One thing to remember is that believers can really have only two possible relationships with any other person. They are either in a witnessing relationship with the lost or they are in fellowship with another believer. Part of fellowshipping with Christians is encouraging them to live fully for the Lord.
We received this letter recently where one believer felt very encouraged:
Hi Mark,
I met you Easter morning at “our” church, People’s Baptist. I was seated across the aisle from you. You came over and introduced yourself, and then gave me a book. Just wanted to say how nice it was meeting you and thank you again for the book.
I’m very talkative and rarely meet a stranger, but I find it hard approaching strangers when it comes to witnessing. However, after reading your book, I have had the chance to witness to two ladies. When I started talking with them, I was amazed at how easily the words came out of my mouth. I believe God put you across the aisle from me for a good reason. Just wanted to share this with you.
You also told me a little about the issues you are having with your heart. As I said on Sunday, please take care of yourself, and I will keep you in my prayers.
God bless you, and keep up the wonderful work you are doing.
Sincerely,
Elaine J.
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Elaine emailed me back and said:
Oh, my goodness! I received a package from you yesterday and was I ever surprised. I was only expecting The Watchman, not a box full of books and a DVD set. I looked outside to see if it was snowing because I felt like it was Christmas!! Thank you so much.
I can’t wait to continue my journey on how to witness by reading your books and watching the DVDs. Also, in the process, I know I will be learning more about myself. It is amazing what we come to recognize in our own lives that we somehow never thought about. As a Christian, I’ve never been ashamed to talk about my faith and certainly never denied Christ, but it seems as though that was always with other Christians, never with anyone I thought might be a lost soul. But, you never know who might be listening.
In the past few weeks, I really have stepped out of my comfort zone more and more. As you told me, God would give me the words, and He has. I’ve even been leaving tracts in the most unusual places. We had a Missionary Conference at People’s this past Sunday, and I got several hints about where the missionaries leave their tracts.
Do you come to People’s very often? Would love to see and talk with you again.
I hope your heart health continues to improve. You are on our prayer list at church and in our hearts as well.
Continued blessings on you, Mark, and your ministry.
Thank you again for the material you sent and for stepping across the aisle and talking to me on Easter.
Elaine
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What are you doing to encourage other believers?
Some friends of mine were out witnessing and encouraged a fellow believer to share his faith more. He was very excited to get some literature that will encourage him to do just that. By the way, you can’t fake a smile like that!
Galatians 6:10
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
You want to be witnessing yourself so you can encourage others to be doing the same. Be sure to make reaching the lost a priority with everyone you meet.
Until the Nets are Full,
