Wow, what a loaded and interesting time I had down there in New Orleans! I learned so much as I tagged alongside the very bold and passionate people who ran the Answers in Genesis booth!
You can imagine how much our banner stood out in the middle of such a secular setting!
We gave away boxes and boxes of free Creation Science DVDs and books.
And lots of interesting conversations erupted…
Many opportunities to share the gospel…
When you have a group of people who love to share the gospel, you end up witnessing to people everywhere you go….
Waiter (burgundy): “So are you all going to do some sightseeing while you are here in New Orleans?”
James (white): “Well, we’re hoping to share the good news with lots of people!”
Waiter: “Oh really? What’s the good news?”
Mr. Gendron (tan stripes): “That our sins can be forgiven and we have a Savior who paid the price for us to go to Heaven.”
Waiter: “Oh so are you part of a religious section of the NEA conference?”
James and Mr. Gendron: “Oh no, we don’t believe in religion. Religion is where man ‘works his way to God’. The Bible says that God reached down to us.”
Waiter: “Well it is very interesting to hear your perspectives on this. But maybe I should get your order first and then come back and talk some more.”
We all laughed and agreed.
Later our waiter came by and told us that his brother recently became a born again Christian and had been e-mailing him about it. We talked some more with him and gave him some DVDs. He thanked us sincerely.
Some people loved what we are doing, some were intrigued…
And some were angry…like the man in the white shirt and tie (a science teacher) who was looking for a way to cause trouble for our booth and stated in no subtle language that he was not happy about the materials we were giving out. The 20 minute debate that followed was fascinating as it was obvious that he had no evidence to stand on to back up his beliefs when confronted with the truth and logic of Genesis.
My roommates! Grace and Faith are wonderful young evangelists themselves and I really enjoyed spending time with their family!
Here is a portion of our team. Some are on staff with Answers in Genesis, and the others are evangelists / apologists from around the country. Dr. Jobe Martin and his wife and two daughters were there (right), and it was so much fun to get to know them. Taryn and Mirren also run conferneces for young ladies and they have a neat family ministry.
We love Mike Gendron. We have him come to our church for conferences as well as some good old fashioned hospitality in our home. Blessings to your endeavors.
Sounds like you had a wonderful time, Grace! (It seems like I am always saying this on your posts! 🙂 I so enjoyed hearing all of the witnessing stories and it looks like it was a wonderful, refreshing and exciting trip!
Joyfully in Jesus,
Elizabeth
How awesome Grace! We LOVE Answers in Genesis! 🙂
~Haley
Sounds like fun. 🙂 I liked this sign on one of their displays: “Do you have students who still believe in creation? Find out why!”
Thank you girls for being such an inspiration! You are truly ‘bright lights’ in this world. Sarah- your book “Before You Meet Prince Charming” has been such a wonderful tool in my life over the past year. Your ministry has helped strengthen my faith ten-fold! I am so grateful for the Lord’s work in your beautiful ministry.
In Jesus,
Justine
Hey Grace! That is wonderful! Ummm… I don’t know if you would remember me but I met you at CHAP and you asked for my testimony and gave me your e-mail address. I tried to e-mail it to you but your address isn’t working. I am so sorry for the delay.
Hello Grace
This is so encouraging- I will definitely pray for the waiter, the science teacher, and anyone else who was reached by AIG at that conference.
I’m glad you had good room mates 😀
Laura H
Thank you for sharing Grace! I’m so glad you got to meet the Martins! They are good friends of our family & Dr. Martin is one of my father’s mentors. We have been so blessed by their friendship & generosity.
Last time we talked they hadn’t heard of Bright Lights so hopefully now that you’ve spent some time together they know what that is. 🙂
I enjoyed reading a little sampling of what happened at the conference. I pray that God continues to work in the lives of each teacher who took some AIG material home with them.
In Christ,
Allison