Statistics show that the top 10 countries with people who enjoy reading Women On God's Mission are the following (in this order):
USA
Russia
Canada
Germany
Netherlands
South Korea
United Kingdom
Brazil
Philippines
Australia
Oh how I wish I could meet each one of you! I hope I am going to get to know a few of my readers this weekend, because
Now it's YOUR turn! :)
And I am going to be giving away
Two free books!!
I would like to send two of my fellow women on God's mission a copy of one of my favorite books: Martha To the Max . To be eligible for this drawing, share a comment on my blog this weekend. Introduce yourself and tell what country you live in. You may use your initials instead of your entire name, if you wish. Also, please share something about yourself - about the mission God has given to you right now. On Monday morning I will draw two names and announce the winners.
If you have time, I highly recommend this message by Barbara Rainey. I am listening to it right now as I clean my house . . . Three Essentials For the Married Woman. One thing that has stood out so far is: "Wimpy theology makes wimpy women!" - John Piper . . . the importance of knowing God personally - studying God's Word for ourselves and not just reading what others have learned and written about Him!
Have a great day, and I look forward to hearing from you!
My husband Tim and me - taken by our son at the Creation Museum in July
Last weekend I was privileged to take part in a two day Good Soil Evangelism training. I was more than excited for this opportunity to refine my toolbox as I seek to share God's love with people.
I grew up in a Christian home, a Bible teaching church, a Christian school, and I attended two Bible colleges. Having heard a lot already, I didn't know what to expect. I was happily surprised to be challenged in my thinking in the two days I spent with missionary Ann D. The training I received made me stop and reconsider my audience and how better to communicate with them.
Here are a few points that stood out to me:
1. Most of us are familiar with the Romans Road. Where does it usually begin? Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." What is that presuming? That my audience understands "sin" and "falling short," as well as their belief in God's existance. Three chapters precede chapter three verse twenty-three, building a foundation to prepare the hearer to learn he is a sinner in need. So, why do we usually start with Romans 3:23? It may be perfect for someone with a Bible background, but this is becoming less and less common.
2. What about the question, "If you were to die today and stand before God, why should He let you into heaven?" This presumes people believe in God, heaven and hell. Again, to the typical adult, confusing.
3. Sin. Most people don't know what it is. We laughingly discussed "sinfully delicious desserts" as sadly the most common use of the word "sin" in our society. Or they may think of Bible beaters - people who condemn others with prideful self-absorbtion, yelling and pulpit pounding.
4. They presented a useful overview to help us understand where people are spiritually and where to being helping them in their relationship with God. Evangelism-Discipleship Scale
5. We studied John 1 (where I have normally suggested people begin reading their Bible) from the eyes of someone with no knowledge of the Old Testament. Shocking.
6. We watched the following video about the Mauk Tribe of Papua New Guinea. They had never heard of Jesus; they didn't even know where they were in the world. A missionary couple, who was discouraged by most because of their age, family size, and health problems, felt called to to PNG to share the truth. I learned a lot from how they presented the Bible to this people which had no background in God's Word. All of us sat their and wept, realizing how blessed we are to know God's Word!
7. Also available is a book to help new believers: The Way To Joy
Both The Story of Hope and The Way To Joy are available in several other languages. This program isn't just another Evangelism Explosion. It would be extremely beneficial in any church or small group in teaching Biblical evangelism. Teacher instruction manuals are downloadable for free on their website. I highly recommend Good Soil Evangelism. Click here to find out more: Good Soil Evangelism
