“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10, HCSB)
There are seasons in life when I relegate evangelism to a complex program, rather than personal involvement with those who are lost. Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus reminds me of the necessity to meet people where they are. Like Jesus, I need to engage people who feel hopeless, burdened by sin’s guilt, and rejected, meeting them with truth, love and mercy.
The challenge for me is to not allow the routine of life make me neglect those who need eternal life. Mission trips help me reorient myself to gospel needs at home and in my community. During these trips, my daily schedule is typically meeting people in their homes, at their jobs, on a college campus or in a park. On my first international mission trip I remember sitting in the home of a retired Bulgarian doctor and talking about the Bible and Jesus. He gladly accepted my invitation to visit the Roma church where our team was speaking nightly. My hope is that the seeds of the gospel led to salvation in Christ.
In my own local mission field, I have found volunteering in the schools and coaching kids in recreational sports have opened doors to meet people, build relationships and share my faith in Jesus.
PRAYER PROMPT: Lord, help me to meet people where they are so that they may hear the gospel. Amen.
Kevin Carrothers serves as pastor of Rochester FBC and president of IBSA.