Rewards for Winning Souls

If you’re a parent and your children do something worthwhile, wouldn’t you want to reward them? Our heavenly Father is the same way. While doing the work of an evangelist, I’ve seen unexpected blessings manifest.

Back in 1994 when I first committed to being part of my church’s evangelism ministry, the pastor gave me clothes he no longer needed. A woman who was a leader in that ministry often offered to buy me dinner. The day after Christmas, one of the other evangelism leaders offered to give me his Chrysler Laser. This was the exact type of car I had been praying for!

Years later, I was at a library in Tampa, Florida and perceived it was time for me to leave. I started walking home but suddenly felt led to stop and turn around. Eventually, I ministered salvation to a young woman at a bus stop. Then I approached a man standing at the bus stop directly across the street. Aaron was already saved and wanted to give me an offering. He then  handed me a $20 bill. At the time I was almost out of money.

Another time back in Minnesota, I stopped at McDonald's to use the bathroom. Afterward, I started witnessing to two skateboarders sitting in a booth. They immediately invited me to sit down and talk with them. After the two prayed to receive salvation, the McDonald's manager handed me a $50 gift card someone bought for me anonymously.

Then one Sunday, my roommate and I went to U.S. Bank Stadium to pass out gospel tracts prior to a Minnesota Vikings game. One man I approached was a homeless man holding a sign asking for help. After offering him a bag of chips, this man (who was already saved) offered me a ticket someone had given him. I hadn’t planned on going to the game but got to see the Vikings win that day.

Of course, the greatest reward of being a soul winner is seeing people receive eternal life and avoid spending eternity in hell. A crown of rejoicing awaits those obedient to the Great Commission. Will you have one?

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” - 1 Thessalonians 2:19

Ministry Starts at Home

In 1985, I moved away from the Fargo, North Dakota area where I was born and raised.  After a brief stint in the army, I relocated to Minneapolis originally to pursue a secular music career.  Six years later I committed my life to the Lord Jesus Christ.  Ironically that happened in Fargo while visiting my sister and her husband. 

In recent years, God has sent me back to Fargo for lengthy visits.  A few times it appeared He wanted me to resettle there.  I wasn’t fond of the idea for I hate the colder winters up north.  Another reason was Jesus’ statement in Mark 6:4, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.”  One day I talked about this with a pastor friend in Fargo.  He responded by asking me, “Are you a prophet?”  I answered “no” because I’m primarily called to be an evangelist.  Even so, God has continued sending me to other cities.

Many people in the Bible were sent to places far from home.  Abraham was called to start a new nation.  Jonah was instructed to go to Nineveh.  Even Jesus spent time in Egypt as a child before returning to Israel.  On the other hand, the delivered demoniac who wanted to travel with Jesus was told, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” (Mark 5:19)  There’s also Jeremiah who continued ministering in Judah despite experiencing much rejection from his relatives and countrymen.

While I’ve had the privilege of leading some of my family members to salvation, others haven’t been as receptive to the things of God.  Nevertheless, He has used me to minister to other people in Fargo.  This past Wednesday during another visit to my hometown, I felt led to do some street evangelizing there.  Eighteen people prayed with me to get born again.  During my outing, a man riding on a motorcycle noticed what I was doing.  He stopped to introduce himself and offered to buy me lunch after I was done witnessing.  Proverbs 28:20 says, “A faithful man will abound with blessings.”

Some Christians say they want to be a missionary on foreign soil but won’t share the gospel with their neighbors and co-workers.  Ray Comfort says, “If you are not concerned about your neighbor’s salvation, then I am concerned for yours.”  We must be willing to minister to those in our immediate sphere of influence before God starts sending us to other cities and countries.  Jesus said in the Parable of the Talents and in the Parable of the Minas that if we are faithful in little, He will make us ruler over much.

Many churches have a sign posted above their exit that says, “You are now entering the mission field.”  Have you entered yours yet?

 “‘Well done!’ the king exclaimed. ‘You are a good servant.  You have been faithful with the little I entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward.’” – Luke 19:17 (NLT)

Saved and On My Way to Heaven

One afternoon as I got a ride to the Charlotte airport for a flight to New York City, my driver (who’s a student at MorningStar Ministries) admitted that she wasn’t too comfortable sharing her faith.  I can understand where she’s coming from.  As I often say, the hardest part about evangelism is simply getting started.  But once you get used to asking people questions about their eternal destiny, you will look to turn various situations into soul-winning opportunities. 

How many times have you walked into a store and the clerk asked, “How are you doing today?”  My usual reply is, “I’m saved and on my way to heaven.  How about you?”  If the clerk responds with a comment like “I don’t know” or “I hope so”, then that indicates they are giving serious thought about eternity.  At the very least you can offer them a gospel tract.  If the clerk doesn’t seem too busy, you can take time to share the gospel and offer to pray with them.

So the next time a stranger asks how you are doing, boldly tell them, “Saved and on the way to heaven.  How about you?”  That can open up doors for them to find their way to heaven as well.

“A true witness delivers souls...” - Proverbs 14:25

The Right Kind of Bait

Two years ago I started using million-dollar tracts after a fellow evangelist gave me some. These tracts look like real money but contain a gospel message printed on the back. I can honestly say they are effective conversation starters. 

Before receiving a recent order of million-dollar bills, I briefly used tracts that definitely looked like Christian literature. They had crosses and words such as “saved” clearly printed on the front. While many people still took these tracts, a large percentage didn’t. I believe some of the latter would have at least engaged in a conversation with me had I offered tracts that didn’t look so “religious.” Unlike most other tracts I’ve used in the past, people frequently walk up and ask me for a million-dollar bill. Often they will ask for another one to give to a friend.

Nevertheless, I’ve had Christians and non-Christians comment that using million-dollar tracts is deceptive because it’s not real money. I beg to differ. Evangelism is often called “fishing for men.” To catch a real fish, you don’t just place a hook in the water. You need to use some bait. Many fishermen use a device called a lure that resembles a worm or small fish. These fishermen don’t think they are being deceitful for using lures. They simply want to catch fish.

Very few people have complained to me about being “tricked” when offered million-dollar tracts. For one thing, there are no real million-dollar bills in circulation. I also tell people up front, “This is actually funny money but the back of it talks about something that’s real.” Then I ask, “Has anyone ever asked you ‘The Million Dollar Question?’” If the person is willing to continue talking with me, then I proceed with questions regarding their eternal destiny.  

One time while I was in New York City, a man approached me selling candy to support needy children. At the time I had no cash on me but gave Terrell a million-dollar tract. He prayed with me to receive salvation and now has riches in heaven as a child of God. 

When doing one-on-one street evangelism, the right kind of bait can make an eternal difference.

“Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19

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