led us to. In the course of approximately 2 plus hours, our kids and team members witnessed to hundreds of people with many, many street-side conversions.
The joy of the Lord was truly our strength as we each had ample opportunities to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to those he has selected for salvation that day. Some of the comments from our kids about today included, "it feels good to share my faith with people," and, "I can't believe I just did that! I am so excited to do this!" The bus ride home was loud, joy-filled and full of enthusiasm for the evangelism we all had a chance to participate in today.
Thank you Jesus for those who got saved today. Please encourage and strengthen them in their relationship with you Lord, amen. - Pastor Chapin Marsh
Sunday Fun Day
Your students are getting ready for a day of fun and the opportunity to GO and share the good news. They are now getting dressed for church and will be able to worship with the locals here in Nassau. After church we will head to the Straw Market, a huge tourist spot here on the island.
Marty Fanning has been teaching the 8th graders evangelism throughout the year and this will be their opportunity to put what they have learned into practice as students look for opportunities to share their faith with the thousands of cruise ship passengers that pull into this port each day. Please pray for the Lord to open many doors for them to share and that lives will be impacted by our students today!
Romans 10:14-15 says
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”'
Marty Fanning has been teaching the 8th graders evangelism throughout the year and this will be their opportunity to put what they have learned into practice as students look for opportunities to share their faith with the thousands of cruise ship passengers that pull into this port each day. Please pray for the Lord to open many doors for them to share and that lives will be impacted by our students today!
Romans 10:14-15 says
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”'
Evening Devos
Pastor Sean shared tonight. Here are a few points from the devotion and a taste of what your student experiencing.
1. Imagine you are on a journey, but do not know how to get from point a to point b..... Remember that the destination might be the goal, but there is great joy in the journey.
2. God wants to use your passions, talents, gift and abilities. Your passion for Christ should be contagious. Rom 12:1 - 8
3. What does the cross mean to you?
The cross represents the moment in our life when our desires and dreams yield to His will for your life. He wants to use us...Ordinary people (different in their passions, abilities and gifts) in their ordinary circumstances trusting God to do the EXTRAordinary.
4. What is the most dynamic, exciting thing in your life? Answer honestly. Is it Jesus? If not, what do you need to surrender to put Him first? Are your passionate for Christ first? Can you lay down the things you put before God, the places you fall short, and the burdens that get in the way of a deeper relationship with Christ?
Students had an opportunity to seek the Lord and consider how He could change their burdens into blessings.
1. Imagine you are on a journey, but do not know how to get from point a to point b..... Remember that the destination might be the goal, but there is great joy in the journey.
2. God wants to use your passions, talents, gift and abilities. Your passion for Christ should be contagious. Rom 12:1 - 8
3. What does the cross mean to you?
The cross represents the moment in our life when our desires and dreams yield to His will for your life. He wants to use us...Ordinary people (different in their passions, abilities and gifts) in their ordinary circumstances trusting God to do the EXTRAordinary.
4. What is the most dynamic, exciting thing in your life? Answer honestly. Is it Jesus? If not, what do you need to surrender to put Him first? Are your passionate for Christ first? Can you lay down the things you put before God, the places you fall short, and the burdens that get in the way of a deeper relationship with Christ?
Students had an opportunity to seek the Lord and consider how He could change their burdens into blessings.
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