2013 was a transitional year for the CBC Evangelism Team. Every one of us has changed, growing in Christ. The world has changed, running further from the Way, the Truth and the Life. But our Lord has not changed, and God's plan of redemption has not changed. And so we joyfully and prayerfully soldier on.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 NKJV)
Tonight's team included Mark, Paul, Jack & Barbara, Dean & Sai, Steve M., Forest, and Steven V. We were also joined by Paul's friend Mark, a brother who attends Calvary Baptist Church in Santa Clarita.
A new act was added to the "circus," creating a cacaphony of disparate sounds which did not blend well. This young woman had set up with her guitar and amp directly across from the restaurant, while the beatboxers were blasting away at the other end of the public area. Being last on the scene, we took up a position between the two, directly across from the unlit Christmas Tree and facing AWAY from the restaurant.
The team was challenged anew over the issue of "noise," by the manager of the Market City Caffe, seen here talking to Steve M. The restaurant manager was cordial in demeanor, but he suggested to us that somehow the various street performers should regulate themselves before the City Council, of which he is a member, decides to start requiring permits. Admittedly, he picked a very good opportunity to make his point. It was quite chaotic, sound-wise. Unfortunately, we do get lumped in with the performers. All of us are offensive in our own ways (except perhaps the Cello player;-). In our case, though, it is the content of the message. I mentioned that we have been aiming our amps away from his location. Before he left, the restauranteur admitted that he and several of his patrons felt the message was offensive.
Dr. Jack had a cordial discussion with the Guitar Woman. Not surprisingly, she also objected to our presentation of the Gospel. Jack used the opportunity to clarify the Gospel message.
Yet, in spite of the efforts by a few to marginalize or compete with the proclamation of the Gospel, many people come up and gladly take bibles. Many more receive tracts, and others stop to engage in one-to-one discussions. Let us not grow weary in doing the work we have been called to do.
This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. (Titus 3:8)
Some goals to pray about for 2014:
-Continue weekly outreaches to Burbank and North Hollywood.
-Consider additional sites for witnessing in Burbank.
-A monthly outreach to Hollywood, and Glendale also.
-Some kind of collaboration with the
Armenian Reformed Bible Church and Hope Hollywood Church.
-Further opportunities for "venue" evangelism, such as the Glendale Car show.
-Collaboration with other ministries at Calvary Bible Church, such as Hope Again, and Avenues Pregnancy Clinics.
-Opportunities for Team training and fellowship.
The Time is Short
The
current episode of the Jan Markell show, "Understanding the Times," has an interesting wrap-up of some of the many developments in world politics and culture during 2013 which exemplify the steady march toward the soon return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us be encouraged and inspired by the promise of the Angels who witnessed to the disciples at the ascension of Christ: "This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11)
The A.M. Shift 12/24/2013
This week's morning shift was blessed with a great turn out of faithful evangelists. Dean S., Paul, and Mark joined Steve for a Christmas Eve Day outreach at the crossroads of the Valley, North Hollywood Metro Station.
May the Eternal Lord bless us all in the New Year.
Join with us in the New Year of Our Lord, 2014!
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