Well Orchestrated 3/9/2013

As the CBC Evangelism Team, including David, Mark, Sharon, Debbie, Dean C., Sai, Paul, Elder Mike, Jack, Steve M. and Steve V., cheerfully took to the streets of Burbank, we were accompanied, providentially speaking, by an intrepid cello player. He, in turn, was accompanied by a digital orchestra which provided an unusually dignified background to the proclamation of the Gospel. Although at times overpowering the speaker, amplification-wise, it was a welcome change from the typical cacophony of paganistic rhythms.

We were encouraged by Pastor Ed, and his wife Kelly, who stopped by to visit.

Inspired by last week's Missions Conference, team members gathered for prayer, as we usually do, at the Burbank Police Department parking lot. Often the topic of discussion, before praying, is a recap of recent events which seem to exemplify the rising spirit of Anti-Christ in our culture, and which underscore the imminence of the Lord's return, and the urgency of all missions work. David shared the story of a Canadian Pastor who was instructed by a court to renounce his faith in Christ or face jail time, as well as a twisted tale of the legal confusion surrounding a surrogate mother who refused to abort the baby she was carrying.

David also shared a list of topics, compiled by a news commentator, which the Anti-Christian world wants Christians to stop talking about. This list represents a point by point outline of a good ten minute gospel presentation from the box. Hmmmm. Coincidence?

Our brother Jack, who, when he is not busy evangelizing the lost, is a doctor busy reading x-rays, took his first turn on the box. As a rite of passage, he was introduced (i.e. thrown under the bus) by David in his usual "sink or swim" way with an invitation to anyone with a question about the Bible or evolution to come up to the heckler mic and "ask this guy!" Jack did well, speaking about the righteousness of Christ, and sharing the Good Person Test. He exhorted those passing by, "God is calling you out!"

Many one-to-ones took place.

Sharon prayed with this woman.

David giving the "are you sure you are a Christian?" test.

Mark prayed with this man, named Nick, who is a traveling preacher from Florida. (Ed. note: In our blog post two weeks ago we mistakenly described him as homeless.) He asked that we pray that the Lord would bless him with a new pair of boots. After this he went his way, confident that the Lord would provide.

Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: 'I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.'" Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. (Acts 13:46-48)