How Much is a Soul Worth?

This past Wednesday night, I attended a service at Living Word Christian Center where evangelism pastor Nick Kinn was ministering. I consider Nick my mentor. During the mid-1990s, it was through him I learned how to be a soul winner. In recent years, I resumed evangelizing with Living Word and gained even more wisdom in sharing the gospel with people. As Proverbs 11:30 says, “...he who win souls is wise.”

One testimony Pastor Nick shared involved a time he went to Sam’s Club. As he was about to push his cart out the door, Nick suddenly had thoughts of getting a hot dog. He walked over to a counter and paid $1.61 for a hot dog and pop. Then in the dining area, Nick recognized a man he used to work with at the Post Office. They hadn’t seen each other for over 28 years. To make a long story short, Nick led Duane to the Lord. Afterward as Nick walked towards his car, the Holy Spirit asked him, “How much is a soul worth?”

Likewise, I’ve been prompted by the Lord to buy food at certain places where I ended up leading people to the Savior. This past Thursday I was on my way home and decided to stop at Wendy’s. There I bought two sandwiches totaling $2.34. Before leaving I witnessed to an employee sweeping the floor. Jesse wasn’t sure of his eternal destiny but believed the gospel. He thanked me after praying to receive salvation. As I was leaving, I thought of that question the Holy Spirit asked Nick Kinn, “How much is a soul worth?”

The next day during a road trip to North Dakota, my driver stopped at a convenience store in Freeport, Minnesota. I decided to go inside and get myself a cappuccino. Later I gave the cashier a gospel tract. Since there weren’t other customers in the store needing help, I continued witnessing to Kristin. Originally she was hoping to go to heaven. By the time other customers came in that needed attention, Kristin had thanked me after praying to receive salvation.

Ray Comfort recently wrote on his Facebook page, “I never go to a store to buy this life’s necessities. I go there to give out tracts, and while I’m there I buy stuff. Eternity first.” The next time the Lord prompts you to buy something, more than likely a divine appointment is being set up. Will you be ready?

“Be ready in season and out of season.” - 2 Timothy 4:2

Witnessing Is Not Soliciting

Last week I went to Best Buy to return a camcorder purchased two days before. Standing outside the store were four college-aged men. Feeling led to witness to the men, I approached them asking if they would take part in a “survey.” All four were receptive and eventually told me they thought they were going to heaven but for the wrong reasons. Soon I led them all in a prayer to receive salvation.

By this time, the Best Buy manager was standing next to me. She informed me that someone complained because they “felt uncomfortable” with me ministering. I told the manager that I hadn’t witnessed to anyone else there! Whoever complained must have felt conviction by the Holy Spirit while walking by me. (I have since prayed that this person continually feels uncomfortable until he or she becomes born again.)

According to Christian Law Association attorney David Gibbs, Jr., shoppers have the freedom to talk to each other about various subjects. One person might discuss vacations and hand someone a brochure about a vacation destination. So should a Christian be free to share the gospel and hand someone a tract through incidental interactions while shopping. I showed the Best Buy manager my camcorder and receipt to prove I was there for business reasons (but took care of “Kingdom business” first).

The manager then told me, “We don’t allow soliciting here.” I replied by pointing out the U. S. Supreme Court has ruled that one-on-one evangelism in public places is not soliciting as long as you don’t ask for money. Numerous cases related to this issue include…

Lovell v. City of Griffin (1938)

Schneider v. New Jersey (1939)

Jones v. City of Opelika (1942)

Murdock v. Pennsylvania (1943)

Watchtower Society v. Village of Stratton (2002)

I ended the conversation by politely telling the Best Buy manager that these four men received eternal life so they won’t spend eternity in hell and that Jesus loved her also. A few minutes later, I ran into two of the men in the bathroom at a nearby shopping center. That gave me an opportunity to minister to them more without the manager around.

I will continue shopping for souls as the Lord leads. And whenever a store manager or security guard accuses me of soliciting, I will look at it as an opportunity to “solicit” the gospel to them.

“Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there.” - Acts 17:17