During our last two weeks in Costa Rica, we were given the opportunity to evangelize in the beach town of Puerto Viejo. Evangelism seems very daunting a lot of times. It usually starts out with me asking them a question or two to break the ice and then as I like to say it, I pop the question, “Do you know Jesus?” or, “What do you think about Jesus?” Some people have said yes, and I ask how I can pray for them and do so. Others have talked to me about good energy and bad energy.
One day while I was walking the streets, I came upon two men who were well advanced in their years. One had a joint in hand, the other was drinking something out of a bag, and by our conversation it’d seemed they’d lived on the street for a while. I approached them, an eighteen year old, white kid from America, and inquired about their lives just to get an entryway into the question that I longed to ask. They didn’t seem to care to talk about life after death, or other topics that I’d picked and pryed at. I basically began to preach to them. The response that I got? They mocked and laughed at me. As I reflected on that moment, I realized I lacked something. I didn’t seek to understand them or love them. It was more of a task. Evangelize. In essence, yes, we are called to make disciples of all nations, but without love it is nothing.
A few days later, I read the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days by the time that Jesus had arrived at Bethany. When Jesus calls Mary to come to Him, she runs out to Him and falls at His feet saying, “Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus doesn’t reply or ask, “How dare you doubt my authority?” He sees her and the fellow Jews weeping and He weeps with them. He seeks to understand and loves them where they’re at. Then, Jesus does the unimaginable. He goes to the tomb and what He says to God blows my mind. He says, “But I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me. Lazarus, come out.” The man who’d been dead for the past four days walks out of the tomb alive! The Lord performs miracles through Jesus so that we would believe in Him! God loves us so much that He wants to make Himself known to us in tangible ways, so that we would have eternal life with Him. His love for me makes me want to love others the way He loves. I don’t deserve it, but He does it anyways because it’s His character. God is love. In the same way we need to love God and love others, just as Jesus did.
Zach – I love hearing your heart and how the Lord/Holy Spirit is transforming you – it only happens when we yield our hearts fully open to Him and you have been eagerly doing just that. You address the great challenge and struggle for most of us – speaking truth in love, and in doing that, Jesus is shared and modeled to the world. Great words!! Love you son!!!
Great thoughts Zach. Love hearing how the Lord is growing you and loving you and in turn you are pouring that out. Praise God. Thanks for the update!!
Dear Zach,
I am always amazed, inspired, challenged by your posts!!!! May the Lord continue to show you more of himself and how you can share that love with others. God bless you!
Hello Zach, I was touched by your last last sharing of your experience with your missiom group in Costa Rica. You are so right, in loving those you minister to, is the first step in letting them know God loves them with an unconditional love and that you love them and hopefully they will be open to you. God is with you, Zach. Thank you for all you are doing and learning on this missiom sharing. keeping you in my prayers with love, Aunt Ann
Dear Zach – What I continue to see here is a ‘writer in bloom’ – and a true reporter. I was struck by your thoughtfulness and honest assessment with grace. Being able to see yourself through the eyes of ‘others’ – an 18 teen year-old white guy preaching to those older, living on the streets and clearly in pain. You shared your humility – the root word of being humble. You are trusting in a God greater than ourselves. That my dear nephew is the essence IMO of peace. I am so proud of you. Keep talking to those on the streets – trust in miracles abound! Love, AK
Hello Zach, Thank you for sharing about missing it – that is how we learn. People know if we are being authentic. We have loved seeing the growth in all of you and your willingness to push through on the hard days. Miss you all already! Can’t wait to hear of the God stories from Guat.
Zach,
Love your heart and your faith. This nine month experience is deeply forming you. One of my favorite books on evangelism is called the Master Plan of Evangelism. When you get back, I would love for you to read it.
Oh this is so good, Zach. They will know we are Christians – they will know our Jesus – through our love!