September 30in30

Rejection or NOT

2011-09-22T13:21:00.000+08:00

Tired .. don't feel like tracting ...

I was in the bus at a quiet window seat corner catching up with my Bible reading & not expecting anyone to sit beside me as it was quite late in the morning and the bus was quiet.

Hhhmmm ... a man for some odd reason had motioned to the opposite side of my row, turn subtly to the seat beside me and sat down.

Still putting on my evangelism ignorance spirit (ironically I was digging into my Bible) , I wonder why there were so many empty seats around and he just chose to sit beside me. *Sigh*

*DING DING* off came a sms notificationfrom from my bag! Distraction I thought to myself!

Put the Bible aside and reach for my handphone in my bag. It was my Sept30in30 manager doing his routine weekly sms to group members and it read:

"Dear brethren and sisters in Christ,how has everyone been? How has your walk been with Christ? Truth being said, it's been a tough walk for me personally but I always remind myself of what Joshua said. 'But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.' (Joshua 24:15b) He has done great things for us, can we do a little for Him each day in our walk of life? Start with a word of prayer, 'Lord, May you sanctify my walk with thee that I may be a useful instrument to my Master.'p.s. Let's gather together this Friday after our fellowship group to spend some time praying to the Lord"

It was a timely reminder. Quickly brush away my ill-manner attitude, cast down all things that I felt heavy at heart and pull a tract off my bag to get ready to tract.

Rejection came immediately ... he reckon he is a RC and we are the same. He doesn't need it.

My heart to reach out to him did not go and so we start conversing. He was on his way back from work to go home in Alexander Hieghts.

Man: "...It's important to enjoy life....I don't think about Heaven and Hell or what happen after death, that's not important...And I don't see the point of people going to church every Sunday so that they can go to Heaven...Jesus is just man who gave the law..."

Dunno how to tackle those statements he raised. It was clear to me at this point that the man is not saved and he needs to take the tract ... asking God to grant me the opporunity and courage to give him the tract again.

Out of the norm, he mentioned about his father's death 4 year ago ... *OPPORTUNITY* I briefly shared to him about my mum's death late last year and how she has the assurance to go to Heaven before she left us and I know one day I shall go to where my mum is now in ....

I could see my busstop coming into sight and the bus was hold up at the traffic light ... I hold out the tract to him again and told him that I'll pray for him. He accepted it!

Please pray for Tran, a Vietnamese, working as a translator contractor that he will read the Gospel tract and reject NOT the message.

Thank God!

Tales of Train Tracts in Bangkok

2011-09-16T14:55:00.000+08:00

It's a small world when God is at work. Whilst on our honeymoon, we attended the Evangelical Church of Bangkok on Sunday. A lady shared with the church about how she became a Christian after three chance meetings with three different people within 24 hours all proclaiming Jesus as the only God.

Lady shows the tract that she received (Click to Enlarge)

The first happened when she was on the Bangkok underground trains (MRT) where she ran into a former Chulalongkorn University friend. He had become a Christian in recent years and after sharing the gospel, promised "Tonight, I will pray for you". That night, she was at her local gym or something and noticed someone she did not recognise. She had a strange urge to talk to this person and found out that they too believed in God. When asked which God did she believe in, the lady told her about Jesus Christ. The gave her a tract with the sinner's prayer on the back and explained how to become a Christian. Now, the lady was very surprised. Two people within one day telling her about this Jesus.

The next day, she was running late for work and for some reason prayed that she would be able to get to work on time. Straight away, a taxi stopped in front of her so she got in. The taxi driver driving her to work had just come back from Israel and also shared how he had become a Christian as well! So many people in Bangkok and yet, God would lead three of His believers to run into this lady within 24 hours. She was so moved by this that she sought out the pastor at Evangelical Church of Bangkok for some counselling and became a Christian!

Wow, what an encouraging testimony to hear during 30in30 and surely, God wanted this testimony to be shared with all of you as we are challenged to share the gospel more in our life! But that was not the most amazing thing...

After the Worship service, we met my cousin for lunch and as we were walking to the MRT, we shared with her the testimony that we heard in Church today, quietly hoping that maybe such a coincidence would happen to her to convince her of God's greatness. We got on the train and eventually three seats became available so we sat down. The lady next to us started talking to my cousin and offered her some lollies. I started thinking, "That's a good way to start sharing the gospel with someone, offer something first out of love then offer the Eternal Gift of love". I was moved to pray for my cousin's salvation and that someone would give her a tract one day.

Straight after my prayer, I noticed that the lady was now fiddling with her bag and then pulled out a little booklet and gave it to my cousin! It was written in Thai but the front cover was in English "Am I a Sinner?" I was so shocked and in awe at how fast God would answer my prayer by getting this lady to have the courage to give out this gospel tract to my cousin!! She started talking more with my cousin as I nudged HL to have a look at what is going on! It was another big encouragement to us that God does work in mighty ways just through the use of a tract offered on a train! Never underestimate the power of God working through each of the gospel tracts you give out! It will probably be part of the answer to someone else's prayer.

Just a thought ... yet it happened!

2011-09-07T12:32:00.001+08:00

Tracting yesterday ...

End of work day and I haven't given out any tract ...

Waiting at the bus stop wondering who should I 'target'!

Find it intimidating to tract as more and more ppl crowd the bus stand ...

Thought to myself: If only if someone would speak to me!

Stop at the bus timetable post to check out my bus time and from behind ...

"Which bus go to the bus port?"

Dream 'target' walk up to me to be tracted!

Thank God! :)

God answered prayer within 2 hrs

2011-09-05T08:30:00.000+08:00

As usual, God has answered His prayer very specifically in His own way.

This morning before work, i prayed for an opportunity to bring others to Christ today, an opportunity to share the works of God to others. On the way to train, somehow, God has spoke to me in a way I ought to be prepared today to meet such a person like this.

Amazingly, God has not failed and He open the door for me –it’s none other than where my own workplace! My colleague was asking me how’s my weekend is. So i was sharing what i was doing on my weekend that i was spending the afternoon at a cafe reading my bible and a books writing some notes with it. She expressed her interest and asking further question regarding religion as she is from a catholic background.

She was amazed about how i got this religion ethic. I really want to thank God not because it looks good on me but because God has given me an opportunity to share the words of God. Somehow, fear did not get into me just now and i share to her that it will be different if you have a relationship with God. I then share a bit of Gospel to her “indirectly” about what the bible has said, as well as to share a quick testimony how i was raised as a roman catholic background and came to Christ and how God has changed my life since then.

The conversation wasn’t long but i thank God for this opportunity to testify of Him during work. May God continue to receive His Glory He deserve and continue to work in my colleague heart.

The Creator creates opportunity to tract

2011-09-01T09:00:00.001+08:00

Have seen this guy waiting the same bus as me at the same bus stop almost everyday. Want to reach out to him but he seems so reserved and unapproachable. Saw him walking ahead of me this morning, I just prayed quietly in the heart that God might guide me...Then his bag began to drip brown liqids at the bus stop....his thermal cup containing coffee in the bag was toppled over! I qickely went over to pass some tissue to him (while thanking God inside my heart for the opportunity to approach him). When we have got unto the bus, I gave him a tract.

Thank God for His commpassion on this man and creates the opportunity for him to know the gospel. Praise the LORD!

What Christians should do about Halloween

2010-11-01T11:29:00.000+08:00

Last night, I had a thought to go jogging which normally doesn't happen. I jogged around the neighbourhood and noticed a lot of kids walking around, some with their parents. Then I remembered that it was Halloween. I went into the usual Christian lament about the trick or treat tradition that glorifies the dark side but then I had one thought come to mind. Maybe I should go back home to get some tracts and go for another lap. If God were to bring me to some kids trick or treating on the second lap, then I would give it to them.

After some time more of jogging I decided I would go home and get the tracts. As I started to jog, I prayed for more courage. This prayer was repeated when I noticed a group of three kids walking around. I had five tracts so I started heading in their direction. They were about to walk into the driveway of a house, when I appeared. "I've got something for you guys" and started handing them a tract each. I noticed the mother was with them and she said "what do you say?" prompting the kids to say thank you. I was quite pleasantly surprised by her support and before I left, I said "hope it scares the hell out of you". One of the kids said "its a comic book!" and I found myself leaping for joy in my heart as I ran off from there! More ideas for next year's Halloween counter-attack sprung to mind as I headed home with my fear turning to adrenaline as I ran.

Last tract today

2010-10-01T23:07:00.000+08:00

Thank God, today I was able to give out my last tract. I have been giving out tracts and walking away for all the other tracts so I thought I better talk to the person who receives my last tract. I tried to give out a tract to two people but got rejected twice. After walking around a bit more, I approached a guy around the same age as me. “Hi, can I give you one of these? It’s a Gospel tract.” He looked confused and said “What is this?” “Have you heard about Jesus Christ? This booklet is about that. I don’t want to offend you but can I ask one question? If you were to die tonight, are you sure you are going to heaven?” He said “No, are you sure?” so we had a short conversation before his bus came, and I said “Anyway, have a read”. He assured me that he would read it on the bus and I found out his name is Francisco. Thank God that I was finally able to open my mouth for the Gospel after 30 days!

Youth 180 Friday Night City Tracting

2010-09-23T22:47:00.001+08:00

Last Friday night, Youth 180 went out to hand out tracts and share the Gospel with those in the city.

After singspiration and prayer at Church, 9 of us travelled into the city, focusing on the two main malls (hay and murray st).

Many of us had very interesting and amazing encounters. A few of my own and other's experiences:

- I gave the TWYL tract to these two hardcore looking swedish guys who turned out to be really friendly and nice. The amazing thing was, that one of them had received the tract before in GERMAN while in SWITZERLAND!!

- Ran into Christians in the city who were giving out the same tracts as us. They go every single friday night. They were REALLY encouraged by us and vice versa!!

- A guy who received a TWYL tract called the number on the back of the tract. He started arguing on the phone, very angry, saying he can enjoy his sin if he wants to. As the saying goes "those who are closest to the edge fight the hardest" - his conscience was convicted and he was doing his best to fight it as much as possible. Pray for this man!

- A brother talked to a man for almost the whole night and even though there was a slight language barrier, this man said the sinner's prayer. Praise God! The Gospel transcends all boundaries =)

Praise God for a amazing night of tracting. For myself, I was actually having a tough time giving out tracts. This month fear of man paralysed me, I've always thought of myself as a person who generally does not have that fear. God really humbled me this month and through a increasing reliance on Him, this year's 30in30 is one of the most enjoyable I've had, not because it has been easy, but because of lessons I have learnt along the way.

Keep shining for Christ!!

"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

And of some have compassion, making a difference:

And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen."

Jude 1:20-25

Will I also be tracted one day?

2010-09-18T22:56:00.002+08:00

While passing a shop today, I was given a catalogue which reminded me of something I needed to get. After my doing my errands, I went back to the shop. After I paid, I gave a tract to the lady at the counter. She took a look and saw that it's a This Was Your Life Tract. Without opening it, she recognised the gospel tract and smilingly said, "I'm already a Christian. Good girl." This was the first time I tracted a Christian who recognised the tract. Thank God for this encounter. This made me think...will I also be tracted one day? May Christians who have been tracted be encouraged and reminded that we have been called to share the gospel.

A game of badminton turns into evangelism

2010-09-08T22:00:00.001+08:00

Before I went to play badminton with some friends tonight, I prayed on the way there that I would have the opportunity to tract some people.

All through the game I looked around and saw that tonight there were so many people - lots of basketballers, badminton players and people doing Kendo.

There had to be some way that these people could be tracted!

Whilst it was my turn to rotate and sit out of the badminton game I prayed hard over and over again that God would give opportunities to tract.

And did God answer!

Another sister decided to sit out and I was able to pass her 30in30 tract pack. She had not been able to receive it before and was technically behind. Both of us then thought it would be a great idea to tract the basketball players sitting on the benches and also people around. So we took a few of my own tracts and about 8 or more of her tracts.

I had seen a girl also sitting on the sidelines and knew that I wanted to tract her. So we both decided to go over and have a chat with this girl (Trina).

Turns out Trina was an atheist but said she was open to things as well. We briefly were able to talk to her and tract her but weren't able to have an in depth discussion.

As we made our way around the Recreation Centre and decided to first pray for God's leading and that we would not fear man!

I had to admit I was quite intimidated by all the basketball players in their groups! But praise God we spotted to ladies sitting at a table both reading. The sister and I decided to take one lady each! Praise God for the opportunity to witness and share the gospel with these two ladies and to tract them. Also it was no coincidence that both these ladies on the same table had empty chairs next to them (perfect for me and the sister to sit down on).

After this we had to pack up all the badminton nets etc. and went over to help the others.

It turns out that a group of basketball players wanted our court.

The sister and I, having still many tracts left in our hands decided this would be our opportunity to tract them.

Most of the basketballers were receptive and took the tracts praise God! We had handed out all our tracts except two!

So as we were heading to go home, I saw a basketballer sitting on the bench. I quickly turned and decided to give it to him. Turns out that Thomas goes to a church (PCCC) and is a Christian but didn't know what a gospel tract was. I was only able to briefly talk to him but encouraged him to give the tract to one of his friends.

The other sister also had one tract left and just as we were leaving we saw another guy sit on the bench as well. She quickly also went to give him the tract.

Praise God, that one badminton game turned out into a fantastic amazing tracting and evangelism experience.

It is only truly by God's grace, His ability and His Spirit! There truly is joy found in sharing the gospel with others :) It also goes to show that prayer works, God answers and He will do work. All glory to God!!!

2010-09-07T12:50:00.001+08:00

For 30in30 in the previous years, I had always chosen the "tract and run" approach. For this year, I have been praying that I can give out the tracts to people I know (eg. colleagues) or those who I often meet or see (eg. on the bus or train) so that I will have the opportunity to follow-up on them. I thank God that for the first three days I had been able to tract the people I often meet.

By Monday, I was 2 tracts behind, but I knew that I would be meeting a few people at the bus-stop. I prayed while walking to the bus-stop and saw one of the ladies who I usually sat next to on the bus to the train station. From previous conversations, I know that she goes to a Catholic church every Sunday. I gave her the tract and told her about 30in30.

After my train stop, I got on the Red Cat and saw one of my colleagues, whom I know is also a Roman Catholic who goes to church every Sunday with his family. When we were walking to the office, I gave him the tract and also told him about 30in30.

I still had Tract #6 to give out and prayed that God will "bring the right person to me". Before I left work, I went to the kitchen to wash my cup. One of my colleagues came in to fill his water bottle and asked how was my weekend. I told him that Sat was a relaxing day and Sunday was church, ie worship, old folks home and sister's fellowship. He then asked me about church as he used to go to a Roman Catholic school and so, knows a bit about the religion. He said that his parents are not religious and he was never baptised. I told him that I have something for him to read and gave him Tract #6. We talked a bit more about Christianity and he told me that he'll read the tract. I'm really thankful that God opened up the opportunity to talk to him. I pray that God will give me courage and opportunities to follow-up with those who have received the tracts.

Providence

2010-09-06T11:59:00.002+08:00

8.30pm

2/09

Dunsbrough

Golden Bay chinese restaurant

On this night, something strange happened, we rang up many places to book for dinner, but everyone was finished so fast around 7pm all shops and restaurant all closed, so we finally got a place called golden bay chinese restaurant, just not far away from our place.

We went into the restaurant but there are no one there, only one girl serving, but she told us usually people finish dinner very early and they close at 8pm, as when we got there its already 7:45 pm, but they were quite nice to have us there.

The family are from china, nanjing. they are very friendly and polite, they starting to talk to us and asking where we from and so on. so after the meal when we were about to pay, i gave her a tract, she took it and say i have many friends who are Christians too, and many clients from Perth come here to eat. She even know that there will be a sermon held at the burswood coming up and she say she have a bible and likes to read them, but i know she is a buddhist becuase even her restaurant has many false gods. we talked so much almost forgot the time, she was quite receptive. i told her why she need Jesus, and the original sin was from adam and eve, quote her bible verses from romans 6:23 and john 3:16. she was really happy to listen, hopefully she will be a Christian too. i told her its not by chance that we looked for so many restaurant, but God sent us here to eat at her restaurant. she agreed with me and smiled.

God uses Gospel Tract in War against Terror

2010-09-06T10:40:00.001+08:00

If you ever wanted proof of God's ability to work through just a gospel tract given out to a stranger, this article showed how the son of a terrorist organisation's leader was converted by a London taxi driver who gave out a tract during a vacation in Jerusalem. As you muse the power behind the Gospel, remember that God has promised that

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.- 2 Peter 3:9

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. - Isaiah 55:11

Read more here and from The Daily Telegraph here. More about the book here.

Tracting turns to fellowship in South Perth

2010-09-04T10:28:00.000+08:00

I was behind with my tracting so I decided to start my morning with God in South Perth and do some tracting. As usual I was seeking for the quick shoot and run opportunities. When I arrived at the shore, I noticed the bench I wanted to sit at was taken by an old-ish couple. Something said to me that I should tract them, but I chose not to because it would mean I would have to talk to them – I was looking for someone “on the move”. After a stroll to the jetty and back, the couple were still there, so I said a little prayer and held the courage to approach them.

As I handed the tract and about to speak, I realised in front of the couple were Bibles, journals and Christian books! They were a couple doing devotions together! It was so sweet! After sharing a bit, I told them we were doing 30in30. The wife asked me if I would like to hear a story, so I thought sure. Not long into the sharing, I realised she was talking about the man on George Street in Sydney! In my excitement, I told her “I know that story!” But I think she was having so much joy in sharing, she continued to tell me the story anyway. Her husband tried hinting her that she didn’t have to continue, but she did. It was such a blessing to hear her heart rejoice in sharing. :)

The husband asked me which church I attend, I told him Bible-Presbyterian church, his response was “BIBLE-Presbyterian? Your church must really believe in the Bible.” So I shared with him that is true, and I thank God for that, because I used to go to a charismatic church. He then asked me why I changed from a charismatic church to a Presbyterian? I paused for a moment because only a couple of days ago, I was asked this very same question. He noticed my pause and explained to me that he used to go to a Baptist church then to a charismatic and now moved back to a Baptist. I shared with him how God lead me, shared about differences in teaching – that the charismatic were wrong in many aspects of their teaching, and I finished up by talking about worship. The conversation later lead to various things like creation etc, but before I left I had this strange urge to ask him if he was a pastor. Not that he was quoting a lot of verses to me or anything, it was more of his gentle conduct and the impressive hand written journal in front of him. He replied and said that he used to pastor a church up north but recently moved to Perth and now worship in a Baptist church (he’s on a “break”).

I didn’t know this at the time, but later I realised he was pastoring a charismatic church and moved back to Baptist – that’s why he had asked me why I changed. Thank God for the order of things that had just happened. I think if I knew he used to pastor a charismatic church, I would had been reserved in my sharing and not so bold as I was. I guess God knew. I feel quite heavy burden for this couple as I feel there may be some unanswered questions weighing on their hearts, guess this is where I can pray.

Eternity - Smoking or Non-Smoking?

2010-09-03T01:15:00.002+08:00

Today I put up my hand to do the banking for work so I can go for a walk to give out a tract. Just as I walked out of the bank, I saw 2 high school boys smoking at the corner. I walked straight past them but suddenly remembered a sister's testimony of giving her tract to a young smoking kid. This prompted me to turn back and give my tract to the kids standing in the corner. I walked toward them but the two boys started to hide from me. I realised that one of the words on my jacket says "police" which was probably why :)

From talking to them I found out that one of them belongs to a brethren church which he hates going because the church 'restricts him from doing things'. The other one said he used to go for (Sunday School) which he enjoyed but wasn't serious about God. I asked if they knew Who Jesus was and why Jesus had to die for sinners. This led to a short sharing of the Gospel. We further talked about the concept of 'eternity', 'value' of a person's soul, the the reality of Hell, and that church attendance does not 'save' a person.

Half way through the conversation, one boy put out his cigarette. He said he knows that smoking is not right, he got into it because of peer pressure. I shared with him that my dad has been a smoker all his life and now he really regrets his decision in taking up smoking all those years ago. My dad wished that he never tried to look 'cool'. The reality is that smoking leads to all sorts of health issues... Plus both of them are underage, they should not be smoking in the first place! I told them that I'm not here to get them into trouble, I only want to tell them about the God Who created them and gave them life. 'You are the bigger person by saying no to peer pressure than someone that just gives in'. They already agreed that their souls are pricesless, so how about the body that they are hurting by smoking if they wouldn't sell their eyes for $50m? I questioned. Did they realise that they are giving away the health which they perceive as precious for free to nobody's benefit?!

Thank God that both boys were very responsive, receptive and courteous. At first, I was afraid that they might joke about me but that never happened. I feared in vain. The boys said that they'll definitely have a read of the 'booklet'. I said our church's address is at the back of the 'booklet' so if they'd like to come for youth group, they know where to find us. Lastly, I shared with them that being a Christian is not about more or less restrictions you adhere to. It is about having a personal relationship with God. If you love God, you will not do the things that grieve God's heart. Do they have a relationship with God? Do they care? I said I'll pray for them and again gently encouraged them that smoking isn't 'cool' but it is quite the opposite.

September 30in30 has begun..

2010-09-02T11:44:00.000+08:00

Its now, the second day of September. This year, participants are submitting their testimonies online, so for the first time we can get updates as they happen from mobile phones, at work or at home. The statistics page is also working now. Here are a few testimonies from Day 1 to show you a day in the life of a Church at work for God.

#6301 @ 7:51 - First tract

I was praying for someone whom i can give the tract to when i was walking to the bus stop this morning. After being alone in the cold wind for about 3 minutes, there came a high school boy! I was still contemplating when i started walking up and introduce myself and handed him the tract! Thank God for the unspeakable courage! I gave him the tract and went back to my position not too sure how it might go. I saw him reading the tract from behind and i prayed for him and i felt immersed joy that i haven enjoyed for a long time! It was great God is willing to use me as a vessel to Bordon today!

#4803 @ 12:15 - Friends that care
Gave a tract to Mark, my uni friend.

#7002 @ 15:30 - Looking for a Church

Given to a relatively young believer who was looking for a church named Jo.

#8001 @ 16:00 - Making conversations

After finishing shopping at Bullcreek, there was a man walking infront of me with his shopping trolley. I walked beside him and we started talking about the cost of living and other topics. As we reached his car I asked if he would like to read this gospel tract. He took it and read aloud "Are you a good person?" He responded with "Of course I am a good person". So then I told him in that case this is for you. He went into the car with the tract and said he would read it.

#3101 @ 16:34 - Encouraging Christians in Evangelism
Lee Elliott, didn't have any opportunity to give out tracts the whole morning so I emailed my group to ask if they can pray for me. In the afternoon I had an appointment to see the branch manager of CBA. At the end of the appointment, I gave her a tract to which she appeared to be puzzled. I really just felt like walking away but thank God for courage and said to her: "This is a gospel tract. Our church is doing a project where we give out a tract a day in the month of September. You just got the first tract!" She told me that she is actively involved in her church (Maida Vale Baptist Church?) and she is actually the pastor's wife! Her husband and her recently came back from a mission trip and she is greatly encouraged that there are people in Perth evangelizing. We talked a bit more about Evangelism, Chick tracts, and God's glory before she had to go for prayer meeting.

#6201 @ 17:00 - Opportunities we would otherwise miss

Ryan M, he studies where I study. I noted that he came to some christian event at one of the University's christian societies, so I thought I would give this to him in the event that he was looking more into Christianity. I shall wait on his response after he reads it.

#0101 @ 17:15 - Praying and Tracting
After withdrawing money from atm gave tract to the next girl in line. Also prayed for everyone who are thinking of giving out the tract right now.

September 30in30 for 2010 is starting soon

2010-08-20T01:15:00.002+08:00

September 30in30 is coming soon!! Registration is now open. September 30in30 is an outreach event which goes for the month of September and each participant gives out 30 Gospel booklets to people that they meet each day of September.. to share with them about God's way to forgiveness and eternal life. Whatever church you are from, you can sign up at www.bpcwa.com/signup
Come back to this page for updates throughout 30in30.

Overcoming the "it'll be awkward" barrier

2009-09-20T13:55:00.001+08:00

Though I have done 30in30 many times before, I had always followed my golden (fear of man) rule - don't give tracts to people I will see again. This included people that caught the same train or bus, people I regurlary go to to get food or coffee, colleagues, shop keepers of my favourite stores. Shameful I know.

Last year I recognised I had a problem but didn't really do anything about it. This year I was determined to make sure I did something about this bad habit.

I think it was about here (marked on the map) during my journey home from Perth Underground Train Station on Friday that I overcame my paralysing fear of man and broke my golden 30in30 rule. despite some moments of hesitation, I reached into my handbag to grab a tract and gave it to this man sitting next to me.

I gave it to him fully knowing I could see him again someday cos he caught the same train home as me. This was BIG for this wussy serial tract-and-runner.

Thoughts raced through my head such as 'what if I see him again - it'll be awkward!' 'he doesn't look like he'd be interested' 'can't I just give him the tract when he leaves?'... But I knew God wanted me to at least try talk to him so I gave him the tract saying 'this is for you, it's a gospel tract'.

He then looked at it for a while, turned it round and read the address of our church. 'Ullapool road... where is that? I think that may have been the church I got married in'

We talked more and it turns out it wasn't the same church, but he then went on to say 'the problem with this is that I am an engineer and I believe in logic, so I won't be able to believe in God'. We talked a bit more about that and then he had to get off the train because he had arrived at his stop. We parted with him saying 'we could talk about this for hours, but I need to get off here'. He handed the tract back to me and I told him it was OK and that he could keep it and read it properly later. He thanked me and popped it into his pocket

I kinda regretted not starting the conversation sooner cos I ran out of time, but at the same time, I was happy that I overcame my fear of man and that I didn't just wuss out with another tract-and-run. I think God was gracious enough to even give me a pleasant experience too.

Maybe someday I will see him on the train again and we can continue our conversation. Instead of dreading this day, I'm kinda looking forward to it!

Kings Park 30in30 Opportunities

2009-09-19T18:54:00.001+08:00

Thank God for a great 30in30 lunch today! God cleared the rain and also made sure that the shelter was available for us to set up the lunch, worship God and hear from God's word. Bro Kang expounded on Matthew 17:24-27 and showed how Jesus taught Peter the lesson of not fearing man.

We had a gazebo to ourselves and because of a little rain, some strangers joined us for singing. Gave them two of the tracts just as they were leaving.

One couple was sitting near us during the 30in30 Lunch. After a while, I approached them and surprisingly he used to give out CHICK tracts 40 years ago, actually THIS WAS YOUR LIFE the faithful chick tract :) Asked whether he was still attending church and he and his wife are attending Perth Christian Life Centre. Ended up talking about witnessing and revival in perth. Also gave him our TRY THIS QUIZ tract and we were both encouraged by the encounter.

Once again God used 30in30 not just to bring the Gospel to the lost but to encourage other Christians to go back to a witnessing lifestyle.

Bigger is your excuses or God?

2009-09-14T13:48:00.001+08:00

As I left the campus late last night, I saw a wallet was sitting on a car's roof in the car park. I looked around and can see no one but my own shadow.

I feel very strange that the wallet was there, thinking to myself, what should I do with it. A voice in my mind said, better for you to take and return it, than someone else stealing it. And so I took that with me.

As I flip through the compartments looking for IDs and found a UWA student ID. I was ready in my mind the next day I shall bring it to UWA library as they should have no problem looking up her contact. Then, I saw a note in the wallet wrote something like "If you found this wallet, please call xxxxxxxxx..."

So today after lunch, I sms to the number, few seconds later a guy rang. He's the boy friend of the owner. Gave him This Was Your Life and Are You a Good Man? tract. Told him that it's a gospel tract and I am a Christian. Asked him if he's a Christian. ".....Yeah....use to be" he replied and I asked "So what happen now?" "Oh now I believe more in science", "But science and Christianity can co-exsist together." I told him. "I study Biology as well".

As we continue to chat, we found out that we are actually doing the same unit together and were trying to get our assignment done by 6pm tonight. So we shook hand and back to work.

Although I didn't really open up the gospel with him, but at least I know that I will see him again in the lectures. I hope this incident will be a little seed in his/her girl friend's heart of a Christian testimony. God will water it and cause it to grow.

Brothers and Sisters, September is a month fill with rare encounters and opportunities. We can find the smallest excuse for not giving out a tract or gospel to someone, but God can crush even our "biggest excuse" by bringing us to the rarest encounter. Honestly, how many lost wallet can we find in a year? Randomly found one in the month of September sitting on top of a car? Maybe it's not random after all.......

Be sure that God will amaze you with His power. Pray for more opportunities to testify Him and be prepare for the rarest encounters : )

Last night ...

2009-09-12T09:54:00.001+08:00

An account of last night incident during announcement in fellowship

A sister pop us a question in a cool manner "What is so special today?"

I was still trying to gather my thought, thinking hard of what special occasion could it be today that I have missed out

Suddenly off the congregation, someone shouted "It is the memorial of 9/11"

Never thought of that ... and still in her calm and cool posture, the sister replied steadily "It is the 11th day of Sep!".

She followed on "How are you going with your tracting? ..." And continue on with the rest of the announcement.

Reminder

Thank God for the reminder! Indeed we are almost half way of September, how are we going with our tracting?

Discouraged? Tired? No motivation? Give up? Don't care? Fearful? FORGOTTEN?

Or still faithfully, trying our VERY BEST?

May the LORD help us to fight the good fight for the LORD in September by tracting faithfully.

At the end of September, like Paul,

pray that we would be able to stand before the LORD and claim that

"I've fought the good fight!"

Can you hear the LORD?

"Carry on my child on whichever tract you are at now.

Trust in me to give out tract.

All I ask is a faithful heart in service."

We are not alone when we do His work for His promises to be with us.

May the LORD help us to not be ashamed of the Gospel. *Romans 1:16*

~ Emmanuel ~

Fail to tract today but ...

2009-09-12T00:18:00.001+08:00

I failed to tract today but God gave me oppportunity to know Lin more.

Before work bus trip

As usual, I wait for my bus to work at the bus stop. When the bus approached me, I saw a familiar face stretching her head in the bus as if expecting someone from the bus stand. It was Lin, the Asian lady I met yesterday.

Without hesitation, I sat beside her. The 1st thing she did was she pull out the children picnic invite to confirm the street name she need to enter into the GPS to bring her there. *Amazing* But she has a concern because she might either plan for house moving on the 28th Sep Monday or the Monday after. So please continue to pray for her. We chat happily till we reach city.

After work bus trip

Rush rush rush ... I reached the bus stop just in time to hail the bus before it signaled out to leave. Thank God! To my surprise, guess who is in the bus! Yes, Lin again! She didn't expect me this time. I sat beside her and we chat heartily.

Wow, recalling all the topics we have covered today, from house building, her son concert, her migration process, politics, saving, HK movie series. We got to know each other more. She even handed me her handphone to have a word with her husband during out trip home after work. God is marvelous. His timing is all perfect!

Even though I fail to tract today, I thank God for the catch up opportunity ... I mean opportunities with Lin today. :)

Thank you for praying for her and her family. Please continue to pray that her family could make it to the children picnic.

Coincidence? Accident? OPPORTUNITY !

2009-09-10T23:14:00.001+08:00

Pray, pray, pray. I committed today's tracting unto God's hand in the morning before leaving home for work.

1^st tract of the day

Soon enough I chose a seat beside an Asian looking lady in the bus to work. Without much hesitation, I pull out a tract for her to read. She accepted it. Yes, no rejection. As she read the tract, I prayed for her while doing my reading.

In a couple of minutes, she had skimmed through the tract. That was fast I thought to myself. Then I wandered whether I should stop my reading and ask her for feedback on the tract. Recalling on how I failed to take up the courage to followup on people who finished reading tracts beside me over the past few days in the bus, I was obligated that I should not miss the chance again.

Thank God for the conversation. From our conversation, she believes in gods and she is a Buddhist. Her family migrated to Perth a year or so ago and they are still trying to adjust to life here. She shares about how lonely it is in bus to work everyday. There is no one to talk to and even reading in bus is so hard because she gets dizzy after a while. She mentioned that her children are still in the transition to forsake the life in Malaysia in order to adapt their new lives and studies here. It must have been hard for her and her family to juggle with the changes.

Since she mentioned about her children who are in Year11&12 now, children Sunday school picnic crept into my mind and thus I extend the invitation to her. Yeah, got her address and tonight I am going to drop the invite at her doorstep. There end our conversation and we got off the same bus stop. Her workplace is just a street away from mine. Coincidence?

Thank God for the opportunity to tract Lin. Please pray for her and her family that they would turn up at the children Sunday school picnic.

2^nd tract of the day

Knowing that I have a physio appointment, I have decided to tract the receptionist. At the payoff counter, she has given me extra AUD20 changes which I stared for a while, trying to work out the maths. After the return of the extra notes was 'This was your life' tract. Accident? Thank God for the 2^nd tracting opportunity of the day. J

Ecclesiastes 11:6 'In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.'

p/s: Thank God that I have passed the invitation to Lin and her family tonight. :)

30in30 Testimonies from Prayer Meeting tonight

2009-09-09T01:14:00.003+08:00

LESSON 1: See All Situations from GOD'S perspective

One sister was turning at a traffic light when a car bumped into the back of the car behind her, causing that car to bang into hers. When they exchanged phone numbers and licenses, she gave the THIS WAS YOUR LIFE tract to both drivers of the two cars behind her. They were very surprised to see that the tract asking "Where did you get that??" The tract was so appropriate for what had just happened and they realised the significance of the tract message.

LESSON 2: Being a Good Testimony.. Requires You to Testify
When you do something good or nice, its not a "good testimony" for God if the person doesn't even know that you are a Christian! They will just think that it's nice to still have some "decent people" around. One way to share that you are a Christian without the awkwardness is through gospel tracts.
This week, another participant of 30in30 found $10 on the floor. She thought about turning the money into the receptionist and worried that the person would keep the money rather than pass it back to the rightful owner. Eventually she decided to give the $10 to reception and the lady was very surprised and asked "why are you so honest?" As she left, she offered the THIS WAS YOUR LIFE tract and explained briefly that this was why she was honest.

quick draw

2009-09-06T20:46:00.003+08:00

After hovering around a guy sitting on a bench in the city - praying about giving my tract and trying to work up a little courage to not just 'tract and run' but at least say a few things - I gave him my fourth tract, said a few things (can't remember what cause I was so nervous haha!), and then headed off to church for fellowship. Pretty standard 30in30 experience.

Later at church, while sitting down after eating some dinner, my bro comes in and asks

'Did you give your tract out tonight?'
'Yep'
'In the city?'
'Yeah'
'to a guy on a bench?'
'yeah...'
'kinda dark with glasses?'
'yeah! you tried to tract him?? Hahahah I beat you!'

It turns out he had only read some of the tract and was going to read the rest later, but what were the chances of us tracting the same guy on the same night?

Pray for us

2009-09-03T01:25:00.002+08:00

"Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have
free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may
be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not
faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you
from evil." (2 Thessalonians 3:1-3).

September 30in30 2009

2009-09-01T00:24:00.003+08:00

Thank God that September 30in30 has begun for another year! This year, we are adding Twitter as another way to keep in touch with what's happening in the outreach. If you or your group are doing 30in30, create a twitter account with 30in30 in the name, and as you and your group post updates, they will appear on the right.

If you would like to upload a story about your evangelistic encounter during September 30in30 to this blog, email it to 30in30 (at) bpcwa.com. Also, email us to get the link to the Google Map for 30in30 2009.

God bless and please take a moment now to pray for the outreach. Then go to your car, your bag or whereever you left your 30in30 pack and place it in a prominent place where you will not forget to bring your tracts out tomorrow!! May the Holy Spirit guide you in this outreach.

August 30in30 Testimony from Singapore from 2007

2009-08-08T21:55:00.001+08:00

The Man which God prepared for me -shared by Brother Sean Loo

I met him at Lakeside MRT Station, the most unexpected place for all to happen

I told myself that giving out tracts without explaining the intent is always easy. After all, how tough can it be to just pass the tract to someone as you can quickly make a quick exit without getting out of our comfort zone – to evangelise the gospel.

During one of the days in my first 30in30 (Sept 2007), I was thinking how I should give away the tract-of-the-day at nearly 11pm at night while I travelled back on train towards Lakeside MRT. That was one of those days where my ‘shy’ mood kicked in and I was thinking of just giving the tract on the next day instead. But as I exited the gantry, I prayed to God, asking Him to show me the person to give to if it was His will. But in my heart, I was hoping for God not to show me the person so that I can end my day in peace.

Near the exit of Lakeside MRT, I saw this guy sitting there on his own, a rather not-so-friendly type. Somehow, this Voice in me prompted me to just go to him and pass him this tract. I told myself if he seemed interested, then I will take it as a signal to continue sharing the full gospel to him.

I started initiating some friendly start-up lines and introduced the tract to him and who I was. Thank God that he was waiting for company transport for work. So I knew I had the time and thus I continued sharing. His interest in the gospel kept me going and I shared the entire gospel with him! Though he was not ready to accept our Saviour, I could see the interest that he had. I got his contact and invited him to our church.

For the next few weeks, he did come to our church and there were opportunities for him to listen to the Word of God from the pulpit. There were some following up on him and he even brought his other friend. Being a Malaysian who needed to work on weekends, his attendance became more irregular later on. This was worsened when he moved to a place further away. Therefore currently, he is not coming to our church but I still thanked God for this opportunity. While I am not the final piece of bread to make him full and for him to accept Christ, I did bring him closer to believing. Please do join me in prayers for him – Ah Chor, and pray that God will move him again in another part of this country to realise the need to get salvation.

So my dear YFers, you will not know what to expect from this 30in30 exercise. How God will use you is beyond your imaginations. There were also another few accounts of excellent sharing at Lakeside MRT, which did become my favourite ‘fishing’ site for this exercise. However, I believe the toughest decision for you at times will be whether to ‘share or not to share’ after you pass him/her the tract. If possible, I urge you to share. Once you step out of your comfort zone, God will lead you through the entire process. Don’t just simply pass a tract to someone out of obligations but look beyond and see that you are the messenger from God to deliver the Good News. Be strong and of good courage YFers! God reassured us that He will be with us in all circumstances, especially so if we are doing His work.

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9

April 30in30 in Sydney BP Church

2009-04-09T11:07:00.000+08:00

During this month, our brothers and sisters in Sydney BP Church are doing 30in30. Please keep them in prayer and may the city of Sydney be reached for Jesus Christ during this month!

September 30in30 Official Website down

2009-02-09T11:08:00.001+09:00

Hi everyone, due to some technical problems, Live-4-christ.com/30in30 is down. We will probably have to relocate the official 30in30 website to another domain so stay tuned. For now, email all queries regarding 30in30 to evangelism (at) bpcwa.com

night is coming..

2008-11-05T22:47:00.002+09:00

Today I was walking back from lunch and there were all these people gathered looking over the bridge from the train station to the gallery. So I looked over and there was a man sprawled on the pavement with his eyes wide open, paramedics pumping his heart to try to get it started again.
I asked someone what happened and he said the man had jumped...

After that I just kept thinking, I wonder if he's saved? I wonder if he knows that someone cares? I wonder if he knows someone loved him so much that they came and died for him? not so that he'd have death...but life and life to the full.

I was talking to a colleague who was saying suicide is common and it's strange coz it's something i've been thinking about n thinking how there ARE so many people out there who think like that. How they have no hope. No real hope.
And it really dawned on me how short life is. How little time we have to share n how people who we think we might be able to share with in 'our own time' might not be around to hear it...

I can't say it was the most uplifting experience..but it really put things into perspective..n was a really good reminder that there's such great need.
The best thing about it though is..we CAN do something about it. Coz we've been blessed with the privilege of being able to present them with a message of hope..

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
- John 9:4

manna evangelism

2008-10-21T15:50:00.004+08:00

Post 30in30, I have made an effort to carry tracts with me in my handbag - now when I shop for a bag, one of the requirements is a 'tract compartment' :D. However, I still chickened out of giving tracts or sharing the Gospel with people I knew or came across regularly (e.g. people who catch the same bus).

On Friday, during the 30in30 briefing, I heard a testimony from a sister that really convicted my heart. You can read the testimony (kinda sorta what what was shared on Friday night) here. She talked about how in previous years during 30in30, she would 'tract and run' and would only choose to give tracts to people she didn't know or didn't have regular contact with (sounds familiar huh?) - and how this year, she made it a point to tract people she knew.

On Sunday, a few of us watched The Way Of The Master (evangelism video series) and again, I felt convicted that during the two years of working at my work, I had only shared the gospel with a small handful of my unsaved colleagues. Even during 30in30, as I was part of the Gospel Rally Skit Team, and had been rehearsing the skit in the weeks leading up to the Gospel Rally, I had Steven and Yorkie's voices in my head who spoke and sung this poem:

My Friend, I stand in Judgement now,

and feel that you're to blame somehow.

On earth, I walked with you day by day,

and never did you point the way.

You knew the Lord in truth and glory,

but never did you tell the story.
My knowledge then was very dim;

you could have led me safe to Him.

Though we lived together on the earth,

you never told me of the second birth,
and now I stand this day condemned,

because you failed to mention Him.

You taught me many things, that's true,

I called you friend and trusted you,
But I learn now that its too late,

you could have kept me from this fate.

We walked by day and talked by night,

and yet you showed me not the Light.
You let me live, and love,

and die you knew Id never live on high.

Yes, I called you a friend in life,

and trusted you through joy and strife.
And yet on coming to the end,

I cannot, now, call you my friend.

But even after all that prompting, I still refused to open my mouth for God and bring up the gospel with my friends. I had no problem talking to strangers at Street Evangelism, or giving tracts to randoms - but talking to someone I knew? No way Hose!Though I really really really wanted to share with them, thee fear of man had such a grip on me that I felt overwhelmed with thoughts of what people would think about me, and hence, just kept my mouth shut. So I guess God decided if I wasn't going to make opportunities, He would give me one - which is what happened this afternoon.

I was walking to the train station with one of the girls from work and she started telling me that she ran into a friend who had recently started going to church. I can't remember everything that was said, but she told me that she had been thinking about going with that friend to church. The opportunity landed into my lap like manna from heaven! I ended up sharing the gospel with her as we walked and she listened receptively. I felt a bit breathless as I was walking and talking, because I was still very nervous about evangelising to someone I knew, but the words were still able to flow out relatively smoothly.

As we got to the train station and started waiting for our trains on the platform, she asked

'So, do you believe that there is something after we die?'
'Yeah I do. The Bible says that there is Heaven and Hell. Those who believe in Jesus and believe that He saved them from their sins, will go to Heaven'
'So those who don't will go to Hell?'
'Yeah'
'Will it be hot down there? Should I pack my sunscreen? (hehe this friend is a bit of a joker) I think I might go with my friend to church'
*My train arrives*
'Cool. But if you want to talk more about this, let me know OK?'
'OK.. See ya!'

God is good. The opportunity just came so unexpectedly which is why I named this post 'manna evangelism'. That little experience made me so happy. As I was talking to her, I couldn't help but think that God had given me the opportunity to witness to my friend, not only for her sake, but for mine as well. It may seem like a small thing to you as you read this, but I believe it was a turning point for me. I just pray that I will be able to have more opportunities to do the same with the rest of my friends too, and that God will continue to give me the courage to open my mouth for Him.

every single thing..

2008-10-03T21:28:00.002+08:00

Hey all.
Know this is kinda 'post30in30' but I started late...
coz I'd realised I'd developed a habit of 'tract-n-run' n was using tracts as an excuse to tell myself i'd 'done-my-bit', or even with sharing the gospel n realised after that I'd just run as far as I could, instead of sticking around for opportunities to share about God. So when 30in30 came around I was trying to figure out why I was so reluctant, n then I realised.... I'd forgotten how to love.
So Truc invites me to ur bbq thing and I turn up n realise... u guy's know what it's all supposed to be about,love.
And I meant to say ages ago, that I've been sososososooo encouraged by you all. So yeah, thanks for reminding me :)

So just now...
I was intending to go home early after work coz of family stuff but then my colleagues headed into town so I went in with them and then they kept insisting I join them for dinner n a movie, which I was very tempted to do but then thought....I really should head home.
So I was thinking I hadn't given a tract out today but was figuring that something would come up since I'd go take the bus.
Usually when taking public transport there are heaaaaaps of opportunities but I saw another guy who I'd met at the bus stop before but I missed that bus and so had to take the train. Usually I try and make eye contact with ppl n say hi when I sit down near them to try and initiate conversation but when I got on the train, the ppl I sat next to didn't seem to keen to talk so I left it. Then when I was waiting for the bus at the train station, no eye contact. So I was rather stumped and was wondering if maybe it just wasn't the right timing or something and was thinking I shouldn't try and push it myself. I said a prayer asking the Spirit to guide me and for God to give me an opportunity if He wanted me to do something.
Then the girl who was sitting on the bench leans over and asks me the time. So we start talking and it turns out she's heading to the same suburb, same stop as me and she's going to the same school I used to.
I introduce myself saying, 'by the way, I'm Katie' and she goes....'me too'!
She asks me what I'm up to now, (just graduated from architecture, working now) and then says her sis is doing archi...
and it turns out i know her sis! who went to Churchlands too and was in my brother's year...
and i hardly see her but I'm meeting her for dinner tmr coz she's friends with my colleagues (one of which I tracted with this girl's sis last year)!
so she mentioned her friend might not be home and she might have to wait around for her... so i gave her the tract to read if she was waiting...

so there goes God teaching me again that every single little thing is in His hands!

:)

some of the other things that've happened so far...
- first met this girl when i did work exp with her firm, she stopped after the 1st degree n said she'd do the 2nd one day. when she came back to uni i didn't see her much but tracted her and another girl (the train station girl's sis) when i bumped into her when i went to uni just to collect stuff after i'd graduated. tracted her again this year with a diff tract. met with a couple of other grads in the city to pray and she came along and was very grateful!
- was thinking how absent-minded i am when i read adrian's email about not forgetting tracts the night before and then realising i'd forgotten to refill. had been praying for opps to share with another colleague but thought i wouldn't be alone with her. the other girl left and got the opp to share about the accident and the gospel!
- an ex-colleague n i had a convo about faith just before he left n told him how i didn't use to think it was true. Gave him 'Case for Christ' (lee strobel) n he said he's reading it and he's finding it interesting n thanked me again.
- missed the usual bus. took another, got off at the wrong stop. got lost. ran for a bus. talked to the guy i sat down next to. chatted, emails, shared gospel!
- colleague headed to melb. gave him something to read in the plane
- shared gospel with a girl who i met at my colleague's bday do after she asked me what my necklace was about (cross n a ring)
- ppl from church asking how 30in30 is going leading to more opportunities to share with ppl about 30in30 n the 'treasure hunt'
- shared gospel with someone from primary school
- shared gospel with a highschool friend
- was praying for opportunity as i headed to work. waiting at traffic lights, girl comes up n asks me where tafe is. walkin towards there with her, direct n tract

so yeah, pretty amazed by what God's been showing me and wondering how He's going to stretch me as i've still got more tracts to go...

An Adelaidean Adventure (or two)

2008-10-02T20:51:00.002+08:00

It's not much... But hope it encourages some people? :)

The Hopefuls have been gathering faithfully every Friday over the last few weeks for some Street Evangelism in the city. It has been a great blessing, especially when we meet back and hear the stories people share about the opportunities they had to talk with people and share the Gospel or defend the faith, sometimes a single conversation with a non-Christian could last for over half and hour! Praise the Lord!

Last week, we had the smallest numbers yet, an army of four. Undaunted, we prayed and set out to do God's work. At first we split up and went our separate ways, giving tracts to people and sharing the Gospel, but somehow, we all ended up meeting together in the same place. Without much discussion, we stood together outside Adelaide Uni and started to hand out tracts. We gave out tracts as often as people walked by, one by one, the people on that path were TRACTED. What was incredible was how receptive and appreciative the people were to receive the tracts, "Oh, sure. Thanks for that!" was a very common answer. Soon, the number of tracts in our hands dwindled, we had only a few left, it was then we realised in the short hour and a bit, the four of us had given out about 70 tracts! That means, by God's grace, 70 souls have been reached! It was unbelievably awesome! Now, we know that it's not about the quantity, but by the enthusiastic response from the tractees and the sheer volume of tracts given out, we were very much encouraged and the words "Thank you, Lord" could not depart from our lips. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." Zech 4:6b

On Sunday, we organised a Street E in the suburb around Church. A group went to a nearby shopping centre and started to distribute tracts and our panel discussion flyers there. That evening, I was in church doing some work and I heard the doorbell ring, not giving much thought to who it could be, I bounded down the stairs to open the door. A lady was standing outside and I was a little puzzled, she started to talk to me and said, "Hello, I am here for the lecture." I had no idea who she was or what she was talking about, then I looked down at her hands and she was holding the panel discussion flyer! Wow. A brother in Christ and I started to talk to her and found out it was only her third day in Adelaide (which explained the accent), and she was very interested in coming to listen to the panel discussion, so enthusiastic that she had come five days too early! She even had a street directory in her hand so that she could find our church. Amazing? I think so! God had brought her from wherever she had come from (I didn't get to ask her), and moved in her heart to come to our church, seeking God even in a strange and foreign country. "I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high." Psalm 7:17

All in all, I believe that 30in30 has been a blessing to many of the YAFers who have participated. Through the testimonies shared, the experience gained and the lessons learnt, our hearts and souls have been uplifted, may we all go away with the realisation of how important and needful it is to share the Gospel with those who do not yet know our great and mighty God. YAFers, give thanks unto the Lord for all He has done, pray for all the people who have received the tracts, especially for the lady who wants to come for the panel discussion, pray also for ourselves and let this truly be our heart's desire, "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel," Ephesians 6:19
Thanks and God bless!!

--
My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Psalm 62:5-8

Primary School kid loved This Was Your Life tract

2008-09-25T23:07:00.002+08:00

6:20pm
Lining up at McDonalds in Garden City to buy some dinner. One primary schoolage kid wearing a Mt Pleasant Primary School shirt was behind me in the line. I turned around and gave him the tract "This is for you, its a comic book". He thanked me, and later i heard while still in the line, his friend asking him what it was. Later when I finally got my food, I turned around to walk away and he looked up and said smiling "This is interesting!"

Thank God, this is the most encouraging tract I've given out and as promised to God, I will testify of this as an encouragement to others. It is a good idea to give the This Was your Life tracts to primary school kids.. they will enjoy it and read it receptively!

FREE Bus Trip When You Have a Tract

2008-09-18T23:18:00.002+08:00

Yesterday morning, I was catching a bus to the Murdoch train station. As a bus approached, I tried to indicate to the bus driver but then I noticed that the bus was 000 - out of service. However, God made the bus driver stop and asked me if I was going to the Murdoch Train Station. I said I was and he said I didn't have to pay. As I got off the bus, I handed him a tract "Here's something for you to read" which he received happily.

Chicken meets the "Beast"

2008-09-16T16:38:00.002+08:00

Lack of sleep, traffic jam, hungry - so many "reasons" why not to meet God this morning, but nevertheless, I found myself at the park doing quiet time… somehow. When I arrived, I saw a man at a park bench; he had the homeless look. Decided I better do my hit and run before my quiet time in case he leaves without me noticing. Approaching him, I was somewhat scared so I asked God to help me. As I got closer I noticed he had a note book in front of him, he was writing a letter. I gave him the tract and told him that's something for him to read, he thanked me for it and asked me what it was, I replied that it was a Gospel tract. I was about to "run" back to my car when much to my surprise he asked me to explain the Gospel. First I hesitated because I wasn't sure if he was sincere, I said a small prayer and I sat down, and we started talking. Turned out he was intrigued because a little young lady had the courage to approach someone like him despite his looks; apparently he normally gets judged by his appearance. He said he thought whatever it was, it must be important. It sure was. Thank God for the opportunity to share the gospel to the man, spent a good half an hour talking to him, it was a pleasant experience (he wasn't scary at all!), I think both him and I enjoyed it. He was open to hear but I'm not too sure if he believed what I was saying to him, so to help him know I was serious, as I left, I said to him that there's a reason why we both came here today (he looked a bit puzzled because I think he was thinking "because I took my wife to the dentist?"), I pointed at the tract and continued, ".. and this is the reason." His face froze and I smiled.

1 Tract Reaches 20 Souls!

2008-09-15T19:09:00.002+08:00

On September 5th, I went through Macca's drive-thru for two reasons:
1. to order a steaming cappuccino coffee and 2. to give out "Are you a
good person?" tract. The first blessing was that I had to pay at one
window and pick up the order at the second window--that meant 2 tracts
for 1 cappuccino. Nice!

The second blessing came exactly one week later. I was picking up
teenagers in my van to take them to youth group. Chingy, one of the
fellas that I picked up caught a glimpse of my pile of "Are you a good
person?" tracts lying on the dash. "Hey, I think I've read one of
those--they're pretty cool." I said, "Huh ... where do you read it?"
Chingy replied, "I read it at work." (Chingy works as a shift manager
at McDonalds).

"So, who gave it to you?" I was really curious now (who was that
mystery tract giver??). "Nobody gave it to me. It was in the crew's
break room. It was just lying on the table." I asked Chingy about the
girls I handed the tracts to--Linda and Tanya. "Yeah, one of them must
have read it and left it on the table for others to read. In fact,
everyone who's been coming into the crew room has been picking it up
and reading. The comic cover catches their attention immediately. It's
really cool."

So I asked Chingy about how many people would have read the tract. "At
least 20," he replied. I was stunned and rebuked at the same time.
Because I remember the look on Linda's face when I handed her the
tract. She gave the "raised eyebrows" look (you know what I mean?). In
my mind I thought, "Oh well, at least I tried ..."

Guess what? If Linda had been really interested in that tract, she
would have taken it home with her. Because of her "disinterest", the
Lord had her leave it lying on the table in the crew room ... so
that ... 20 or more of her workmates (and still counting) would get to
read it!

I love how the Lord uses even the "disinterested" people to be a means
of spreading his word (and to be a means of rebuking this saint's
unbelief)!!

Pete

Mission Participation!

2008-09-14T00:09:00.003+08:00

Day 10, Sept 30in30

Tracting meets a bottleneck.

How do you evangelise without leaving the house all day?
What if you didn't need to go out neither feel like going out?

Hmm...

Most probably can't.

Admitting defeat to God gave me great strength to put on a thick jacket and venture out into the cold for a night walk. I thank God for a like-minded brother who in my weakness is able to encourage me towards God's strength. In plain English speak, he came along for the little stroll with his portion of tracts :)

1. Sally:
At first, we walked around in the cold without a single person in sight. Imagine our delight when 2 girls appeared out of nowhere walking towards us on the other side of the road.

Thinking it's now or never, I started to cross the street. As I approach closer, Chinese dialect come into ear as one of the girl talks audibly into the mobile. "This is for you," I offered in Chinese. "Ah?" Replied Sally who wasn't on the phone.

"So, have you guys been shopping?" I asked, pointing to bags of groceries,

"Yeah, just a little" Said Sally.

More talks led me to discover that they'd both just arrived from China 3 days ago. Sally also mentioned that she used to believe in Jesus for a period of time along with her grandma.

"Do you mind me asking why you stopped believing?" I said,

"Because they moved away." She replied.

Explaining to her that nothing stops her from believing again and perhaps it's God's work that we met each other, she seemed interested in visiting CYPG. I extended the invitation once again, she then asked how to get to our church by bus so I offered to drive them. She was happy and said that if her friend is willing to go, she'll contact me.

2. Candy:
At IGA I gave another tract to an Asian girl walking by herself.

"I've received this before!" She said, a little amazed.

"REEAAALLY?" MORE amazed than her for sure!

"Yeah really, at Curtin Uni back in July. I read the first few pages but couldn't really understand, can you explain it to me?" She asked.

Amazing. God is Amazing.

Explained to her what the tract is about, invited her to Friday Y180 but unfortunately she has a lot of assessments this month thus won't be free until October. Candy also shared some of the struggles she's currently facing being away from her family so I offered to help if she ever needs any. In the end we agreed to catch up for coffee/dinner once she's finished her assignments.

I gave her my mobile number but in my carelessness it was the old Optus number which was cancelled few years ago. Upon realising my mistake (1 hour too late), I rang that number to ask the current owner if anyone had called. I was greeted with a message bank and my heart sank right to the bottom. In desperation I prayed for God's forgiveness and help. Knowing this is the will of God as He is not willing that any should perish, I prayed for God to allow our paths to cross again; either myself or other Christians as long as God reaches to her. I also told my brother what had happened.

The next day he asked me to guess who he met today.

"Dunno" I said, disinterested.

Showing me Candy's mobile number on his phone I was left speechless. "Wha? How? Who? Why? When? TELLLL MEEEEE!" Interest level suddenly went through the roof.

He bumped into her at Curtin library, remembering what I'd done, he said hi and told her my mistake - unfortunately She was in a hurry to leave so my brother asked her what was wrong.

"I left my electronic dictionary in the last lecture, it's really expensive..."

Picking up her obvious distress my brother accompanied her to the lecture room but there was a lesson going on. He entered into the room and announced his intentions to which the lecturer asked him to wait till the class is over. Suddenly someone inside the room stood up and asked if he's looking for this, holding up a small electronic devise.

Candy was overjoyed having found the electronic dictionary; she said she's really glad bumping into him.

"It's okay, don't worry about it... but... CAN I HAVE YOUR PHONE NUMBER??"

Hehe, official path-crossing point :)

On Day 11, Sept 30in30, I learnt that serving God can't be dreamt from sitting in a chair. Our participation is needed to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Like what Gav said, "I couldn't have planned this even if I tried",

This can only mean one thing:

ALL glory to God!

Anon

Christianity Again?

2008-09-05T00:09:00.001+08:00

#3404 I was at Royal Perth Hospital working when I met a Thai boy. After talking for a while, he mentioned something about God and reminded me of the tracts. I gave him a tract and he said that God must want him to be Christian because quite a few times he has been approached by people talking about Jesus – sometimes on the train, sometimes in the city. He said that he cannot become a Christian because his parents are not a Christian. I explained to him about Christianity and how Jesus died for our sins and only when we receive Him, we can be saved from the consequences of our sins. I also shared with him my testimony about how I was saved even though my parents are still not Christian. I invited him to come to Church on Friday nights or Sunday morning if he can, and that he can bring friends. Because he is now injured, he said he may go on Fridays because normally he works on Fridays. He was also surprised when I told him that he can bring friends as well. Pray for Patchara that He will receive Christ soon.

God's Humour

2008-09-04T15:19:00.002+08:00

On 31st August 2008, the day before my second September 30in30, I picked up a whole range of different gospel tracts from church including my favourite, the Chick comic book tract This Was Your Life. I planned to give out at least one tract per day. I usually take a taxi home each night from work, I could just give one to each taxi driver. I had my tracts in my suit jacket pocket so on Monday night, I gave a Chick tract to the taxi driver. The next night as usual, I’m chatting to the taxi driver. The conversation continued and suddenly we were talking about his addiction to gambling. He mentioned how he could never save any money. When he won, he would spend it and go on holidays and when he lost, he would just work harder to make the money back. We arrive outside my place. It was at this time that I normally give the taxi driver a tract. Then suddenly, I realize I’m wearing a different suit to yesterday! My Chick tracts are in my other suit! I scrambled around trying to find a tract, and then I realize I do have one… the $1,000,000 gospel tract! How appropriate! Hahaha! I don’t think I could have planned this event if I tried.

Thank God for this situation and opportunity. I hope you all continue to share the gospel, not only in September, but always. =) God bless, Gav.

Provoking Christians to evangelise

2008-09-03T20:58:00.005+08:00

To provoke other christian to evangelise was one of the purpose of sept 30in30 but I didn't expect that God would work in such a miracous way. I prayed and asked God to give me the opportunity to give a tract to Sonja (supervisor).The story goes from Day 1 of my 2nd tract...

Early in the morning when i arrive work, a lady parked her car next to me and i was quite hesitant to give her the tract because of "fear". However, I prayed for courage and the Lord led me to have the opportunity to say "hi" to her and ask what her name is? Bethany, she answered and i gave her my 2nd tract and she put on a big smile and told me that she is a Christian too and goes to Bethany christian church.I was like, "Phew"....i was almost ashamed of the gospel but Thank God for upholding me and i told her to give this to someone else. She was happy with that. To my surprise she knew some of our Church ppl while she was at a uni christian union. So Thank God for that..

The story did not end here... Lunch time came...there were 3 of us eating lunch together then one of my "supervisor", Sonja , came to sit with us (which is rare). So me and my other colleague(also a Christian) started to talk about eternal things. We asked her what is her purpose for living on earth.. then we went into sharing the gospel with her..she was very willing to listen as we got another colleague next to us (Thank God for that)..however, our lunch time exceeded more than 15 mins..there was like someone telling us to go back so we had to stop there. But what's encouraging is that we have shared the gospel with her and it was especially encouraging to have a fellow christian colleague evangelising together at work. In the end, we worked an extra 20 mins for exceeding the lunch time but it was worthwhile even though i still haven't given the tract to her but God has opened a door for us to evangelise to her as well as provoking other Christian to evangelise!

All glory to God! May we still continue to give our best(really the BEST) to Our Almighty God in Heaven!

3 days down, ETERNITY to go!

2008-09-03T19:44:00.005+08:00

What God and I did so far :)

On the first day God took me to see His beautiful creations at Kings Park where the first track was given out.

On the Second day God gave me courage from above to encourage a lady who used to attend church all the time.

Today just as I thought I'd missed my chance to evangelise as the sun fades in the West; He made it so that I would drive at 6:30pm to give BP__03 to a shop attendant who gladly accepted "this was your life".

"My impossibilites became His opportunities" (quote from unkown source hehe)

3 days into Sept 30in30 2008, God is everywhere.

Anon. <- last year u guys put my name in ARRGGHH!

Counting God's Blessings

2007-10-14T00:20:00.001+08:00

This is a rather lengthy sharing on God's many blessings during my trip back home.

One of my goals for Sept 30in30 this year was to give out all my tracts in September. When I signed up, I knew that I'd have to give out my last few tracts in Malaysia when I go back on the 24^th. As the day drew closer, I began to worry...would I have the courage to give out tracts there? What would my family say if they see that? If they asked me not to give out tracts, would I listen to them?

My family's salvation has always been one of the prayers that's very close to my heart. A few months back, I began to feel that I had not done much for my family, i.e. in sharing the gospel with them, except praying for their salvation. Thoughts like...I serve in the old folks ministry, took part in city evangelism, etc., but what have I done for them? It weighed very heavily in my heart and I began contemplating and praying if I should go back for good. I shared this with brothers and sisters and I thank God for their encouragement and prayers. I was reminded that when we faithfully do the work of our Lord, our labour is not in vain in Him (1 Corinthians 15: 58)...that God can use us to bring His blessings upon other families. What I have to do is to continue to serve our Lord faithfully; He will take care of my family. I was further encouraged after reading Sept 30in30's 19th Sept devotion passage – 'The Right Kind of Preoccupation'...If we concern ourselves with His business, He concerns Himself with ours.

When it's time for me to fly home, anxiety crept in. How can I be of good testimony? How and where and to whom should I give the tracts? There were just so many things on my mind. For the first two days, although I constantly remembered Sept 30in30, I did not have the courage to give out tracts, convincing myself that I'd do it the next day. On the third day, I was already 3 tracts behind. I was convicted of not faithfully doing His work and was drifting further away from achieving my Sept 30in30's goal. I prayed for courage, guidance and the opportunity to give out tracts. The tracting opportunity came soon enough when I were to walk with my mum to the food centre near our house to get lunch take away. As we were walking out, I told my mum about Sept 30in30 and that I wanted to leave the tracts in our neighbours' mail boxes, but would have to make sure that I do not tract muslims (as it is illegal to do so). After explaining what I planned to do, I was kind of 'waiting' for my mum to 'stop' me from tracting. Imagine my surprise and delight when my mum began to point me to houses which I could leave the tracts. Thank God for making it easy for me to give out my first few tracts in Miri and more importantly, I think God that my mum did not discourage me from doing so.

My tracting stopped again for 2 days and by the 30^th, I have 3 tracts remaining. During the Sunday service, the preaching was on evangelism; that our most valuable investment is to evangelise and bring people to Christ. The church had also planned a suburb evangelism that afternoon. I did not take part in the suburb evangelism, but was reminded of my remaining tracts, which I had the burden to give to my family members. When I got home, I gave tract #28 to my elder sister, whom I do not get to see often and have been praying for opportunity to share the gospel with her and her husband. Thank God she accepted it gladly and said that she'd read it on the plane when they return to Singapore the next day. I did not have much time left to share the gospel with them, so I gave them the tract hoping that I'd get to follow-up with them later.

I had the burden to give tract #29 to my dad. I prayed and prayed for courage to do so because to me, he's the hardest to tract. I was playing the piano in the study room and he was using the computer behind me. After praying for courage again, I turned and said, "Father, I have something for you to read." (yup...I call my dad 'Father').

Straight away he replied, "I don't read the Bible."

I replied, "No, I'm not asking you to read the Bible."

He repeated again, "I don't read the Bible."

I then said, "No, it's not a Bible. It's a small booklet. You must read it, ok? Ok? Ok...aah...Ok!"

He just looked at me and Iaughed a little...I "gave him no choice". I gave him the tract as we were leaving for dinner with our relatives. He put the tract in his pocket and while we were waiting for the dishes, he took it out and started to read, not just flipping it through. I truly did not expect him to read through it page by page. After he finished reading, my cousin asked him what he was reading and he passed it to her. My cousin began to read it while eating at the same time. She then passed it to her brother, who brought it home.

By the time we got home, I was still over the moon that my dad actually read the tract. I still had my last tract and was really encouraged and determined to achieve my Sept 30in30's goal. It was late and there wasn't anyone out and about, so I decided to take a walk and drop the last tract in one of the mail boxes. I told my family what I was going to do and was prepared to stand firm even if they persuade me not to. Once again, to my surprise, there were no discouragement from them at all and that my younger brother offered to drive me to drop off the tract, eventhough it'd just take less than 30 seconds walk. He said that he did not want me to be chased by dogs, but I still was really touched and thankful. As he drove, I told him about Sept 30in30 and which houses I had tracted. He began telling me that 2 of the houses I tracted were Christians and which other ones were as well. It was a short drive, but I am thankful for the time spent with him.

Later that night, my family had gone to bed. I stayed up to check my emails and update my logbook. My elder sister walked into the study room with a book to read as she could not sleep. My first thought was...this is it, my opportunity to share the gospel with her before she left for Singapore. I was a little nervous, not knowing how to witness to her, and prayed. I switched off the computer and talked to her. I could see that she knew what was coming. Thank God that she was very open and we talked for quite some time. While we were talking, she mentioned that she could see the change in me, that I'm different now. I was speechless...this was one of the things that had crossed my mind, ie. could my family see that I've changed or am I still the same person? I praise and thank God for His work in my life and that in some way, it's reflected in my everyday life during my stay in Miri.

Through my aunt's sharing the night before I left Miri, I also learnt of God's work on my grandparents, who practice ancestral and idol worshipping. They were really against Christianity, especially my grandma, who was really angry and upset when my aunt accepted Christ many years ago. In the past year, my grandpa has not been in good health. My aunt would invite her church pastor and sisters to visit my grandpa to share the gospel and pray for him. At first, as expected, my grandma was unhappy about that. Since then, seeing that my grandpa does not mind the visits, she's been more receptive. And recently, when she's unwell, she was also willing to sit with my aunt when she prayed for her. In the first week I got home, my aunt brought a gospel VCD in Hokkien home and watched it with both my grandparents. I do not know how much they understand the gospel, but I can see that God has softened their hearts and pray that He will continue to draw them to Him.

Another amazing thing that happened involved my younger sister and a book. One afternoon, while my younger sister and I were waiting in the car for my elder sister and her husband to buy some stuff, our conversation somehow changed to boy girl relationships. Immediately, my thought was that it's a good opportunity to bring in the gospel through the sharing about relationships and marriage God's way. During our conversation, I mentioned Joshua Harris's book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye". My elder sister and her husband came back not too long after, so we stopped our conversation. The next day, I was in our bedroom (my younger sister and I shared a room) and for no reason, I glanced towards the bookshelf next to my bed. One book just caught my eye...there it was, a copy of "I Kissed Dating Goodbye". I picked up the book excitedly and flipped through the first few pages and the last page to see who's book that was. There was no name. I knew it was not mine and was pretty sure it's not my younger sister's. I took the book, showed it to my sisters (both were in the study room) and asked if it belonged to either one of them. Both of them said that they'd not seen the book before. I told my younger sister that that was the book I referred to yesterday and passed it to her. I still do not know whose book that was, how it got there or how long has it been there. I believe God placed it there for a reason. I will have to wait and see. =)

What a blessed trip! With God's help, I gave out all my tracts and had the opportunity to tract my family members and share the gospel with my elder sister. God has taught me (I'm sure He will continue to teach me for I have much to learn) to trust and obey Him; to have faith in Him; to continue to serve Him faithfully; to hold on to His promises; to keep on praying without ceasing and to always rely on Him.

I will continue to pray for my family's salvation everyday. I love my family very, very much and I know God loves them more.

Hui Ling

Melbourne Ebenezer BP Church starts October 30in30

2007-10-08T15:52:00.000+08:00

On the 2nd October, the Ebenezer BP Church in Melbourne started doing October 30in30. At the moment, about 35 members have signed up. Pray for them and follow their progress on www.31in31.wikidot.com

Rejoice at Suffering for Christ

2007-10-07T22:54:00.001+08:00

Even 30in30 has just finished, and I was reflecting myself toward the
whole thing, I have to admit that I am weak and have fail in many
ways during 30in30.
Actually just want to share from my devotion, I was reading Acts 6,
and this verses reminds me alot "......rejoicing that they were
county worthy to suffer shame for his name" Acts 6:41b
I am really ashamed that I didn't suffer shame for His name. Even I
was being rejected while I hand out tracks, but I guess this is
nothing while comparing to what the disciple had done for Christ, I
hope this can be my reminder as well as yours, to have a joyful
attitude while we serve the Lord or even suffer for His sake.

Yorkie

round two

2007-10-04T13:39:00.001+08:00

Today, God helped me pick and try again after failing. Walking out to my car at about lunch time, I recognised this guy sitting on the lawn near the car park. He was the atheist which I tried to tract a couple of weeks ago during 30in30. I started to have flash backs of our conversation and how passionate he was about this topic, I remember him bluntly rejecting the tract and found myself walking away feeling almost converted (obviously that’s not possible). He had a lot to say the other week and had scientific arguments which made me feel a little useless. As I chucked my bag in the car, I remembered seeing a “Science vs the Bible” tract and I said to myself if I’m not mistaken I’ll go and try to give that to him. Well, you guessed it, I had it, actually, I had two.

I was pretty scared because all I could think of is him raising his voice and getting all passionate again. Nervously walking up to him, I prayed, and started telling myself it’s not about me, it’s all about God. He recognized me. I told him what was going through my head before coming here and said I really really wanted to give this tract to him, thank God he actually accepted it with no arguments!! He said He will read it (which I saw him doing as I drove off) and said he’ll highlight the “mistakes” and give it back to me. So it looks like there will be round three. May the Lord’s infallible Word stand against his highlighter. - Truc

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” - Isaiah 40:8

I am not ashamed of the Gospel

2007-10-04T13:04:00.001+08:00

I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. - Romans 1:16

Hope this is an encouragement to someone out there wrestling with the fear of sharing the Gospel (get a thesaurus).

The Fellowship of the Unashamed

I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast, I have stepped over the line, the decision has been made - I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.

My past is redeemed, the present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed vision, worldly talking, cheap giving & dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotion, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, leaning on His presence, love with patience, live by prayer, and labor with power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable and my mission is clear. I won't give up, shut up, let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up for the cause of Jesus Christ.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till everyone knows, work till He stops me & when He comes for His own, He will have no trouble recognizing me because my banner will have been clear.

Move when the Holy Spirit prompts or he'll prompt again

2007-10-03T22:56:00.000+08:00

It’s the end of 30in30 and I happened to have a tract in my pocket, i felt it as I was walking to my car. I saw a group of guys standing around in the car park kicking a football around. The thought came to mind (the prompting) to give out the tract to one of the guys. I was thinking back and forth whether I should give it out – settling on the idea it was not a prompting and there were many more other people who could receive the tract another day.

As I was thinking that, the football was kicked into the air and I knew what was going to happen. Sure enough, it landed on my car with a thud.. ok maybe that was a prompting from the Holy Spirit after all! I walked over to the guy getting the ball “sorry mate” he said and I kept walking towards him “here’s something for you”. “Thanks!” The other guys gathered around him to have a look at what it was as I got into my car.

AS I drove off, I saw one of them give me the thumbs up – not sure whether he was an encouraged Christian or someone who liked the fact that I gave them a free comic booklet. Thank God for reminding me that the job is not over yet. I am still alive and there are people who need to hear the gospel.

Praise The Lord!

2007-10-03T08:23:00.001+08:00

During September 2007, I received some telephone calls
from different people. They were all willing to talk
to our pastor.

Praise The Lord!

City Evangelism 30th Sept 2007

2007-10-01T14:26:00.000+08:00

Thank God for City Evangelism

2007-10-01T00:57:00.000+08:00

One of the things we always pray is that God will be glorified when we go out to evangelise. God gets the glory when we testify of His answered prayers so here are some testimonies from yesterday - if we missed something that could also give God glory, add it to the comments or post another post. A City Evangelism on the 30th September was a great way to "celebrate" the end of 30in30 in Perth and a beginning of a lifestyle of PEACE (Praying, Evangelising and Continually Encouraging). Here are SOME highlights:

Parking When the Church van went to pick people up, God provided a parking bay for the van to stop legally in the street five consecutive times. Two times you could be excused to say it was coincidence... but 5x was a work of God! When it was time to park the van, God provided a parking bay where Leonard was able to keep an eye on the other two Church vehicles which were for one security reason or another needed to be watched.

Tracted in 30in30 and City Evangelism The prayer group prayed that someone who received a tract during 30in30 would also be spoken to in the city so that the gospel can be more carefully explained to them. One person had JUST received the exact same tract this morning somewhere near the Swan River possibly from someone in our Church doing 30in30!

Encouragement to other Christians The prayer group were also moved to pray that other Christians would be encouraged to evangelise through the City Evangelism outreach today. Thank God quite a few Christians noticed the number of asians giving out tracts and talking to people. and one lady from Claremont Baptist Church was so encouraged that she expressed her interest to join in our evangelism next time we went out.

Tears of Repentance An Aboriginal guy from the country named Michael was drinking and smoking when we met him but seemed have a Christian background. When I shared with him how God wants him to come back to Him even though he has sinned against God, just like how a father wants to be with his son in spite of the son's wrongs, he said sorrowfully "you're making me feel bad, brother". He also said that every time he turns away from God, God always seems to send someone to talk to him about it. I prayed with him, asking God to help with his alcohol problem and after that he kept his eyes closed for a while and then thanked me for talking to him.

Brazillian guy repents Thinking that Mokota was an asian guy, three brothers Heng Lee, David H and Kevin approached him only to discover that he was actually Brazillian! Anyway, they continued to share the Gospel with him for quite a long time. Eventually he said he wanted to repent and turn to God so the brothers led him through the sinner's prayer. They have taken his contacts to follow up with him. Keep Mokota in prayer!

Receptive hearts everywhere Andrew and Eugene shared that there were so many people who were receptive to the Gospel today. Many were willing to stop and talk about things of eternal significance.

Tracts everywhere It seemed today that everywhere you looked there were people reading, carrying or receiving the THIS WAS YOUR LIFE tract. What was even more encouraging was watching other Christians using the tract to explain to the friends that they are with, the way of salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. There was a buzz of excitement and spiritual activity as another two Christian groups sang hymns with guitars and the other group.... with an accordian!

Thai photo opportunity Renz sat down and prayed that God would lead someone to him so that he could speak to them about the Gospel. Soon a Thai couple came along and started taking photos around him. The guy sat next to Renz and asked if he could take a photo with him, so Renz smiled and the girl took a photo. After that the girl asked what Renz was doing, pointing at the tracts in his hands and we passed them a gospel tract, showing them the website where they can read a Thai version of the Gospel. Its not every day you have a complete stranger come to you to ask if they could take a photo with you - maybe it happens to some more than others :)

I'm sure there were other testimonies I missed so if you would like to share something else to thank God for, post it up. Otherwise, hope you have been plenty encouraged. :) - Adrian

The Hardest Tract To Give

2007-09-30T23:32:00.001+08:00

The hardest tracts to give out are to my family. I have no trouble tracting friends, strangers, but giving tracts to family make me nervous. In particular, to one of my aunties and uncles. I had heard a story previously about how they now exclude my uncle's sister from their lives because she had become Christian. Would I receive the same treatment if I tract them? But I know I must share the gospel, especially to my family. God has brought me to salvation, in a family who are mostly unsaved to save their souls. No matter how uncomfortable I feel about sharing the gospel with them, I must do it, and be content and satisfied with the outcome or consequences.

I prayed to God to give me an opportunity and the courage to give them the chinese version of the gospel tract to them. Of course, I made sure I carried a tract with me at all times if there were any chance I would see them. An opportunity arose and I gave the gospel tract, other chinese gospel material and a mandarin gospel rally flyer to their daughter, my cousin. I told her to make sure she read it and to pass it to her brother to read afterwards. The next day, I spoke to my cousin asking her if she had read it yet. She said she wasn't into 'that stuff' so she hadn't read it. I insisted that she read it, that she just had to take a few minutes out of her day to read it properly.

The next night, the entire extended family had gathered for a steamboat dinner. After dinner, all the parents were sitting at the dining table finishing off dessert. I had finished eating my dessert and was walking passed the table to the kitchen. As I walked past, my uncle said he had something to tell me after I put away my plate. Normally, he would never really talk to me. Blood rushed to my head, I knew it must be about the tracts. This is the moment I had been dreading. As I put my plate in the sink, I prayed.

I approached my uncle, and he pulled something out of his jacket pocket. It was all the gospel material I had given my cousin, in a plastic bag. He begins by saying he has nothing against me being a christian, but to never evangelise to his family or bring that material into his house again. I swallowed and nodded. He said he had read the chinese gospel book which compares buddhism to christianity. He didn't agree with some of the statements presented in the book and told me bluntly how silly the arguement was. I nodded again. My grandfather asked me if I'm forced to donate 10% of my salary to the church. I told them its not necessary but I do donate money. He starts talking about a story about how some leaders of churches in Malaysia had run off with donation money. I know my family must have had many bad experiences with various religious figures. I walked away to the living room because I didn't want to argue, and because I wouldn't be able to argue very well in chinese anyway. From where I was sitting, I could still clearly hear their conversation.

I shared because God loves me, and regardless of the outcome, I trust God and His plan. What happened next was unbelievable. My family has never talked openly about religion before. For the first time in my life, I heard my grandparents, aunties and uncles talking about buddhism, christianity, life and death. It was so amazing! I could never have imagined giving the tract would result in this.

I have planted the seed. Someone else may water it. But God will give the increase. I pray that my family will eventually be led to Christ and when the time comes, I can see them in heaven.

Gavin

Faith Even on a Rainy Day

2007-09-29T19:33:00.000+08:00

The story begins on Tuesday when out of the corner of my eye (squished up against the door), I saw a little white figure sitting (comfortably) on the crowded 78 bus and that was that… Or so I thought!

The original plan was to catch the CAT (bus), go to the bank, and head home for lunch/dinner. So as soon as the bus stopped at the Esplanade, I hopped off (being next to the door) and started to walk away. Then I felt something in my hand, it was tract number 25. My initial thought was “I wonder who I’ll come across today” but almost instantly the little white figure appeared back in mind. “That’s it!” I thought, heading back to the bus while practicing the art dodging people and their heavy bags. My only advice is to please avoid going against the flow of the crowd when possible :)

As soon as I spotted Shirley, I (blocked her way) asked her how she’s been then gave her the tract. As the conversation progressed from human well-being, she asked “what’s this?” “it’s a gospel tract” I replied. “oh really?” came the next response before telling me her recent attendance in some charismatic youth events. It turned out her mum met the pastor of J-Life while learning English, and he invited her children to come along to the Road Trip they’d organized.

At that point my joy just flooded. “Really? Serious?” was what I kept repeating. I said to her that I didn’t think she’d be interested but she was very positive. Thus a formal invitation to yout180 was “handed out”, to which she promised to read the tract and consider attending! Praise the Lord!

Another cousin whom I’ve not seen in almost 5 years is coming to Perth. No prize for guessing that his arrival time is the morning of September 30th!
Yup, just in time for Track number 30! Right now it’s got his name written all over it and a big invisible “RESERVED” sign.

At the start of Sept 30in30, I would not have dreamt of the chance to reach out to family. The Lord in His grace and utmost wisdom made the impossible possible. I remember heading out for lunch with my family for dim sum 3 weeks ago but as I didn’t bring my handbag, I ask mummy dearest to hold onto
2 tracts. Apparently they are still in her bag. The next step is to persuade her into a bag spring-clean and “accidentally” find the tracts :)

I’m truly in awe of God’s graceful arrangements,

“Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,” Ephesians 1: 5

Salvation is God’s work and its by the grace that God freely gives. I’m almost in tears thinking what a precious opportunity the coming of my cousins turns out to be. With the Great Commission comes great responsibility, I pray that God will give my brother and I the wisdom to share the gospel with him (esp. some translation into Chinese which will be necessary). There is no denial that God makes all thing beautiful in His time.

Amen.

Julia

In His time and in His way, He will produce a harvest if you do not give up...

2007-09-20T13:57:00.001+08:00

It was a year ago when i first participated in September 30in30. It was my first year in Uni and i thank God for the many opportunities to share the good news to my new friends in class. (It was amazing, one after another, a day at a time, they received the tracts and heard the gospel). I still remember that month i went home each day so full of joy.

But, what happened next really discouraged me, as one by one, these friends started to avoid me. I pray to God asking why? It was sad, especially when some of them seemed receptive at first and were so closed to receiving Jesus. Did i scare them away by sharing too much? But all i did was to share about God as the Holy spirit leads. I felt quite alone after that but God comforted me each day, gave me faith to believe that He is in control and taught me to pray for these friends and not give up.

A year has passed and its September 30in30 again. For the first two weeks, though the burden for friends i see each day in class increased (especially after praying for them for a year), i lack the courage to approach them again, especially new friends (my lack of faith caused me to fear being avoided again). But, i saw how God has been working in their lives throughout the year. So much to share and give thanks but i will just share the most recent experience of God's working for now.

Yesterday in class, this girl (gave her a tract on her birthday exactly one year ago) started sharing with me about her recent drinking habits, declaring aloud that her "soul is seriously corrupted", she was actually having a hang over then. We were in the middle of an experiment and the Holy spirit prompted me to share with her again especially when she kept repeating the phrase "my soul is corrupted". However, the moment i started to share, our lecturer started talking and did not stop till class ended. We then rushed off for our next class and i did not have the chance to talk to her again. At night, i prayed asking God what He wants me to do, especialy knowing that she will be flying to the states the next day and i might not see her again for two weeks. Unless i am able to meet up with her before she leave tomorrow afternoon (but it is quite impossible as our labs sessions are different tomorrow). But God somehow assured me that He is in control and prompted me to just go to school tml prepared to share with her.

This morning, before leaving for school, i prayed asking God again for two things: OPPORTUNITY to meet her and COURAGE to share and give her the tract again to read (this time also to give to her grandfather in the states who is very sick with cancer). Though it seemed impossible, but i was reminded of this verse "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will i do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." - John 14:13.

Praise God!!! The very moment i stepped into class, i saw her sitting at my seat! (Apparently she decided not to miss lab today and swapped to my 9am class). God answered my prayer! He also gave me the courage to share with her after class, this time she was more receptive and promised to read the tract again (she said she did not really read it the last time). The best part is, when as asked her the question if she were to die tonight, does she know where she will be going, a catholic friend of ours walked pass (he was one of those who avoided me when i started to share with Him about God last year), but this time He answered no, and shared with me that actually he does not know anything about his faith, or God.. so praise God i was also able to give him a tract and spent some time sharing with him more after that. Pray for courage and faithfulness to pray and follow up with them and others who have received the tracts! Just like what is mentioned in this morning's devotion...

"Keep me faithful, keep me grateful,
This my earnest plea each day!
Keep me serving, keep me telling
Of His love while yet I may!"

Dear brothers and sister, let us not be weary in serving the Lord, for in His time and in His way, He will produce a harvest if you do not give up.

-Melissa Koh

Group assignment leads to sinner's prayer

2007-09-19T14:47:00.000+08:00

Angela and I had a group assignment several weeks ago. We formed a group consisting of Angela, Liu Lu, and I. Then, a guy asked Angela whether he can join our group. We hesitated for a while but then we agreed to let him in. We all knew that we are doing 30 in 30, so during our group discussion, we gave him a tract. At the time, I didn’t expect that he would read it because he didn’t quite participate much in the assignment, and was too busy playing computer games. Surprisingly, several days ago, he told me on msn that he had read the tract and that he is very interested in it. He even told me that he wanted to believe. How wonderful! God really worked in his heart! So I seized on the chance to share the gospel to him. I asked him to call me on the phone so that I could explain it more clearly to him. He called me up and I told him the verse in the bible “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” I also shared that when I accepted Christ at the gospel rally I didn’t know much about the Bible but I still knew enough to believe. I told him that after you believe, the Holy Spirit will come into you and help you understand the Bible better. Thank God, he agreed to pray and receive Christ!

The way God does things is so wonderful! If there was no 30 in 30, I may not have shared the gospel to him. If we did the assignment at other time, I probably wouldn’t have given him the tract. It is amazing that God uses this activity to let more and more people know Him and receive Him. We also need to use this opportunity to remind ourselves to give out at least one tract everyday. We can do nothing on our own. We need to rely on God, and pray for wisdom and courage to give out the tracts. “ But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8. Another verse is “ And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you." - 1 Corinthians 9:23

Tian Shu (Sydney)

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

- 1 Corinthians 15:58

Tract #17 The Aboriginal, the Caucasian, and the Asian.

2007-09-18T23:07:00.001+08:00

As I was taking my clothes out of the dryer this morning at the Laundromat, I was “slapping” myself for grabbing just one tract from the car because there were two ladies in there with me, an Aboriginal and a Caucasian lady. Leaving the Laundromat, I placed the tract on the counter in front of the aboriginal saying, “This is for you to read.” Just as I was about to leave the door, the aboriginal called out to me, “Hey! Are you a Christian?” I turned and noticed she was holding two tracts?! I was quite puzzled until I noticed that the other tract she was holding was a Vietnamese version of This Is Your Life. I thought aloud “Oh wah, I gave out that tract a couple months ago to someone here.” (How many people have read that by now?) The Caucasian lady standing behind the counter pointed at me and shouted, “You’re an evangelist! Praise the Lord!! We’re Christians too!” I turned back and we got talking. The Caucasian lady was so encouraged it was ridiculous, she just couldn’t stop talking and she was talking really fast. I really don’t know what to share from here because so much was said! So here are snippets of our conversation:

Caucasian: We need more people like you out here to evangelise… where are you from?

Me: I’m Vietnamese

Caucasian: Vietnamese?!! You can speak Vietnamese right? You gotta share the Gospel! There are so many Vietnamese people here!

Me: umm… I don’t speak Vietnamese fluently

Caucasian: Well you have to learn!! You must share the Gospel!

Caucasian: We should start a prayer meeting right here!! When is good for you??

Caucasian: This place can be used as an outreach! So many people come here, so many Vietnamese!

Caucasian: (short version) Back in the 80s, me and my husband used to have an outreach in Northbridge, providing coffee and croissants and viewing videos about Jesus. I spent all my superannuation to carpet the place. We didn’t have much but God still blessed it, and the policemen used to bring in people to sit and watch.

Me: Do you think I can leave some tracts here?

Aboriginal: Of course you can!!

Me: Great! I got a small stack in English in my car, and I have Vietnamese ones at home I can drop off.

Caucasian: Wow! Thank God! He really blesses!

…. Here she went on sharing that she has no money and had just borrowed some money from her sister to buy groceries for her family, she just got this job at the Laundromat literally 10 minutes ago offered by the aboriginal. She told me she was saved through a Gospel tract and been praying for some tracts to give out because she has no money to buy them! What makes this so amazing is that I’ve wanted to find a store around my hood to leave tracts – now God answered both of our prayers!

Thank God for this morning, it was definitely something you don’t see everyday - an Aboriginal, a Caucasian and an Asian rejoicing together in a Laundromat.

the boy at the computer

2007-09-17T16:58:00.001+08:00

Even though this happened a few weeks ago, the memory is still stuck in my mind -

I had just finished a lecture on a particular Tuesday and was heading to the library lounge to meet up with some Curtin Fellowship members (Wednesday, 12:15pm, 401.253 sorry, couldn't resist a plug!). I arrived a bit earlier and decided to use one of the computers just to surf the net and wait for everyone to arrive. It just so happens that I used a computer next to this asian guy who was scanning what seemed to me, every page in his text book.

So I checked my email, went onto sept30in30.blogspot for a while and live-4-christ/30in30. I saw that the guy kept looking onto my computer screen and it was then when I thought I should give him a tract.

I started having an inward battle whether I should or not, if it would seem weird, if the timing was right, maybe I should hand it to him when he leaves the computer. All these questions kept popping into my head and I could see that he wasn't going to leave his computer any time soon. So I waited and continued to ask myself whether I should or not, whether to be obedient to the Holy Spirit's prompting.

I decided to pray and asked God if it is your will for me to give this guy a tract, maybe we could establish some kind of contact. As soon as I prayed that, the guy accidently made a wild pull at my mouse. He immediately apologised and there it was. Contact was made!

However, the internal fight began again and I desperately tried to get out of it making excuses that it wasn't enough of a connection to give him a tract.

I must have spent about 20 minutes contemplating whether or not I should give him a tract but then I happened to read a verse on one of the devotions on the live-4-christ website:

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision,
Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
For I am with thee, and no man shall set
on thee to hurt thee: for I have much
people in this city. Acts 18:9-10

These verses really hit me and I decided there and then to stop being so afraid and that God was with me through it all. So I decided that I should make an effort to talk to the guy. And what better subject than about scanning! Yes, I asked him many questions about how to scan, the benefits of scanning and why he preferred scanning over photocopying. He actually turned out to be a nice guy and happy to answer my questions and give extra information.

As it turned out, after our scanning conversation, a few of the people I had to meet with came for the meeting so I had to log off the computer and leave. However I was able to pass him a tract. He was genuinely suprised but happy to receive it and all I could think about is why I didn't just do it earlier.

God really is patient with us and it just goes to show that when you obey God blessings abound!

~ Ruth

Icey Ice tracted four times!

2007-09-16T22:30:00.000+08:00

OK guys.. no more tracts to go to Icey Ice in Northbridge. :)

I gave mine to a lady there tonight and she told me that the tract was the FOURTH one they had received! I asked her if she had read the tract and she told me she hadn't yet - but now she was probably going to hehe.

She told me she had one at the counter and when I went up to place my order, she showed me the tract. On the back was participant number 62, who we later discovered was - MELISSA KOH! Apparently, the other two tracts were given by the boss to other staff members at Icey Ice to take back.

Hopefully, by receiving so many tracts, the folks there will realise that we are serious about making the Gospel known and will want to know why! (if you came across this website and you don't know what's going on, go to http://www.needgod.com/ )

Keep 30in30 in your prayers!

Rowena

One message - many readers

2007-09-16T21:10:00.001+08:00

On 14/09/07, around 4:15 pm I gave out my 15th Gospel track to one of my colleagues who is a hygienist. In the morning that day, he passed me a childrens book he wrote, to read. So I thought I would also pass him a book to read in return....... which was the gospel tract.

So when I passed to him to read, he took a while to read. While he was reading, a female dentist walked past and asked: " What are u reading?" so he told her that he would pass it to her after he had finished reading.

After he read it, he passed it to the dentist to read. After she had finished reading it, she left it on the table. None of them seemed to be keen to keep the tract. (meanwhile, i was kinda upset seeing that tract lying on the table ... unwanted)

So here come another dentist, saw that tract on the table and asked me :"what is that?". so i told him that was a gospel tract. He picked up and started reading it. While he was reading it, a fourth person (who is a technician at the clinic) walked past and asked him what was he reading. The dentist told the technician he won't be able to finish reading that tract on that day, and he would pass it to him next week. So i "volunteer" to give the technician another tract next week.

The last thing i noticed before i went home was the dentist put the tract in his pocket and took it home with him. Hopefully he would finish reading it. I was very amazed at how many people could read that one tract. Hope that tract can go further than that!

mim min

Week 1 (1st-7th Sept 2007)

2007-09-15T02:08:00.001+08:00

Top 10 tracted locations in Perth for Week 1 of September 07
Perth 47
Curtin 33
Murdoch 27
Northbridge 24
South Perth 21
Claremont 16
Canning Vale 14
Bentley 20
East Perth 11
UWA 9

412 gospel tracts logged (probably more unlogged) in Perth

57 tracts logged in Adelaide

drip...drip...drip

2007-09-15T00:48:00.001+08:00

So there are 2 toilets in my appartment. And the other toilet's water pipe from the wall (no yucky stuff) started leaking a few months ago so I stopped using it. Now my grandparents are coming back for a holiday this Saturday night. The toilet needs to be fixed.

Now you're probably thinking....I'm a bit thirsty now.. ahha kidding. You're probably wanting me to get to the point. and I will.

So I started fixing the toilet earlier this week. I've been researching online, trying to deduce what the problem might be, going to Bunnings, asking for their advice and buy some parts, come back, try to fix it and it doesn't work. Next day, try a different idea, buy a differnt part, try again. So I've been to Bunnings pretty much every day this week. At first I thought, this is the 'bad' thing I've been waiting for. Now is my chance to thank God whether he sends me 'good' or 'bad'. Actually, its a blessing. I've been tracting to the Bunnings people everyday! haha I thanked God for sending me this trouble in disguise. So I fixed the leaking pipe yesterday!

Now...the tap which controls that pipe has started leaking!!! Back to Bunnings I go...

God has gives these problems because He loves us and wants us to learn something from it. I learnt that God gives you opportunities to share your faith in the strangest ways that you would never think of. Keep an eye out for these opportunities and glorify God. =D

Gavin

All Things Work Together For Good To Them That Love God, No Matter How Stupid

2007-09-14T11:37:00.001+08:00

When I'm not in a good mood I tend to say things that's been weighing on my chest, sometimes without thinking. Two weeks ago, I discovered that not only do I say these things, I write them too. So, knowing me, I did something not so smart. I wrote on a farewell card to a colleague that she blasphemes (yeah I know). A couple of days later, I calmed down and it hit me what I had done and I started to stress, especially now it's not going to be easy to tract her (I made a decision a while back that I'll have to tract all my colleagues - especially those who are leaving the company). The day of the farewell morning tea came (yesterday), and I prayed to God like there's no tomorrow. Usually people read the card over morning tea, and if something funny or striking was written, they would read it out loud to the entire staff. So there I am at morning tea, watching the card, praying in my head, "Okay God, please help me with this, I'm ready, I'm ready to defend Your name, let's do it.". I saw my colleague pull it out of the envelope and then said, "Oh, I read this later." phew.. (or was it?). Went back to work and about an hour later, my colleague comes to my office door, "I read my card" (O ohh) "You have nice writing but why did you have to write that in my card!". I thought, "Nuts, here we go.". We started "talking", as she stepped inside my office, strangely enough, she turned and looked directly to (what I call) my "evangelism corner" of my desk where I have my daily encouragement calendar and a few different tracts, it became silent for about a second. I wondered what she was thinking and thought is it time to give her a tract? But then she turned to me and continued to argue that she does not blaspheme (yeah, it wasn't the time). Anyway, after some time she walked away leaving me feeling very unsettled. I prayed. I don't like being disliked.

Later driving to uni, I prayed again. In class, I prayed again, asking God what He wanted me to do and if could He do something about this. I was reminded to look to His Word. So in class, I whipped out my bible to the book of James. I read about true faith is shown in good works. So I thought, if I really believe God will fix this up, I had to do something good, something right, something that would show God's love. So I decided to get her a box of chocolates (she loves chocolate) and more importantly give her a tract too. On the way back to the office, I started to chicken out, justifying, "Oh, this is her last day, I'll never see her again.. didn't really know her anyway.. don't worry about." But then I was reminded of the verse.. Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." I said to God, "But God, you know I love you.." and then conviction, if I really do love Him - then show it in action! Cos that's what love is - a verb! And so I prayed again, this time, I really wanted to do it for God, for His glory and not to make things right with me (so she can like me).

Anxiously waiting in my office at about 5:30pm, I started to hear my colleague say her farewells, then silence. 5 minutes or so later, I walked out to the open area, and asked another colleague where she was, she told me she had gone. I walked back in my room puzzled. I really thought God wanted me to talk to her and tract her. I prayed, His Word seem to have pointed in this direction. I was sad. But then suddenly I hear the security door open "beep beep", and a voice, "I'm back!" it was my colleague!! She came into my office. We hugged, we spoke, I gave her the box of chocolates, and I gave her a tract saying, "I'm a Christian, I really can't let you go without telling you this." Thank God she accepted it well and our little talk went well. And I tracted her!! I don't think I would have been so serious about this tract if I didn't make this "mistake". This year in 30in30, God is really showing me the power of prayer. The two tracts which I prayed fervently about, I witnessed God at work, and the experiences are unforgettable!

another Christian bus driver!

2007-09-13T20:54:00.000+08:00

I tracted my bus driver again today... This is what happened:

Me: Here, this is for you - you can have a read when your shift ends! It's a Gospel Tract!
Peter (the 794 bus driver): About Jesus I hope!
Me: *stunned mullet expression*
Peter (the 794 bus driver): I'm a Christian!
Me: Really? That's great, well maybe you can pass it on to one of your friends
Peter (the 794 bus driver): Thanks. I will!
Me: Thanks! Have a great day!
Peter (the 794 bus driver): shouts while driving off into the sunset God bless you!

This has happened before. Christians tracted (and enouraged) so far: 3 (Praise God!)

Little Picture, Big Purpose

2007-09-12T18:09:00.001+08:00

We had our carpet at home cleaned this morning. I had been looking forward to this morning as I had already decided to give Tim, the Carpet Guy a tract.

As I was waiting for him to turn up, I looked at my Lounge Room and thought, "Would anyone who comes here know that we are Christians?" There are 2 framed Cross-stitch pieces (a clock that says 'Jesus Saves' and a smaller piece, 'The Lord is my Shepherd'). I decided to complete this other piece which I had been working on and have it framed, as I felt that what was on the wall were not obvious enough.

Ahhhh, but God can use anything, big or small, for His wonderful purpose.

Tim came on the dot at 9:45 am and started to set up his machine, while I made him a cup of coffee. He came round to the kitchen and asked me if I go to Church, as he had been looking at the pictures I had on the wall. My heart skipped a bit and thanked God! We started chatting about going to church, spirituality, life and modern medicine. He was quite opened about himself to me and spoke of his past- alcoholic father, his fight with depression, and how he took steps to change his life. he is reading a lot and continues to learn about life now. As we chat, I prayed in my heart for God to help me say the right things, to help me be a good testimony for Him. As much as I can, I introduced God, Christ and my own personal experiences as a Christian into the conversation. Apparently he did go to church when he was a child, but only to exchange stamps. He did find that quite ridiculous now but did not think otherwise when he was young. I didn't quite get to share the Gospel with him, but managed to hand him a tract and suggested that he have a look at more articles online on the Jack Chick website and Creation Ministries website. He was quite interested and so I pray that he will find more answers in his search for the Truth.

I thank God that He had created this great opportunity for me to share instead of merely handing Tim a tract to read. It was a good training experience for me to share without fear. Please pray for Tim.

All glory to our most gracious and wonderful Lord!!

Ruey

The Tract Reminded me I'm a Christian

2007-09-12T16:26:00.000+08:00

I was at a petrol station yesterday and when I got there, the attendant was outside and said that she cannot authorise the pump for another 5 minutes. She then proceeded to unhook all the premium unleaded pumps as I stood their waiting and watching, asking whether I could help. The man at the next bowser got frustrated and left but I stayed there, remembering that I could also give the petrol station attendant a tract. After what seemed like 20min, she was inside and switched the pump on. After I finished I went inside to pay and she apologised again and while I was getting my tract ready, she gave me 4c/Litre off even though I didnt have a voucher. The tract reminded me that I am a Christian, and God helped me to react in a way that glorifies him.

Sometimes we sow the seeds... Sometimes we fertilize the ground

2007-09-12T11:58:00.001+08:00

At 11:20am, a lady came with her shopping to the shop where I work in Centro Maddington. But instead of asking for printer ink the first thing she said was - "I want to say thank you to whoever it was that passed that booklet to my husband yesterday".

My boss and I were a little puzzled at first but she added - "I'm a Christian, but my husband isn't. But that is changing now after he read the booklet you gave him yesterady. He used to think that once you do one wrong thing then that's it. No more chances. No way to be forgiven. I'm so happy because his thinking has changed now his sins can be forgiven."

We can never really know if we are first planting a seed, or if we are adding fertilizer to the ground so please keep praying for the tracts that are being given out. I wish I could give you a tract number but I can't remember which one I gave to this man but please pray for him anyway. Praise God becaues I know if this husband seeks God with his whole heart, we'll see him in heaven. - Darrell

Weed and Alcohol have I none but such as I have give I thee

2007-09-11T09:57:00.001+08:00

Fred and I were in the city last night and while we were talking to a guy on the benches near the library, one 19yo guy walked past shouting out asking whether we had any "weed". I took the opportunity to offer him a tract and he took it with a smile asking what it was. When I told him that it was a booklet about Chrisitanity, he said "oh cool" and started looking at it. I asked him whether if he was to die tonight, would he be sure whether he is going to heaven? A long conversation ensued, talking about his experiences with "astro-projection", drugs, oujia boards, suances etc and while he didn't really believe in Christianity, I showed him the verse "And ye shall seek me and find me, if ye search for me with all your heart" and prayed with him that God will give him faith to believe in God sufficiently for him to be saved. Pray for Marcus.

- Tract #0915 Adrian

On the way back sitting on the curb obviously drunk was a young Irish guy. I asked if he was ok and he said he was just very drunk. I offered him a tract "don't try to read it right now, save it for when you are a little more sober". - Tract #0914

One of the Many Ways God can Use a Tract

2007-09-11T00:46:00.000+08:00

I have been chatting to my colleague, Gordon, about Christianity for some time. When we have the time, we would talk about our beliefs. He used to go to church when he was young, but has doubts about God. He’s a very nature-loving person and does not believe in one religion. A few months ago, I gave him the “Evolution – Fact or Fiction” booklet and he said that he’ll read it when he has the time. A few months passed, and one day, after cleaning his desk, he came to me to return the booklet saying that he had not read it. He had read the back of the booklet and thought that if he read it, he’d just spend the whole time arguing with it, i.e. the booklet. So, he decided to return it to me to pass to other people.

On Sunday, I picked up three “smaller” (i.e. less pages) tracts (Good News, You’re Special and God’s Bridge to Eternal Life) for him, thinking that he’d have less time “arguing” them. The next day, I realised that I had accidentally left the God’s Bridge to Eternal Life tract in another bag. I “kicked” myself for not bringing that tract with me because for some reason, I really wanted to give that tract to him. I kept wondering how I could’ve taken those two tracts out of that bag, but “left” that behind. But I decided to pass him the other two first, which he accepted gladly, and said that he’d read them on the train.

The next day, I remembered the God’s Bridge to Eternal Life tract and brought it to work. I was hoping that he’d also be receptive to accept this tract. When Gordon returned the other two tracts, he said that he likes the You’re Special tract, but not so much the other one. I took that opportunity and gave him the God’s Bridge to Eternal Life tract. Thank God he accepted it and promised he’d read it. He went back to his desk, put it on top of his PC and got back to work. Not too long after, our regional manager, Mark, came over and talked to him for quite awhile. After Mark left, Gordon came to me and asked if I heard what they were talking about. I didn’t because I had my earphone on. He excitedly said that Mark came by to talk to him. He saw the tract and began to chat to him about Christianity. Mark, who’s also a pastor, shared with Gordon about Christ’s Love and discipleship. Gordon was receptive of the sharing about loving one another. He also mentioned that, as Mark was sharing, he was scribbling down some of the things, which he liked. I have yet to ask him what he’s written down.

That was about two weeks ago. And this morning, Gordon said that he was thinking about church yesterday and will consider going to Mark’s church. Praise God. I can now see God’s amazing work through all these. What I thought was an “accident”, i.e. leaving the God’s Bridge to Eternal Life tract in the bag at home, was part of God’s plan to have Mark witness to Gordon.

With Sept 30in30, through this experience, God has shown me that I may not be the one to share the gospel with the person who receives a tract from me, but God can use the tract to draw other believer’s attention to witness to that person. This is just one of the many amazing ways God can use a tract to draw people to Him.

posted by Hui Ling

the Red CAT driver surprises an unsuspecting 30in30 commuter

2007-09-10T22:24:00.000+08:00

This post is a little delayed but here it is anyways... On Friday afternoon, I jumped on the Red CAT bus in the city. When I got on, the bus driver smiled at me and as I stood on the bus, I started thinking if I should tract the bus driver. So after a quick prayer (as well as reminding myself that he did smile at me and he did look pretty friendly - so he was more likely to take the tract), I passed him a tract saying 'this is for you - hope you read it when you get the chance'.

When he took it, his smile got larger and he said 'Praise the Lord! I'm a believer too!'. I said 'Really?!?!' and then he said, 'in fact, I am a Pastor of a Church!'. I can't remember what I said after that but I was genuinely surprised - and absoultely encouraged (as he was too I'm sure!).

30in30 is full of surprises!

PS - 1 minute after getting off the CAT bus I was tracted by a young Korean girl from a Presbyterian church! Double-dose of encouragement! Thankyou God! You knew just what I needed and gave it just when I needed it!

Coincidence?? Don't Think So!!

2007-09-10T18:44:00.001+08:00

(This is not my own testimony but is one of Lilian's. I wanted to share it coz it really amazed me of how God works!!)

So, she introduced me to a new girl - Debbie - on Sunday and we talked and asked her how she came to our church. Apparently, Lilian went to McDonald's drive through and gave a tract to Debbie when ordering her meal and so amazingly Debbie was looking for a church to go to and so they exhanged contacts blah blah...Then i asked where she lives and it turned out that she lives in the same building as Victor!!! I mean what is the chance of that happening!! So, Victor is able to give her a lift to church now on Sundays ^^ God is Good!!

Testimony

2007-09-08T13:13:00.001+08:00

I dont know what title to give to this testimony but i can only say PRAISE GOD for answered prayers and PRAISE GOD for His amazing ways of opening doors for the seed of the gospel to be planted!

Indeed, it is not what we ask for but HOW we ask for it - with a willing heart to obey our Father! This all happen on Wednesday after attending Curtin Fellowship, i wanted to try out "Icey Ice" in Northbridge and another brother wanted to get his haircut. So, in the end, 5 of us - Karen, Kwanthar, Jerome, Victor and Heng Lee went to the city without knowing that God has a higher purpose for our trip to the city!!

At Icey Ice, we were able to tract the ladies at the counter and after encouragement from brothers and sister in Christ, i took up the courage to tract these 3 girls sitting behind us and it turned out that one of them is a Christian who attends a church on Canning Hwy and she hasnt shared the gospel to her other 2 friends and i told her about Sept 30in30 that we are doing so prayerfully this will be an encouragement and a reminder for her to share the gospel with her friends! God's work doesnt stop there though.

We then went to Grace's saloon as Heng Lee needed a haircut and i saw this girl - Winnie - whom i spoke and tracted to during CT evangelism! Surely this cannot be a coincidence. And after encouragement from brothers and sister in Christ, i took up the courage to talk to her again. But this time she wasnt too keen in talking about this topic but hopefully it reminded her of what she has read from the tracts. However, as Adrian says "as one door closes, God opens another door" for us!

Kwanthar and Karen were sitting and waiting and they got into a conversation with a guy - Garrison - who was waiting for his haircut and they started to share the gospel to him. Thank God Garrison was really receptive! Karen nudged me to join in the convo and to do some translation for them into mandarin and as the process went on, i was able to share the gospel to him in Mandarin which surprised me as well to be able to do that coz somehow God gave me the words to speak in Mandarin biblical terms. It was also an answered prayer as i had made a little quiet prayer in my heart to want to share the gospel to someone and God hears my little prayer! Do pray for Garrison...his mum is a Christian but his dad is not and in the end he said he will think seriously about accepting Christ into his heart and he knows that that decision is important..

At the same time, God used Victor to catch up with Maureen as well who has not been coming to church. So, pray for Maureen as well!

Do not be discouraged, God is with us ALWAYS He promised!

I am a Little Trigger Happy

2007-09-07T17:11:00.001+08:00

I experience the Power of Prayer this week. Our Lord God truly replies in extraordinary ways that touch and encourage us beyond our wildest imagination. Now I fully understand when God says "no", "yes" or "wait". It is not what we ask for. It is HOW we ask- with a willing heart.

Last Friday I shared with Regeneration about a surprising chat I had with Paul, a worker at Red Castle Hotel (where I help my ex-boss). I had been avoiding him for quite some time as I told myself not to associate with "undesirable characters". As Sep30in30 drew nearer, Renz and I wondered if we would end up giving Paul a tract. I thought 'why not', but decided to take the "chicken" way out, by handing it to an easier target, Tania, Paul's girlfriend. Well, the Lord knows my heart and taught me to face my fear by creating opportunities I cannot, and dare not, turn my back on.

Thank God for all your prayers, because Paul was the recipient of Tract 2402 on Monday.

Then God showed me more than facing my fear. He taught me trust and listen to Him.

As I was leaving Red Castle (after handing a tract to Paul), I saw Robert, another Red Castle worker whom I had also been avoiding. We waved at each other, and it struck me that I should give him a tract. Being reminded of the "quick-draw" message shared by Adrian during the Saturday breakfast, I did a quick u-turn, stopped Robert in his track, rolled down my window and put Tract 2402 on the pizza box he was carrying. Thank God I listened to him and trusted him enough not to drive on home!

The next day, Paul came to thank me in front of Mrs Wee (the Boss: self confessed blind-faith Catholic) for the booklet. Mrs Wee asked "what booklet?" I had toyed with the idea of giving Mrs Wee a tract, but never thought it would happen. Well, God turns ideas into reality. So having had my practice with the "quick draw" method, I said, "Well… here" and handed her Tract 2404.

I had to maintain my composure but what I really wanted to do that day was to jump up and down, screaming "WooHoo!!! Praise God!!"

God has not stopped answering my prayers since I learn to ask with an honest and willing heart. Today, Friday 07 Sept, God answered my prayer 4-fold. All I asked was to be given a chance to give 1 tract (to make up for the last 2 days) and more if He would use me to. Praise God for helping me hand out 4 tracts. Please pray for all of them.

I have to admit that I still feel fear, but I learn that the less I think, the less I fear. So my dear brothers and sisters, each time the devil tries to stop you with fear and discouraging thoughts, hold a tract in your hand and "Quick-Draw"!!

(Don't bother aiming, just shoot because God will do the aiming for you. Yes I am trigger happy now.)

Ruey

30in30 is also about encouraging one another

2007-09-07T12:42:00.001+08:00

Encourage one another, and edify one another - 1 Thessalonians 5:11a

Sometimes God gives us an experience not just for us to learn something from it, but to benefit other people. Maybe it was a situation that made you laugh or see the power of God's grace and guidance. I have heard some really amazing testimonies in the last few days which are better told by the participants themselves. If you would like it to be checked before uploading, email encourage@live-4-christ.com even if you just have a short testimony please upload 2 encourage.

Just like sharing the gospel, sharing your experiences in evangelism does benefit someone else. It may be used by God to help illustrate a lesson in evangelism or it may help to encourage someone to give out the tract that is sitting in their pocket right NOW in Sydney, Melbourne, Brunei, Adelaide, Singapore or Perth! Do you have an experience in mind?

On to other things.. some people have difficulty knowing what to say to people when they give out tracts. Here are a few. If you have any more, add them in the comments section below this post.

"Have you received one of these?"

"Here's a booklet about Christianity"

"If... you were to die tonight, are you sure you will be going to heaven?"

"Hi, someone asked me to give this to you"

"This is for you"

"Here's something for you to read"

Here are some ideas for places to give out tracts:

Crowded places

Shopkeepers

Drive thru attendants

Friends and family that you have been meaning to share the gospel with

Bus stops

Taxi drivers

Cafes where people are just waiting for something to do

If you are lacking in zeal and need a message to stir up your burden for the lost follow this link and click on "Militant Evangelism" or watch the Revival hymn posted a few days ago.

Don't know what this is all about? www.needgod.com

the check-out-chick gets encouraged

2007-09-05T19:23:00.000+08:00

Today I went to buy some food from Woolies in the city and decided that whoever scans my stuff will get tract #2505. The girl said 'is this a comic or something?' and I told her it was a Gospel Tract. She smiled and said 'I am a Christian - and I do this (give out tracts) sometimes too'. She seemed quite encouraged. :)

Making every moment count

2007-09-04T22:37:00.001+08:00

"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." God can use any situation that you are in for His glory. I experienced that today while I was at Curtin uni, just coming back from a curtin fellowship meeting when Kwanthar, Joe and I ran into Nova. She was on her way home, so I offered to give her a lift back plus join us for dinner along the way =) but when I went to start my car, it wasn't working. Then I realised I left my lights on the entire day! silly me, oh no! Kman went to call his friend Matthew, for help, and thank God he agreed to come. I was already thinking "Oooo I can give him a tract!" and while waiting for him to come, out there in the carpark was just a awesome, unmissable opportunity to give out tracts. I had already given out the 30in30 tracts that I brought, so we used the spare tracts in my car, and in that while, me and nova and kman were able to give out lots of tracts to the many people walking past. It was a good experience for Nova too, she had never given out a tract before, and her approach was so simple and sweet: "This is God's gift for you." Awww. Matthew then came with his girlfriend, Jacinta, and while Matthew and Kwanthar were jumpstarting my car, I was able to pass a tract and talk to Jacinta. It was such a blessing and Kwanthar told us that he was trying to talk to Jacinta for a while ["because if Jacinta comes to Christ Matt will be more receptive too"] so thank God for answered prayers! After saying goodbye to Matt we prayed for all the tracts given out that day, and another thing is that I prayed this morning asking God to grant me situations to talk to people and give out tracts, and I got more than what I expected! Praise God!

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Eph 3:20-21

What a joy it is to speak of what Christ has done for us!

What else will September bring?

2007-09-04T00:25:00.000+08:00

God really can work through incredible means to reach people. For a few years, my brother and I have been sharing the gospel to my mother without much result or change in her receptiveness. It seems that no matter what we say, her response is always "you both are brainwashed by your religion". Tonight mum asked me to accompany her to visit a lawyer at his house because he offers free legal advice (we needed some information about retaining walls). The gentleman's name is Gabriel Patrick, an elderly man, perhaps around 65 years of age. He was originally from Sri Lanka and continues to pratice at a well-known Perth law firm. I thought that it would be an interesting opportunity to hand out my tract (#03) to this lawyer so I prepared myself for the opportunity to do so. When we arrived at his house in Atwell, I noticed a small statue of the Last Supper on his dining table... immediately I was intrigued... is he Christian too?

My mum has been trying to get some advice for some time, but it seems that most lawyers won't give you any without some form of payment or obligation (not trying to bad mouth em at all). However Mr Patrick was so generous to take time (after work) to read through everything, even to call his friends and organise for help. It turns out he goes to the Baptist Church just across the street from his house and every Saturday he offers free legal advice in the church from 1pm to 3pm. As for payment, he asked for nothing in return except that if we visited the church, to give a small offering for the Lord. He struggled to read some numbers from the phone book and shared with us that he had mild cataracts and his eyesight had been degenerating. After we finished going through all the documents, he informed us that he was scheduled for eye surgery on the 14th of September. However he has had other eye problems with blisters and tear ducts so doctors advised him not to proceed with the surgery. However there was a chance that it could come good, so Mr Patrick said "If God wills it, then it will be okay".

Then something amazing started... Maybe my mum was just in a good mood (because he'd helped her) but she said to Mr Patrick "God bless for your surgery". That left me speechless... then she said "my son is a Christian too, and I believe there is a God, but I don't believe in any religion". Then God moved and Mr Patrick started to share his testimony to my mum. He shared how he started as a Catholic, was saved just before getting married. God was always with him throughout his life, performing many personal miracles. Earlier in his law career, he decided to move his family out of Sri Lanka to Australia because of all the corruption and terrorism. One of his close friends (also a lawyer) was shot dead trying to migrate to Canada and that was the last straw. It seemed impossible to leave the country, but by another miracle of God, a plane was organised for Him and 3 months later (1984), he brought his family to Perth. It was such a moving story and now he serves the Lord by offering his 'talents' freely to those who need it.

I did give my 3rd tract to Mr Patrick, and he asked for my phone number too... Hey perhaps he can pass the tract onto someone else? He has a prayer request that perhaps we can help with.

I mentioned earlier that the 14th of September 2007 is his operation date. Let's pray together for him and may the Lord guide the surgeon to help restore his eyesight.

It shows me just how important it is to have our testimonies ready to share (we need more online guys! ichoselife.blogspot.com). After our meeting I took mum out for dinner and it allowed us to talk about God and the gospel through the evening. What started as a small step of obedience to help mum turned out to be a blessing to my soul. Father, please keep watering that gospel seed in my mum's heart. All praise and glory to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

I wonder what else September will bring?

Adventure in Water

2007-09-03T13:15:00.001+08:00

Hi all,

For those of you who dont know me, I am the cousin of
Selina, Kenny and Heng Lee. I have been invited to
share my testimony with you guys about my near death,
drowning experience. Here's how the story goes!

On the 25th of Aug @ 730pm as my bros' and sis' of
both our cell groups were heading to the water
village, the unimaginable happened. Our boat capsized!

"I can't swim!" yelled Soan. Before we could all react
to the water splashing in, we were in the water
already. It was really dark and I couldn't see
anything. We were all struggling to grab onto
something or someone. I just felt heavy pushing me
into the water and I tried to splatter my feet, hoping
to rise above the water, it worked for awhile but
before long, I was back in the water again. In my
heart, I could only called out to the Lord, "Lord,
please save us! I don't wanna die! Not yet! I still
have my 30 in 30 to do! Please Lord, Please! Then
there was total darkness....I think I passed out for
awhile cos I don't remember till this day when the
marines arrived.

Suddenly, I felt someone pulling my right hand from
above the water and that's when i regained
consciousness. I remember seeing a stalky young man
dressed in navy blue uniform. He was my hero! "Are you
ok? Can you climb onto the boat?" he asked!

As I climbed up the boat, I could see the rest of the
guys, on other boats. Thank God that all 13 of us
survived.

I can tell you that it was no short of a miracle that
my bros & sis' and I are alive today! I am truly
grateful to God for his mercies and his grace and am
very sure that God was the one who alerted the
marines. If it wasn't for HIM, I don't think I would
be typing this right now. You could say that I was
given a second chance in life.
When I think about the incident, I still get goose
bumps; just imagine, if something had happened to one
of us, what if I had died, then the people wouldn't be
visiting me at the hospital but I would be lying in a
casket! And I wouldn't be able to tell how God saved
us!

Through this incident, God showed me that:
HE is faithful – he heard our cry for help and he did
not leave us or forsake us.

Life is fragile – in those 5 to 10 mins, if the
marines' had not showed up, I think I would be in
paradise by now. So, cherish your life!

HE is indeed Emmanuel – even though sometimes we don't
feel HIS presence doesn't mean that HE's not present,
but HE is and HE will always be there for us, no
matter what!

In HIS time – God has a time for everything in our
lives. You know how sometimes you pray and pray and
you don't get an immediate answer and you doubt if
HE's actually listening; I have learnt that it is true
that HE has always 3 answers to prayer – YES, NO, or
wait!!
Of course, in our case, he responded really quickly!
When I was in the water and I asked HIM to save us –
that was the shortest prayer I have ever said in my
life and the quickest one that God answered!
One more question that we can meditate on, if you were
to die today and when you stand in front of the Lord
and he asked you, "What have you done for me when you
were on earth?" What would your answer be?
God bless!
SIC
Nicole aka "the lady who almost drowned in the Brunei
River!(that's what the doctors referred to me as in
the hospital)"

NiCoLe @ Yek Lu

30in30 Big Breakfast

2007-09-03T11:03:00.000+08:00

This is the video that was shown @ the Big Breakfast on Saturday.

The Power of Continous Prayer

2007-09-03T00:30:00.000+08:00

Why should we pray?
Simply put, it makes the impossible POSSIBLE!!!!

Firstly let me give a little introduction of myself. 2007 has been the most amazing year of MY LIFE. The Lord and my savour Jesus Christ has finally broken through the barriers of my heart that withheld my spiritul beliefs.
In this short amount of time, God was able to change my life and has had such a big impact on me that I can not longer deny His existance, His glory, His works, His love.

A big blessing was the reuniting of mum, dad and I together as a family after 13 yrs of seperation. Boy was I happy when i got the news that dad was coming to Australia 3 weeks ago. THANK GOD!!!

Fast forward to Thursday 30th of August, 10:30pm.
Mum and dad were arguing, dad couldn't adapt to the way of life and having a family after 13 yrs of solitude. Everyone was in tears and it looked like my family was about to be separated once again.
Boy oh Boy did i pray! I prayed for God to give me the strength and to keep a clear head in such emotional times.
AND GUESS WHAT???!!! Everything turned out great!!!!!

And as a BONUS, the Lord Almighty was also able to use the sitution at hand and answered the prayers that I've had for a past few weeks. As you can imagine, being a Christian in a family of Buddhists has not been easy. Mum saw me wearing a cross one day, and angrily told me to take it off as I was a "buddhist"! Can you believe that!!!! I can!!! That what my mum is like.

So after mum and dad's argument that night, I prayed to the Lord again and asked Him if this was the time to tell mum, I prayed for the courage not to be ashamed of God. I stuttered for a long time but eventually and amazingly I said it. What followed seems to be the longest silence of my life, felt like time had stopped.
"NO. No, you cannot be Chrsitian"

...And my heart split in half. I could not say a word, i was shocked, stunned, empty, lost.
But what happened next TRUELY was a work of God. After what seemed like an eternity, Mum suddenly remembered a girl who used to work for her. She was a Christian, who's actions reflected Christ's attributes. She was a living testimony. Her impact on mum was so deep that even though its been 3 years since she quit and despite countless employees since then, mum still remembers her and everything she stood for.

Finally, mum said, "If Christanity is going to make you a better person, then go ahead! I want you to be happy!!!".
Happy wasn't even the right word to describe how I felt!!

So Thank You Stephanie(the girl/ex-employee).Thank You Almighty Father in Heaven.
It is the most amazing feeling when you see God at work.

YOU, too, can experience God's grace. Open your eyes, count your blessings, AND pray. If it sincere, from the heart, genuine and according to God's will, trust me, you will get an answer. Just remember to removed the clouded greys areas from one's heart.

Last but not least, a big thanks goes out to all those that prayed in the 24hrs leading up to September 30 in 30.
It just goes to show how God can change our lives through the Power of Prayer.

William Peng

the piercer gets tracted

2007-09-02T23:30:00.001+08:00

Yesterday (saturday) I got my ears pierced for the very first time. I decided before doing so, that whoever was to pierce my ears was the one who would get the tract numbered 2501. After having a nice conversation with the man who caused me much pain, I handed him the tract after paying. He asked what it was and I told him it was a gospel tract - and that he should read it when he gets a spare moment.

He took the tract, flipped through it quickly and said thankyou with a smile.

He was left with a tract, and I was left with a permament reminder of the person who got my first 30in30 tract for 2007!

rowena #25

Best Evangelism Experience

2007-09-01T23:59:00.001+08:00

Today was absolutely the best evangelism day in my Christian walk so far! I was able to share the Gospel or more like, speak anything about Christianity to my mother. It is not as if she accepted Christ, but you might understand the significance of today for me, if I told you this: I had always felt that she is the most difficult person including all my friends, relatives, or colleagues to engage in Christianity talk. Perhaps a part of me had given up ever sharing the Gospel to her.

I understand this is just the start of a long road, and I need to continue to pray to God about the right timing and ask Him for opportunities to talk more about God. Slowly but surely, one step at a time.

As for today, I suppose I can rest in peace, assured that I have at least taken the first step. Thank you Lord for today, you do indeed make the impossible possible.

Kaori

P.S. I must not forget to mention that I feel it all happened today, being the first day of September 30in30 after all of our sincere prayers in 24 hour prayer:)

24hr Prayer Meeting starts 30th August

2007-08-22T01:31:00.001+08:00

As with all spiritual battles, we are opening the 30in30 with a 24 hour prayer meeting (with the option of extending it to 36 hours if we have enough interest). If you would like to sign up for a half hour slot to pray for the 30in30, please email s30in30@ live-4-christ.com with your time and mobile number if you want the person before your timeslot to miss call you as a reminder. Or just leave a comment to this post. The times currently available are between:

12pm Thursday 30^th August (Perth time +800 GMT)

and

12pm Friday 31^st August (Perth time +800 GMT)

Actually, while you are here, how about you commit this outreach to prayer?

Why should we pray?

2007-08-22T01:26:00.001+08:00

"No man is greater than his prayer life. The pastor who is not praying is playing; the people who are not praying are straying. The pulpit can be a shopwindow to display one's talents; the prayer closet allows no showing off.

Poverty-stricken as the Church is today in many things, she is most stricken here, in the place of praver. We have many organizers, but few agonizers; many players and payers, few pray-ers; many singers, few clingers; lots of pastors, few wrestlers; many fears, few tears; much fashion, little passion; many interferers, few intercessors; many writers, but few fighters. Failing here, we fail everywhere.

The two prerequisites to successful Christian living are vision and passion, both of which are born in and maintained by prayer. The ministry of preaching is open to few; the ministry of prayer-the highest ministry of all human offices-is open to all. Spiritual adolescents say, "I'll not go tonight, it's only the prayer meeting." It may be that Satan has little cause to fear most preaching. Yet past experiences sting him to rally all his infernal army to fight against God's people praying. Modern Christians know little of "binding and loosing," though the onus is on us-"Whatsoever ye shall bind..." Have you done any of this lately? God is not prodigal with
His power; but to be much for God, we must be much with God.

This world hits the trail for hell with a speed that makes our fastest plane look like a tortoise; yet alas, few of us can remember the last time we missed our bed for a night of waiting upon God for a world-shaking revival. Our compassions are not moved. We mistake the scaffolding for the building. Present-day preaching, with its pale interpretation of divine truths, causes us to mistake action for unction, commotion for creation, and rattles for revivals.

The secret of praying is praying in secret. A sinning man will stop praying, and a praying man will stop sinning. We are beggared and bankrupt, but not broken, nor even bent.

Prayer is profoundly simple and simply profound. "Prayer is the simplest form of speech that infant lips can try," and yet so sublime that it outranges all speech and exhausts man's vocabulary. A Niagara of burning words does not mean that God is either impressed or moved. One of the most profound of Old Testament intercessors had no language "Her lips moved, but
her voice was not heard." No linguist here! There are groanings which cannot be uttered."

Are we so substandard to New Testament Christianity that we know not the historical faith of our fathers (with its implications and operations), but only the hysterical faith of our fellows? Prayer is to the believer what capital is to the business man.

Can any deny that in the modern church setup the main cause of anxiety is money? Yet that which tries the modern churches the most, troubled the New Testament Church the least. Our accent is on paying, theirs was on praying. When we have paid, the place is taken; when they had prayed, the place was shaken!

In the matter of New Testament, Spirit-inspired, hell-shaking, world-breaking prayer, never has so much been left by so many to so few. For this kind of prayer there is no substitute. We do it--or die!

Taken from Why Revival Tarries, by Leonard Ravenhill. Copyright 1959,
Leonard Ravenhill. Published by Bethany House Publishers.

LIVE updates during September 2007

2007-08-13T13:51:00.000+08:00

During this year's September 30in30, participants will be given access to post testimonies about the people they met during the 30 days. As soon as they email their testimonies in, they will automatically appear here for your encouragement.

If you are a participant emailling a testimony in, bear in mind that you dont have to include your name if you don't want to. The evangelism committee hopes that this will make it easier for all participants to share their experiences. 18 Days to go..

Does it concern you?

2007-08-09T10:03:00.000+08:00

“I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" – Isaiah 6:8a

Why Evangelise?
Did you know that in the world, only 2% of Christians actively share their faith regularly? That means 98% are in the daily habit of ignoring God’s promptings to share the Gospel with those souls that they come across. This is probably because we are too busy, or we don't think God is real or we doubt our own salvation. However, many of us sincerely want to see souls saved – but we find it quite hard to form a habit of sharing our faith. This is why we began and now, other Churches join us in organising September 30in30.

What is September 30in30?
The aim of 30in30 is to encourage obedience to God in the Great Commission. Each participant is encouraged not just to give out a tract, but to pray for the people they encounter. Since we know that God is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9), we know that every time we give out a tract prayerfully, it is GOD, not luck, which leads us to each person, and them to you.
Each participant is given a "starter pack" with 30 tracts to give out, one a day, for the 30 days of September. To help them along the way, each person is put in a group which will help encourage each other throughout the 30 days. Like all forms of discipleship, we are more effective when we involve other brothers and sisters in Christ. Each time a participant gives out a tract, they are encouraged to record the details of where and when the tract was given out, as well as pray for the person who received the tract. At the end of each week, participants submit the details of the tracts they gave out, to their group leaders for recording and accountability.

September 30in30 is not just an opportunity to share the gospel. It is also one month in which you can experience how God works through the obedience of His children to His word. Every spiritual discipline requires repetition and sometimes what seems like “routine”. While there may be other ways to reach the lost, September 30in30 is one way God may help you to develop a pattern of obedience to the Gospel. In September 2006, two thousand and sixty six (2,066) people in Perth received tracts during September 30in30. In 2007, the Great Commission remains the same as it was two thousand years ago. Will you help reach another thirty people? “I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” – Isaiah 6:8

More details online www.live-4-christ.com/30in30

Some stories from 30in30 2006

2007-02-21T00:37:00.000+09:00

New Believers
(On 7/9/06 Aaron got the tract and he has had 4 accidents this year! I gave him a tract and shared the Gospel with him also. Please pray for him). And Thank God Aaron Foster accepted Christ as his personal saviour. . – BP2708

A Guy(Benjamin) met in IGA who asked if he can come to visit the church one day. He got the contacts of our church, my hp no. and I got his no. too. Pray for him as he seems very sincere in wanting to come to pay a visit. Thank GOD he receive CHRIST the next day on Sunday (24/9/06) when he came to church. – BP5522

Prayer Requests
She (Gal) used to receive the tract and lost it. She was happy to receive it again – BP5517

Assurance of salvation for a child of God
Met Nathalie in the library, she was sleeping beside me. Prayed to God to help me share with her when she wakes up. Thank God for the opportunity to give her the tract and share with her when she woke up. She says she is a christian but unsure of her salvation. Invited her to come to church and thank God she came on Friday. Was able to assure her of her salvation. Pray that she will continue to grow in the Lord and desire to know him more each day. (NATALIE – Came to Church on 24/9/06) - BP2525

I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I tried to hand her a tract but I only manage to say 'Have you …' she rejected me again. Not finishing my 'Have you got this before?' I read the tract in front of her as she plug the ear pieces into her year to listen to the MP3 prayer. As I was about to leave the bus, I drop the tract intentionally on the seat praying that she would take it before she leaves the bus. BP3421

The people we meet..
Workman on lunch break cooking up some lamp chops on the bbq. Bo was brought up in a Christian family but does not fully believe in the Bible. He said he is trying to be a better person for all the wrong he has done. Believes that there is a third destination - here. Had bad experiences - eg. Had a gun held to his head! – BP3118

That morning, I feel that I was touched by The Holy Spirit. First I prayed before I left for school. I saw an old man jogging, I stopped him and gave him this tract. He said "thank you" after receiving the tract. I prayed that he may read and understand it. – BP0414

The Lord is not slack as some men count slackness (2 Peter 3:9)
Korean shop keeper at mini mart. He said to me, you have given it to me last year, remember? I suddenly remembered! He took the tract and looked at it again, he said again, he’s received the same tract three times this year! Someone else had given to him during these couple of weeks. I asked if he had read it, he said Yes...I told him GOD is telling you something. He said thanks and smiled. I prayed for his soul there and then asking God to lead him to salvation. – BP0723

30in30 Annual Gospel Outreach begins

2005-10-18T15:29:00.001+08:00

It all started in 2005...

"Have you received one of these"

This was the catch phrase that seemed to echo all over Perth during the month of September 2005. In our Church’s biggest effort to evangelise, 75 people committed to giving out 30 tracts in the 30 days of September. All up, the managers of 30in30 were able to account for 1,690 tracts given out to people all around Perth (and Melbourne/Sydney – thanks to Trina), with many more tracts given out but not logged. In Singapore, our sister Cherie led Moriah BP Church’s youth in the September 30in30. Thank God that they were able to give out 301 tracts

The purpose behind the 30in30 was to make evangelism a lifestyle. Many of us realized that in our daily walk, we neglected our calling to make disciples of all nations. It has been amazing to see the effect that 30in30 has had on many brothers and sisters. How many really came to Christ may only be known when we one day see Jesus face to face as most tracts that were given out were received by strangers – art store owners, uni students, construction workers, Aborigines, African Americans, hairdressers, pensioners and kids.

Lessons on prayer were learnt as participants increased their prayers for God’s providence and guidance. As a result, many found themselves in places that they never thought they would be, catching the “wrong bus” or talking to people they never thought they ever would. God was showing us that He is not slack as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance.

Some testimonies that emerged during the 30 days included:
• A Christian shop owner was so encouraged that he asked for more tracts to put outside his shop.
• A friend who was offered a tract ended up sharing that she just had a dream of going to hell.
• Tracts being offered to people who had just read the same tract from one of their friends/colleagues recently (happened more than twice!)

September 30in30 was not just about how many tracts we were able to give out. More importantly, participants realized that God gives us many opportunities to witness each day and we subconsciously make the decision not to witness, firstly by not carrying tracts. Jesus said in John 7:38,

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

If we DO believe in Him, rivers of living water must flow from us – the gospel has to be preached. Spurgeon said, “have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you are not saved yourself. Be sure of that.” September 30in30 helped many of us to repair our blocked vessels and cultivate a habit of evangelism. In the feedback forms, many came to realize that they had been ignoring many opportunities each day to share their faith. The organizers of 30in30 pray that the spirit of 30in30 will continue in each participant’s life. We pray the same prayer that your Lord and Saviour prays, that wherever you go, be it dim sum, shopping, friends house, sports or work, you will always have a gospel tract in your pocket and a willing arm to extend it. Next time if you find yourself being held up in the shopping line, rather than getting frustrated, ask God why and before you know it, you will be reaching for a tract and offering it to the person behind you – “Have you received one of these?”