Last December I attended a Christian based conference in Denver known as DCC (Denver Christmas Conference). One of the events I participated in was going down to 16th street mall and 'evangelizing'. we would walk up to random strangers and ask them how their walk with Jesus was going. If they seemed interested we would give them a 'run down' of Christian basics... Jesus died for man on the cross erased our sins (although we are still sinners), loves us, wants to save us so we can spend eternity in Heaven with him. We would then ask if the person(s) was interesting in accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior right there on the street. One memorable lady said yes and we stood next to her praying and rejoicing. Then we handed her a small booklet (not a Bible) and wished her well encouraging her to get involved in some other Church. I remember walking away feeling clearly saddened. While the other student I was with was glowing; I felt like that wasn't enough. Sure it gets a person to think and maybe even be proactive about accepting Christ but it doesn't help them in the days that follow. It's so easy to be wooed by a group or truly feel the love of Christ but it's harder the next morning when you wake up and go about business as usual with no one to help hold you accountable.
Sitting in the quad of my college campus I have watched this same scenario play out over and over again. I have even been on the receiving end of this scenario. I have heard peers in my classes say, "whenever I see them I put my headphones in and stare straight ahead" , "I pretend I am on the phone" or "I tell them I am late to class." Even I will willingly admit that I have also pulled the music, cell phone, late to class bit. When I have spare time I will sit in the quad, silently reading, staring and inevitably a street corner missionary- door to door sales person for Jesus will approach me. We will talk (mostly them); it doesn't seem like they appreciate me asking questions. Then they will then hand me something a card or a brochure depending. And before I even get their name they are lurking, looking for anyone else sitting, staring, silently alone. It's a numbers game and they waste no time. I would like to add that not ALL follow this outline but most I have encountered do. Also, they will usually invite me to their church or Bible study which is nice but it seems almost like an after thought. I feel it's necessary to add that I don't see people who evangelize this way as bad or mean or anything of that sort I just don't see it as an effective method but at least if nothing else they get people to think and question which is GOOD!
It seems to me that people generally enter a conversation about Christianity with a lot of preconceived notions and experiences; weather these be positive or negative it effects their attitude and willingness to open up to a complete stranger. Through my short lived 21 years I have found that the best and deepest conversations happen with those whom you feel comfortable with. They happen with friends and family. That is why I believe that to really reach someone and connect with them it takes more than one interaction, more than the spectrum of one topic, more than a one sided conversation and more than polite casualties. If you really want to minister to college students or homeless people- immerse yourself in their world, get to know them, be their friend, eat meals with them, be someone they can count on not just a fleeting memory from the chaos of their daily lives. It takes TIME but I think the experience would prove to be more effective for all involved. If you get rejected it doesn't mean you need to stop being their friend, with this method you have a solid base that you can keep trying to build off of.
When I attended school at Mesa we had a solid group who participated in Tuesday (or whatever day) soccer where we would all gather and play for fun, blow off steam and connect. Through that experience I made so many new friends, so many new foundations and awesome people to have in my life. To be honest I am not sure how often Jesus or the Bible was brought up but I think the effects were seen in the actions of the players.
Now, I have a few other things I would like to rant about such as: crude abortion protesters on campus but I am trying to stick on topic and not turn this into a me babbling session. I hope I don't sound like I am on my high horse- just therapeutically writing what is on my mind.
So here it is one more story... of rejection. I was walking through campus one day when I got asked if I would be interested in attending a Christian retreat up in the mountains. Sounded awesome to me and made me think of my days in GJ and at the Lodge in Durango. When I went on those retreats we were asked to pay like $20 to help cover the costs. That seemed reasonable to me. as this girl gave me a sales pitch for the retreat she said something along these lines, "We will be staying at a mansion in Vail and it ONLY cost $75 to attend for two days!" I responded as politely as I could (I really tried to be nice!), "So I am honestly not trying to be mean but $75 is a lot don't you think that money could be used more effectively? I mean a mansion? What about those who can't afford it?" Her response was something like this, "Well it's super fun and I have seen a lot of people brought to Christ through it (which is awesome don't get me wrong) but if you can't afford it we do other stuff throughout the year as well." And that was that. I walked away stunned.
Jesus was homeless and he preached out on the street, he shared everything he had and encouraged Christians to give away their possessions. Maybe it's just me (I pray not) but what happened to the ideals he preached? This interaction still leaves me feeling cold- I can't count the number of homeless students Auraria campus hosts. Sure we have free daily lunch and 3 food banks but there is still more we can do and I don't only mean monetarily. Let's LOVE on everyone. Let's go out into the world on fire to make friends and preach like Jesus did.
I don't really know how to wrap up all of my thoughts coherently but I would love to get your take on what I have laid out. Just remember to be intentional and kind in your words. Thanks for letting me spill my heart to you.
-Andrea
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