Torch, Spring 1981

14 The Times and the Seasons Pat Landers Dixon S he hasn't been to a seminar about witnessing and she probably will never write a book on the ten, easy steps of sharing Christ. Yet this homemaker ably and consistently shares her testimony of God ' s redeeming grace with others. How can a young mother in a small, cloistered town have opportunities to witness? Let JoAnn tell you the answers to these questions in her own words: Being the mother of an active, young son does re– quire much time, but I do not use this as an excuse for my not sharing the message ofsalvation with other peo– ple . Amid the hectic pace of day -to-day living, I have found that it is necessary for me to begin the day in, at least, one hour of Bible study . Hebrews 4:12 sums up the reason why I need the Word ofGod as afirst priority in my daily walk. Next, I pray that the Holy Spirit would go before me andprepare the hearts ofthose people whom I will meet during the course ofa week. Naturally after I have met them, the prayers change as other requests enter into the picture. I thank God for allowing me to be His la– borer in the sowing, watering, and reaping ministry . As Colossians4 :2 commands us to "Continue in prayer... ," I pray for specific people and their needs as I begin my household duties. Prayer, therefore, is the second important element. Compassion is a compelling force in my witnessing. Since becoming a Christian five years ago , I have had a ITINERARIES JAMEST.JEREMIAH,CHANCELLOR May5-15 26-28 June6 II 22-26 July 1-4 11-15 19-22 Northwest Baptist Seminary, Tacoma, WA Pastors' Conference, Chicago, IL Cedarville College Commencement Blackhawk Baptist Church , Fort Wayne. IN GARBC National Conference, W inona Lake , IN Alumni Summer Enrichment Week Cedarville College Baptist Mid-Missions Meeting, Erie. PA Berean Baptist Church, Pickerington, OH heavy burden for the many lost souls around me. Jesus Christ was the model of compassion as he dealt with people in His earthly ministry. We are also charged to "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and be– loved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering . . ." (Colossians3:12). All too well, I recall the struggles and desperation that I had as a hell-bound sinner . I was searching and trying to fill the void with everything. I also remember people who carried their Bibles to church regularly, yet they never once opened their mouths to me about any– thing spiritual. I never want to be silent about this great salvation news. Letter writing is my main vehicle ofwitnessing. When– ever I meet a new person and have talked with him or herfive or ten minutes (to set up a bridge offriendship), I write that person's name on my calendar. After this, I pray for that person . Then, I either send by mail or by person a personal letter which leads into the message of the claims ofChrist; a Bible or a New Testament; or a tape ofmy testimony. Several Scriptural references are clearly given to support these letters or tapes. What have been the reactions of the recipients from this type ofministry? I couldn't give you a certain per– centage ofpositive or negative responses. But I do have faith that the shared WORD OF GOD will have an ef– fect . It is not my responsibility to decide who will react favorably or unfavorably to His WORD; God enables them to accept and to act upon those claims . Once my responsibility to share this message is fulfilled, the per– son is in God's hands . A pro baseball player was delighted and impressed by the time spent in writing the lengthy letter; a former classmate was enraged. Recently, a letter encouraged my hair stylist; one ofmy college professors merely ac– knowledged the receipt ofthe letter and message ofsal– vation. Whatever the response may be, I count it eJ.n honor and a real joy to serve Jesus Christ in proclaiming His Word through letters and tapes. ".. . 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). o PAUL DIXON, PRESIDENT MaylO 13-17 18 23 24 28 29 June I 6 12 22-26 July 1-4 5 26 Cedar Hill Baptist Church . Cleveland , OH Grace Baptist Church. Cedarville. OH Tri-City Christian High School Commencement, Kingsport , TN Grace Baptist School Commencement Urbana, OH Cincinnati Reds-Los Angeles Dodgers Chapel, Cincinnati. OH Maranatha Christian Schools Commencement Columbus. OH Franklin Road Christian School Commencement Murfreesboro, TN Faith Christian School Commencement Fruitport. Ml Cedarville College Commencement Haddon Heights Baptist High School Commencement Haddon Heights. NJ GAR BC National Conference. Winona Lake, IN Alumni Family Conference. Cedarville, OH Bible Baptist Church. Kokomo. IN Atlanta Braves-Pittsburgh Pirates Chapel , Atlanta. GA