Torch, Spring 1991

A Student Targetting Dnreacbed Groups ' he Clubhouse is in an alley in the middle of downtown Cincinnati, one block from Fountain Square. The four-story building was once a popular dance spot in the roaring 20's. Most recently it was a punk rock bar. Soon it will be a lighthouse for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "I stumbled across it one day, not far from where I led this guy to the Lord," says Cedarville College junior Kevin Rains. "I thought at the time that it would be a strategic place from which to share the Gospel with the subculture people who frequent the downtown streets after dark. So I prayed for God to preserve it for His use. " The following summer Rains went to City Hall and researched the owner' s name. Upon contacting him, Rains learned the building was unoccupied and available for rent. His excitement grew as he presented the project to the student body at the College. The students accepted the challenge of raising funds for the facility , and soon a lease was signed and renovation was underway. "My vision," states Rains , "is to target the unreached groups that the church by and large has turned its back on--homosexuals, punkers, and the homeless." One might wonder if Rains ' burden for these souls is a result of a seedy past. The reality is that he's an average Christian youth, raised in a Christian home, and going to a Christian college. What makes him "unaverage" is his heart for the lost. "I witness because it is a matter of obe– dience," he explains. "After a spiritual roller coaster ride through high school, the Lord made it clear to me that He wanted obedience in every area. In Philemon 6 the apostle Paul taught that this includes evangelization: 'I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.' " And just as the verse says, Rains testifies that witnessing gives him a whole new under– standing of what he has in his relationship with Christ. " A Cincinnati native, Rains is familiar with the city. When he accepted the leadership of the college-sponsored Open Heirs ministry, he directed it to his hometown. "We have had as many as 100 students witnessing on the streets, but usually we average around 50. We pass out literature to passersby and try to strike up conversations which can lead to sharing the Gospel. Sometimes we take a paintboard or magic trick to attract atten– tion ." What does one say to a total stranger? "I tell them my name and that I am from Cedarville College and explain a little about the school. This is an icebreaker. When I share that this is a Christian college, I am able to bridge into sharing the plan of salvation. " According to Rains, not everyone is interested in listening. But some are and they are usually lonely. "They 'll talk about anything, just to talk. I discuss the weather, the Reds, and the Bengals, and I pray for a way to bring in the Gospel." Rains cites fear as the biggest obstacle to witnessing. He admits to battling it himself even though he is experienced in sharing his faith, having done so on mission trips to Europe and Africa. The verse 2 Timothy 1:7, 8 has helped him: "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord...." "All three things mentioned here relate directly to witnessing," he explains. "Our power to share the Gospel is from the Lord, not from ourselves. Our motivation to share the Savior is love for the lost. Our ability to share Jesus comes as we choose to discipline ourselves to just do it." How does Rains intend to reach the punk rockers? "They like to talk about issues such as racism and authority. They are really into anarchy. Soon we will open the Clubhouse, and we hope they will drop in. There aren't many stores open at 2 a.m. , but we will be open. Then, perhaps, while they listen to some music, drink a soft drink or coffee, our Clubhouse workers can strike up a conversation and begin to build a relationship. Meanwhile, on an upper floor, at least two people will be in prayer around the clock for the ministry each evening. I believe prayer will play a vital role in this outreach." Plans call for a staff of five or six during the summer months. Some will actually live on the upper floors of the facility , have part-time jobs, and pool their funds for rent and support of the work. Other monies will be sought from churches. During the school year the Clubhouse will be open on weekends, staffed by graduates living in Cincinnati and Cedarville College volunteers organized by Rains and another student. Rains realizes benefits from being a street witnesser. "Interacting with the unsaved has forced me to go to the Word to know what I believe and why. Also, I have been forced to pray in a more specific and forceful way for God ' s power, more love for the lost, and faithfulness to obey His call to go and share the Good News. " Kevin Rains is a junior Bible major at Cedarville College.