I have known John my whole Christian life. He is a much older Christian man, who has been eagerly involved in many ways with church plants and other ministry activities all over the place.
Recently he has earned the nickname ‘Uncle John’ among the international students who now ministers to through his involvement with FOCUS at UTAS.
I was having coffee with John the other day and talking about evangelism and discipleship - how it truly is like the parable of the sower. I said something along the lines of ‘You realise how much it’s outside your control, how they respond’.
And John, a thoroughgoing Calvinist, clarified my comment with some very wise words that have stayed with me:
Oh but there’s a lot you can do. You can pursue them in prayer. Pray for them earnestly that God might prepare the soil of their heart to receive the word.
And you can show hospitality to them. If they show even the slightest bit of interest, you have to grab them and follow them up. Take a hold of them, invite them into your home, talk with them.
It’s hard work. But it’s good work.
via Blog - Christian Reflections http://genevapush.com/blogs/xian_reflections/advice-on-evangelism-from-uncle-john (NB: to comment go to thegenevapush.com/xian_reflections)
