One down - one to go.
I’ve been praying for two people lately leading up to the “It would take a miracle” series. (By the way it you haven’t been to the website yet check out www.itwouldtakeamiracle.com) One of the people I’ve been praying for I had the chance to invite this past weekend. It went well…I guess…maybe. It’s hard to get inside the head of the other person. He was polite, accepted the invitation and nodded his head. Didn’t say much, just nodded. Not exactly the reaction I was hoping for, but then again I did what I can do, now it’s up to God to take it from here.
What surprised me though was how nervous I was leading up to the conversation. Why? As I thought about it I kept coming back to the same conclusion. Fear. What was I afraid of? Fear of rejection? Fear this simple spritual conversation would change something between us? I’m not really sure, but my nervousness, it was real. And I don’t think that will ever go away. Fear or no fear, we need to just keep “sowing seed.” One down, one to go.
How’s it going for you? Have you invited anyone yet? Am I the only one who gets nervous before doing so?
On a different note, I heard the worship concert was unbelievable last night. Nearly 2000 people ready to passionately worship God together. If you were there I’d love for you to chime in on your highlight of the night.
Hi Jason!
The nervousness was most likely was normal anxiety because there is a huge build up of such a wonderful event.
I have invited and brought 3 people this year - all of them Love Eagle Brook. But “no way” am I resting on that accomplishment. My goal is to bring my neighbor & his wife. My “stretch goal” is to bring my cousin as it looks like she could use it - even though she lives north a ways.
The Concert: YES, I was there and in the Front Row!
One could say the highlight was when the doors opened, there was a RUSH for the doors! The poor guy who opened them up just about got trampled and said “whoa” as in WOW!! …oh yea, the music was absolutely positively incredible!!!
P.S.: Just got Laid Off last Thursday & I have just finished my first day of volunteering at Lino trimming shrubs today. I will continue to do that and also mulch the Spruces in front by the road. This is besides where I believe I can assist EBC the best, but sometimes it’s just nice to get out and do some good hard work.
GPS is Tuesday night and I feel there are some great opportunities ahead - hope to talk to you in person sometime soon, Jason.
Tim
I just asked my nephew and his wife. One of the famlies we’ve been praying for. I was nervous too. I feel like I’m intruding on their life. Guess that would be the evil one trying to get us not to do this. On the other hand, I really want to see my nephew and his family in heaven!
I am so glad Bob taught us how to bring someone to Christ. What a wonderful message. Shark fishing is easy!
Hey Jason! I would say that I hold a lot of fear inviting somebody to church for numerous reasons. I typically don’t let fear drive my ship in life, but challenge myself to face them. But when it comes to this, it is in a whole other league! One of the things I have held with me on my own journey and try to use in trying to reach people for Christ is trying to model the people that led me to Christ.
There are two specific ones that come to mind and also a comment made during the Jehova Witness service this summer. It is all in our actions! Non-Christians pay VERY close attention to their Christian friends and if they are practicing what they preach. Or as Tom Keating used to say in my high school, “If you are going to talk the talk, you better walk the walk.” But what was best about the people that led me, was teaching me about sin and our human imperfections and God’s grace. As a non-Christian, I didn’t really understand this or even know it until was explained to me. I found myself still paying attention to my Christian friends walk, but was more forgiving if they messed up or had the awesome pleasure of watching them work through something with God’s word and guidance. Over this journey with these two close friends, but Catholic guilt slowly subsided.
I also remember the gentleman that used to be a Jehovah’s Witness saying something to the effect of: Just show him Christ in your actions. You don’t have to 1 up them, prove them wrong…just invite them in, ask them how they are and even listen. This really stuck with me and I really believe there is so much truth in that!
So I do struggle with being inentional about inviting somebody because I am fearful it will be forced, they won’t buy into the talk, but will need to see the walk. And this may take more time than I would like…but I have to keep reminding myself that is not about ME, God is working with me and alongside me to be that person on somebody elses journey walking the walk the best I can.
JV,
Well said. Our beliefs determine our bahavior, and if our behavior is consistent and God honoring, that will build our credibility. Credibility that we are Christ followers, and credibility that God really is in the business of changing lives.
Donna,
You make a good point that our fear can be tied to feeling like we’re “intruding.” On the other hand, we have to live with an eternal perspective. Why wouldn’t we want to share what God’s done for us. Still, for most of us, I don’t think we’ll ever becompletely nerves free.
Tim,
Way to go you inviting machine! Keep up the good work.
I hope you stopped to help up the usher you trampled on the way to the front row, or did he/she become our first skid mark in the worship center? LOL
Sorry to hear about he job, I’ll be praying for you.
I guess I have been fortunate that it’s never been hard for me to invite people to EBC - but I’ve also never had someone say yes to my invitation. I know now that it’s not the “invite” that makes me nervous - but the “acceptance of the invite” that is nerve racking!!
For about the past six years I have been sending e-vites & emails, extending verbal invitations, etc. and haven’t had one bite - until now!! I can hardly believe it but about 13 people will join our family for services at White Bear in December!!
Now the nervousness has set in for me - big time!! Someone actually said YES! I’m not even sure why I’m nervous. ??? I have no doubts that they will have a great experience at EBC.
I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot!! My cousin, who has suffered from depression over the years, is going to join us for the service on December 9th. The other folks who accepted invitations I have met through a women’s running group (ran by a wonderful EBC attender!) and work. The reason it’s up to 13 people is because each of these women have family members they have invited too! One of the women I invited is going to bring her husband, child, AND her sister-in-law & HER husband & kids too! My co-worker from work said she will bring her sister.
Like you mentioned, it’s up to God to take it from here.
Lisa,
Are you kidding me?! 13 people? You’re my hero! We could start another campus with all the folks you’re bringing. By the way, who has your husband invited? Don’t let him ride on your coat tails. You’re down for 13, how many can I put him down for?
Wow Lisa!!
That got me more motivated to ask even more!
Jason, will you be bringing in extra chairs or will it be standing room only?? Can you add another Service?? Or see if the Fire Chief can relax the max. capacity…………
I have got my invite out and am waiting for a response. It is a close friend of mine who I have known for years. He was turned off to God at an early age through a tragic event. It has been a sore spot in his marriage, and it really came to a head this Labor Day weekend when he was camping with his brother and sister-in-law. When his wife shared the frustrating and challenging conversation they had with my wife (JV from above), she offered out Lee Strobel’s “Case For Faith.” His wife left it out on the counter, and he just grabbed it one day when he was looking for a book to read.
A few weeks later, we rode home together and he brought up the book and how it had really challenged his outlook to God, and for him (being very analytical and logical) really started to make sense of some of his major road blocks to coming to terms with Christ. It was exciting to see him share his thoughts, and for him to open up on a spiritual level… I feel like it opened the door to our friendship becoming even more meaningful.
After church on Saturday, and Bob’s reference to Luke 15:7, I thought immediately of our friend. I knew at that moment that God was telling me that the time was right, and it was time for me to go fishing.
I sat down on Sunday and wrote out a heartfelt e-mail to him (knowing it was the best way to get through to him and to allow him time to process the offer) and not only offered out the invitation to church, but also to be someone he can turn to for support along the way.
He and his family have attended EBC just a few times in the past, but it was before he read the book, and started to open his mind and heart to God more. I encouraged him to consider coming again, especially knowing that we will be looking at the key issue that really started to push him away from God and the wound that needs to be healed. I ask that you pray for me to have the heart and words to support him in his journey, as well as for “the one who strayed from God” so that heaven can rejoice in his return.
God Bless! Way to go to Tim and Lisa as well for your multiple invites! Your stories help me to know that I can become more comfortable with this in the future!
HV,
You may have already changed your friends future. I gave my uncle “Letters to a Skeptic,” and God did the rest. He went from a guy who would argue and question if God exists, to being a guy who argues about how great God is. Come to think of it, he just likes to argue.
Have confidence the Holy Spirit is doing His work right now, but way to go taking a step of faith.
WOOHOO! Empowered by God, I just got 4 more for December this morning!!
To elaborate, they are a family of 4 from Cambodia. The Father & Mother escaped for their lives during the Polpot Regime aka The Killing Fields.
They had to eat Bugs to stay alive and have told me horrible stories that most all would not believe.
They came here, got schooling, got married, started a family, have great careers, a beautiful home in Blaine that they have a lot theirselves and never forget their roots. They are so thankful for everything they have, are the nicest people you could imagine and firmly believe in God.
We are so spoiled.
If someone is looking for a story of inspiration or perservence, they are it.
Hey Jason - I don’t think I mentioned in my first email how cool it is that you have this blog! I have enjoyed reading all of the postings since you first started. Thank you!
I also like you challenge you presented to my hubby! I love a healthy competition.
Tim, JV and Donna: I will be praying for those you invited…and will look to read your postings & updates after the December series.
Hi Jason,- This is the first time reading and responding to yours or anyones blog. I am really enjoying reading all the responders comments. I agree that more of my fear is coming now that my invite for next week has been accepted. I know that the message will be great, maybe it’s the nervousness of seeing how God is going to work through me. For my invite I sent a card to a woman who I know through work. She doesn’t attend church and has lost her faith along the way. After your message this weekend I just sat down at the phone and said 1,2,3 go! I dailed the phone and she answered! OH,Dear! now what? I knew she knew why I was calling because this is the first time I’ve called her at home. After a bit of small talk I asked her if she was interested in coming to church next week. She did a lot of umming, I said I didn’t want her to feel pressured. She said “you don’t?” I said well no! I would love for you to come, but only if you really want to. I think it will be a great message and the music is great too! My son yells in the background( he’s 13 years old) “tell her it’s fun!” She said your son likes it? Well then I made up my mind I’ll come! She commented that .her best friend who died this year from cancer. Her b-day is next week . She told me that her friend was a Christian so in honor of her she wanted to come. I am so glad I did this and I think that everything is now in God’s hands.
Mary, My name is Rachel. I am the one from the “my Story” segment this Sunday, Invited ONE. I want to yell out “YAAAHHHOOOOOOOOO!!!” I am so proud of you, it takes so much courage to invite someone to church. I beg of you to continue to be BOLD!!!! You have nothing to lose. Please remember to go back and ask her (remind her), hopefully have her follow through with her response. God WILL take it from there! He is almighty and without a doubt will work in every invited ONE’s heart!
I was so excited about this weekend’s message NOT because Alyssa and I were to share our story but because this has become my PASSION!!! My “Just ONE” prayer is for everyone to have the couarge and confidence to invite one! Think of it selflessly…it is scary for you now…but it is your “invited ONE’s” eternity that is at stake. Be a shepard, help guide the lost sheep back to its path. It will not only change your “invited ONE’s” life….but it will change yours forever!!!
God Bless You for being couragous and BOLD!…You are amazing!
I wish you well.
Be Blessed,
In Christ,
Rachel “Rae”