TESTIMONIES OF ABUNDANT LIFE EVANGELISM
Case
Study 1
Brief background
Mrs.
Cheah is my ex-colleague (teacher) in her mid 50’s. We have not kept in touch for more than ten
years (she and her husband went to work in a private college in Sarawak to earn
more money to put her two children in medical school in
Report of sharing
I
visited her at 4 pm according to the time fixed by her. We talked about common friends
(ex-colleagues) and their present life. This is to establish ‘common
ground’ since she has lost contact with these ex-colleagues.
As she knows I am doing fulltime church work, she asked about my work in the
church. This gave me an opportunity
to talk about ‘spiritual’ things. I shared what was involved in my ministry.
She expressed surprise at the type of ministry I was doing. Then I said I needed help in doing my
assignment!! Mrs. Cheah is a helpful and
kind lady. I followed Jesus’ example -
requesting ‘help’ from a Samaritan woman (John 4 - Jesus asked for a drink from the well). I also said that we would like to test the
effectiveness of a new approach designed to suit the Chinese. I showed her the ‘abundant life’ tract (both
languages) pointing out the choice of the colour ‘red’, the words ‘Fook’ and ‘Tao’.
She seemed interested! We read
the tract through (she read certain portions).
I pointed out some ‘highlights’ – Shang Di, blessing (fook), the
Cross. I asked her to read so that she
is paying attention. She also read the
prayer of commitment. After going
through the whole booklet, I asked her comments on the booklet. She acknowledged that it was suitable. She
had not asked any questions during the whole presentation.
Then
I asked about the contents. She defended
by saying – as most Chinese would – she believes that there is a ‘god’; as long
as she does not do bad deeds and cause harm to others, she is alright. All
religions teach people to do good deeds.
I pointed out the difference between Christianity and other religions by
referring to pg. 8 of the booklet – ‘man cannot save himself’. No amount of
good works can cover the sins already committed. That is the reason Jesus came into the
world. She seemed to understand but she
is neither convinced nor ready to make any commitment.
As
it was getting quite late and nearing the time to prepare dinner, I did not
pursue the matter further. Since it was
my first visit and the first time I am presenting the full gospel to her, I
thought it wise to end the session. I
then asked about her son and his work (he is now a doctor in the wards at the
Review
Earlier
in my visit (before talking about ‘spiritual’ matters), she had talked of the
dangers on our roads. She said it was also unsafe living in our housing areas
nowadays. When I told her that I live
alone in the church, she was concerned for my safety. She advised me to be careful and even gave me
the police headquarters phone number! I
did not follow up on that issue during the presentation. It was only on my way back that I realized
her ‘felt need’ was security. The
abundant life she needs is peace. I will
need to stress that God is able to provide for all our needs including our
safety. I need to follow-up again but
not too soon – lest she becomes apprehensive of my ‘more frequent visits’. The mistake I made was that I did not leave
the ‘abundant life’ booklet for her reference.
In the Gray matrix, I would consider her as having neutral, detached
interest. She is polite, attentive and
cooperative but she already has her own fixed ideas. Perhaps I need to discuss more about the concept
of sin – the Chinese understanding of sin versus the biblical concept of sin.
Case study 2
Brief
background
Ching
Ching is in her late 40’s. I met her at the ‘morning walk’ grounds in a housing
estate. Through ‘getting to know your contacts’, I realize she does not like to
talk much about her family. I guess
there may be some family relationship problems.
I continued to befriend her and invited her to our ‘monthly golden
circle meetings’ in a church member’s house nearby. She came and I invited her to St. Peter’s
Chinese Alpha course. She was very enthusiastic but after two lessons, she told
me that she doesn’t want to go anymore. Upon probing the reasons, she said she
felt uneasy when she returns home and see ‘kuan yin’. I encouraged her but realizing her firm
decision, I decided not to persist. I enquired whether I could visit her at
home. She was glad for my friendship. I
visited her with the intention to just to get to know her better. During this
first visit, I did not share the gospel. She was alone and there were no photos
at all in the house. I did not feel like probing about personal matters unless
she brings them up herself. We just
talked about her interests (she likes ‘karaoke’). We continued to meet at the morning walk
track. Lately, I found out that she fell
down and had injured her eyes and some teeth had been broken. I listened and
whenever I meet her, I enquired about her health. I decided to visit her in her house again and
made an appointment. This time I am
going to share the ‘abundant life’ tract.
I felt that I had earned the right to share more directly.
Report of sharing
In
‘finding common ground’, I knew her immediate felt need is her
health especially her eyes. After enquiring about the latest developments, I
enquired whether I could pray with her for her eyes (respect for another person
means we seek permission). As she did
not object, I prayed holding her hands.
Realizing there is no need for ‘small talk’ anymore, I immediately
showed her the ‘abundant life’ tract – the Chinese version. I began to tell her
about this abundant life. She was
attentive but soon began to ask many questions.
She was polite in her queries and showed genuine desire to know. In fact when she interrupted by asking
questions, she apologized and hoped I did not mind her questions. I
complimented her for wanting to know the answers. She asked about why Christians give thanks
for food before meals, Christian burial grounds, questioned the authority of Scripture
when I shared the part about Jesus dying for our sins. She complained about her ‘unfilial’ daughter
(she said she was really disappointed that her daughter would not take leave to
accompany her to the hospital). I
answered her queries as best as I could but always remembering not to be
sidetracked by her. I always returned to
the tract as soon as possible, being careful not to show impatience.
She
asked why Christians like to talk about Jesus to others. She said other religions don’t. In her mind, like all other Chinese, she believes
in ‘religious pluralism’ – all religions are equal salvific paths. That is why
when we came to the part ‘man cannot save himself’, I took special care to
highlight the difference between other religions and Christianity. I tried to explain why Christians like to
talk about Jesus to others – gratitude, command of Jesus to proclaim good news,
natural for us to introduce ‘good things’ to friends (eg. we are eager to tell
others where to buy cheap quality goods).
She seemed satisfied with the explanations. I was a bit surprised when
she asked ‘what do you get out of telling Jesus to others?’ But she was not rude. I guess she being
pragmatic, wants to know what benefits are obtained when we do something! I shared with her the fear that many
Christians have when they share the gospel to others – the fear especially of
being called ‘ye so por’ and ‘feeling rejected’! I purposely told her these things as I wanted
her to know the struggles we face. This is in line with the truth that when we
are willing and dare to tell others of our difficulties, they may also be
willing to share their problems with us.
People do not like to feel that they alone have problems – it is
comforting to know other people also have problems!
When
I had gone to p. 15 ‘Would you like to receive this abundant life?’ she
immediately wanted to end the session.
She said ‘I will read the rest of the tract myself’. From the tone of
her voice, I knew she didn’t want to listen anymore. I realized it was ‘times up’ as far as
further explanation of the tract was concerned.
I was a bit taken aback. It
really was an abrupt ending! I respected
her decision and left the Chinese version booklet for her. She is not ready to
go further but there will be other occasions.
We talked about other things for a while (invited her to another golden
circle meeting scheduled on the following week). Then I left saying we will meet at the
‘morning walk track’ again.
Review
On
the Gray Matrix, she does not know much about the gospel (but knows about Christian
practices). However, she is willing to
listen – she is not antagonistic but quite enthusiastic. However, she is still fearful of getting
deeper – not ready to commit as yet as she is fearful of displeasing ‘kuan
yin’. This calls for ‘warfare prayer’. I need to know more about this ‘kuan yin’
in order to try to allay her fears. It
is good that she asked questions but not in a disrespectful manner (we have
built up a certain friendship level). I
need to answer her queries but I must be careful not be sidetracked (like the
Samaritan woman at the well trying to sidetrack but Jesus brought her back to
the real issues again). It is important
to show respect and not prolong when it is ‘times up’. Be patient and wait for another opportunity.
Case study 3
Brief background
Ah
Mei is in her mid 40’s. I used to visit
her as her three children used to come to our Sunday School. Her son, in his
early 20’s, is a baptized member of our church.
I was told that they (Ah Mei and the husband) were ‘mugged’ in the wee
hours of the night two weeks ago. Ah Mei
works in a restaurant and her husband would fetch her back. One night, as they were returning back to
their flat (fourth storey), some ‘bad hats’ set upon them. They decided to move out of their flat and
have rented a house in a nearby housing estate.
I visited them the day after they shifted out, just to see them in their
newly rented house– that was five days ago.
I decided to visit Ah Mei again today (23/7/05) with the intention of sharing
the gospel to her (all along, I have never shared the gospel – just friendly
visits).
Report of sharing
I
did not make an appointment, as they do not have a phone yet. But I know she would be free in the early
afternoon (knowing our contacts helps us to visit at a suitable time). I enquired how they were coping in the new
environment. I also asked her to relate
to me again her ‘ordeal’ (I had asked that before during the earlier
visit). I did this deliberately as I
wanted her to realize that God had protected them since they were not injured,
just very frightened (they moved out in such a hurry as they were afraid to
return home again late at night after work).
When she replied that indeed they were ‘protected’, I said ‘let us pray
and give thanks’. I sensed her felt
need was ‘safety and protection’. She did not object and I prayed
thanking God for helping them find a place so soon and protecting them from
harm. I asked God to continue to protect
them.
Since
she was very open, I immediately took out the ‘abundant life’ tract (both
language versions) – ‘strike when the iron is hot’ (seizing the best
opportunity). I again pointed out the
choice of the colour ‘red’. I read the
title ‘abundant life’ in Cantonese and asked whether I have read it correctly! She smiled when I told her I am
English-educated and am learning to read the Chinese characters. She chose the Chinese version while I
referred to the English version. I read in Cantonese whatever I knew (pg. 1)
and sought her help when I could not read certain words – this is to establish
‘rapport’ and letting her know I am willing to learn. I asked her to read in Cantonese (John
10:10). Some sections I explained, some
sections I asked her to read aloud (it is best to do it together). She did not raise any questions but was very
cooperative.
Since
I knew from the past two experiences the problems concerning the understanding
of ‘sin’ (pg. 7), I asked her to explain what she understands by ‘sin’. As expected, she replied that sins are outward
wrong behaviours and actions. I
explained that the biblical understanding involves also ‘internal wrong
attitudes’. But it is mainly ‘rebellion
against God’. She did not object and
when we came to pg. 8 (man cannot save himself) I brought up the misconception
that most people have regarding Christianity and other religions. I explained the main difference between them
– grace versus good works. She agreed
with the statement that ‘no amount of good works can cover the sins already
committed’ (pg. 8). I asked her to read
pg. 11 (what does Jesus offer to you?)
She read the following pages by herself silently. Meanwhile I prayed silently for the Holy
Spirit to help her understand. Then we
came to pg. 15 (would you like to receive this abundant life?). I asked her whether she would like to
receive. She surprised me by replying
that she already believes in Jesus! But
she has never made it public to anybody. So I asked her to continue reading up
to pg. 17. She read it all by herself especially the ‘prayer to receive
abundant life’ (pg. 17). I asked her
whether she would like to pray a simple prayer of accepting Jesus – follow me
phrase by phrase. She agreed! Halleluyah!
I congratulated her and we continued to go through the whole
booklet.
We
returned to ‘immediate follow-up on pp. 21-22’.
I asked her whether she has a bible – she said she could use her
son’s. Then I emphasized the need to
attend new believers classes. As she has to work at night and believers’
classes are at night, I told her that I will teach her separately according to
what is suitable for her. She suggested Monday night – Monday once in three
weeks she is off. We agreed to have our first class on 8th August at
8.00 pm! (we laughed – 888!). Since she
is off only once in three weeks, she would not be able to attend any normal
believers’ class. I was glad she was
willing to have follow-up classes. This
is a genuine conversion! But once in
three weeks may a bit too slow. I may have to teach her more frequently later –
perhaps in the afternoon once a week (got to be patient and see how things work
out). As she gets home late, she may not
be able to come for Sunday worship at 9.00 a.m.
This will be sorted out later (do not overwhelm a new believer). As she had to get dinner ready before going
to work at 4 pm., she went to the kitchen.
I talked to her daughter for a while and then left the house.
Review
I
had not expected her to say she already believes in Jesus, as she gave no
indication at all on my previous visits to see her. I quickly seized the opportunity to help her
‘officially’ accept Jesus as Saviour and Lord.
And I did the right thing in setting up a date for ‘follow-up’. Since she is willing, it indicated that she
is really genuine in her conversion.
This is the first time I led a person in the prayer of commitment
(personal evangelism). I was glad that
God gave me the joy of harvesting (I seem to be only sowing). But many others have sowed and watered in Ah
Mei’s life. This is only the beginning
of another phase – discipling.
Evangelism has not finished yet – evangelism includes proclaiming the
gospel and ‘teaching them’ – the principle of discipleship.
Overview of the three cases
I
was careful not to be too quick to push Christianity to people. I need to establish friendships with
non-believers and earn the right to proclaim the gospel to them. Friendship evangelism is slow but usually
more lasting and permanent. Through my earlier
contact and visits (case 2 and 3) I had gained knowledge of their problems and
therefore was able to meet their felt needs. In case 1, I did not sense her felt
need until much later.
As
we normally wish to go through the whole gospel message (whole booklet) in one
sitting, and as we do not wish to stay too long (outlive our welcome), there is
really not much time for the person to ask questions (because our time with them includes ‘warming
up’ – ‘small talk’ first). There is a
tendency to not want to be ‘sidetracked’ (case 2) and get back to the real
issues. Therefore we need wisdom because
we do not want the person to think that we have come to ‘preach’ to them. I guess it takes practice to know what and
when to answer their queries. Otherwise,
we will not be able to present the whole gospel. However, we need to be sensitive to the
person and stop when she no longer wants to listen (wait for another
opportunity as in case 2).
I
realize that non-believers defend themselves by saying that all religions are
the same. Furthermore, they do not have
the biblical view of sin. I will need to
spend more time on explaining the difference between the Chinese view of sin
and the biblical view of sin. This is
because if they do not understand the biblical view of sin, they will not be
convinced that ‘man cannot save himself’.
Every
person is different and every case requires a slightly different approach. I realize that I need to be alert and
sensitive and dependent on the Holy Spirit.
I also have to constantly remind myself that I am not the Messiah! I am to be the Lord’s co-labourer - - do my
part and allow God to do His. But I
need to evaluate and analyze so that I will know my mistakes and improve the
next time around. And I also realize that
the more I share, the less fearful I become!
I am grateful for the opportunity to share with these three friends of
mine. I will be on the lookout for many
more opportunities!
Reported
by Dn. Yoke Chan
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