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For years I thought I was a Christian. But I discovered that there is a big difference between being “religious” and having a “personal relationship” with the Creator of the Universe. Choosing to become a “Follower of Jesus” I found the difference to be like night and day!
As a young Christian, I read a book which recounted the story of a terminally ill nine-year-old boy, who asked the Lord to allow him to influence as many people for eternity as he was years old. At his funeral nine individuals–doctors, nurses, and others gave public announcement that, because of his life and testimony, they had met the Savior and knew that they would join him in Heaven.
The story inspired me to want to do the same. But I didn’t know how to share in a way people could understand. Tears were shed asking God to somehow help me. What a joy it was when God allowed me to lead my first person to Christ. God was present and in charge. The Holy Spirit transformed a soul reaching out for God, accepting Christ’s redemption, and being “born again” (literally, “born from above”) right before my eyes!
This was awesome; I wanted to see it happen again! In spite of many failures, God directed my steps to other seeking souls and that goal was reached. There were many unsuccessful situations, but God gave fruit.
Recognizing the deep desire that God has for others to be brought into a personal relationship with Him I wondered how I could participate with Him. What could I do? I heard a church hymn sung, “Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing.” God seemed to whisper in my heart that the only things we can take with us to Heaven is other people. How neat it would be to have a thousand people stand shoulder-to-shoulder with me in Heaven, singing praises before the throne of God that I, in a tiny way, had influenced. Impossible for me, yet His promise was that He would do it through me if I was willing. (I Thess. 5:24) “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” Only God knows the sincerity of those I shared with, but I do believe that He has achieved that goal in my life.
Reading testimonies of how people have come to know Christ as their personal Savior, and experiences of other soul winners leading people to Christ, has been an inspiration to me. To be sensitive to the spiritual needs of others and being willing to speak to that need. Each testimony is unique. If sharing my experiences challenges other believers to consider opportunities available to them, praise the Lord. God is the author of each incident; the honor and glory is His.
The following collection of events is the result of my jotting down notes and recording the experiences after leading someone to Christ. Later, when the Lord laid it on my heart to write this book, those notes became essential in recounting details. When James and I married in September of 1974, he was publishing a monthly newsletter for the Family Altar Broadcast. He wanted me to contribute a short soul-winning column entitled, “God’s Appointments.” Many “appointments,” which never got recorded are gone from my memory, but not God’s. By God’s grace, I look forward to many more “appointments,” until the Lord calls me home.
Not everyone I’ve talked to makes a decision for Salvation. More say, “No,” or “I’m not ready right now,” than say, “Yes.” Everyone has to choose on their own accord. Some may say “Yes” but not fully connect with the Heart of God (it’s not magical words) – God knows who are genuinely sincere. However, many that say “No” – may at a later time, remembering what the Bible states, genuinely receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior before their last breath.
In Jesus’ earthly ministry, many rejected His message. The Bible tells us that Jesus wept because of their unbelief (Luke 19:41). Rather than be discouraged, I choose rather to encourage them to not put it to the side but to give it serious consideration. Hell is real and should be avoided. If they are not ready, it wouldn’t work anyway, as God knows the heart. Since God initiated the situation, we can be confident the Holy Spirit is faithful to finish what He started. I usually ask them for permission to be praying for them that they would become ready and do it at a later time, and to please let me know so I can rejoice with them. I’ve never experienced anyone who did not give me permission to pray for them.
But in this book, I have shared accounts of individuals who said, “Yes.” My prayer is that others will have that same joy of seeing people come to know Christ, as they share Him. Jesus promised His disciples, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Having first made certain that we ourselves are on the way to Heaven, let us endeavor to take others with us.
This book is divided into three sections. Section 1 recounts actual soul-winning experiences. Section 2 gives a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, which is found in the Gospel of John 3. Section 3 provides helpful tips for witnessing. Things I’ve learned that I wish I had known years ago. Tips I pray will help and encourage others to seek their own opportunities to influence people for Heaven.
Some fishermen fish to enjoy the fishing experience, while others fish to catch fish. As Jesus taught His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Luke 10:2). Fruit that is ready for harvest needs to be harvested. Be ready to pick the fruit in everyday opportunities and pray that God will increase the number of laborers in His field. The goal is to encourage others in soul winning, looking for opportunities, not only to witness, but also to actually lead people to accept Christ. God receives the glory when those He uses understand that they cannot succeed on their own; Jesus taught, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). No spiritual endeavor should begin without fervent prayer. “Sing to the LORD, bless His name; tell of His Salvation from day to day.” (Psalm 96:2)
