Today Sarah and I went to the mall to witness. I’ll admit, neither of us exactly felt like it beforehand, but afterwards we were SO glad we did. We were able to get into about six conversations with junior high kids and were able to explain the gospel to over a dozen kids. (We’ve found junior high kids are usually the most open and eager to talk.)
We started most of the conversations by using IQ quizzes. The kids thought they were really cool. Then as we walked them through the 10 Commandments and they realized their sin–and how God had to punish sin in order to be just–many began to get very sober. About six of the girls we talked to especially stand out in my mind. They were anxious to hear the way God provided for us to be “reconnected” with Himself. They told me it made sense and that they had never really understood that before. Many of them indicated they’d be interested in learning more and coming to a Bible study if I start one with teen girls there in the mall, and they gave me their phone numbers.
I was reminded — yet again– of how wrong I am to sometimes assume people don’t want to hear about God! These conversations were exciting. Most of the kids we talked with at the mall had no clue why Jesus died on the cross or what it means for them. One boy said, “Yeah, I knew Jesus died on the cross but I never understood why.”
But once they realized the seriousness of their sin (and reality of hell), they wanted to know! They agreed that God must love them a lot if He was willing to die for them.
As we were talking with one group, one of the girls recognized me.
“Remember? We met at Gordmans last week!”
Then I remembered. I had met this friendly girl at Gordman’s and I gave her a tract as we passed in the shoe aisle. How interesting God led me to her again.
“Maybe it’s a sign!” she said.
“Could be!” I agreed.
At least now she knows the gospel more clearly. This has been happening a lot recently–where I run across the same person I witnessed to at another time. It reminds me that we have a big God who is orchestrating everything. I pray I may be alert to His leading and directions!
Please pray for these kids we talked with… that Satan wouldn’t be able to snatch away the seed but that it will penetrate into their hearts and grow. I instructed many of them to kneel beside their bed as they were going to sleep tonight and talk to God about all of this– to ask Him for the gift of salvation, and acknowledge they believed in what Jesus did for them. Many indicated that they wanted to. Please pray they would and they would start reading their Bibles.
Sorry for the lack of pictures in this post. I forgot to take any. Maybe next time.
“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 they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:14,15
That is really neat about that one girl… God is really awesome!!!
Just love reading these stories…it’s encouraging to read how open people’s hearts are. Oh, yes! We need to share the good news! “Til the whole world knows, til the whole world knows, I will shout and sing of Christ my King, til the whole world knows!”
~Cheyne
Wow! Great Job!
Man! This is awesome! You guys are such an inspiration! I wish all of our churches had women like you to mentor our young ladies! Rock on!
That is so neat! Will be praying!
Grace, I am praying for the people that y’all go to talk with and pray with!
By the way, what are the IQ quizzes?
~Haley
Hi Haley,
Usually, I start with a pink and blue curved illusion sold by Living Waters. I’ve found that a lot of junior high kids just go to the mall to hang out on cold days but they’re often pretty bored and enjoy some excitement. I usually say, “Hey, guys, want to try something? Which is bigger — pink or blue?” and then show them the illusion.
They almost always love it, so then I ask, “Ok, want to try another one?” and do a green IQ test with them (also sold by Living Waters). Then I turn the card over and say, “Ok, and here are a few more questions–” and I ask them the 6 questions on the back which lead into the the gospel…. and we keep talking from there! Living Waters (www.livingwaters.com ) sells lots of tracts that are great for breaking the ice.
Hope that answers your question! Getting conversations started is one of the hardest parts of witnessing…but I think we often imagine that it is harder than it actually is.
God bless!
Grace
Hi Grace!
That is really neat; thanks so much!
In Christ,
Haley
Wow…….love to hear about these things you guys do! 🙂
Dear Grace,
That story is really cool. It reminds me of the hymn that I sing in school, “I Love to Tell the Story.”
May the Lord continue to shine his light on you and be gracious to you.
In Christ’s Love,
Grace
P.S. I love your blog. 🙂
That’s amazing 🙂 You would think that junior high kids these days wouldn’t even want to hear about Christ, but God does have the power to convict them.
Will be praying for them! 🙂
Christy