ISEMA Newsletters
Lion in the Streets
“The slothful man says, `There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets'” Prov. 22:13.
One of the main reasons Christians give for not witnessing is fear. Evangelists and missionaries often speak in churches about their “war stories.” They might tell how they were surrounded by an angry mob, beaten up, or thrown in jail. This certainly did not make Christians want to get involved in evangelism or missionary work. I have my own war stories of being surrounded by angry mobs and put in jail for preaching, but the thing that most impresses me is the way God has protected me and others who have been involved in evangelism. During these times of persecution, God gave me an abundance of grace. But those who hear our stories don’t have that grace, and may become afraid.
Over the past thirteen years, thousands of Christians have been involved in SOS Ministries, yet not one has been hurt in any significant way. Of course, there is no guarantee that we will not be hurt or even martyred for preaching the gospel. This has happened to many godly men and women throughout church history. And all of us face danger every day, simply walking down the street. A few months ago, I was mugged walking down a “safe” street in the middle of the afternoon, and needed several stitches in my head. Life is filled with danger, and I can think of no better way to die than while preaching the gospel.
“But the fearful and unbelieving…shall have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone” Rev. 21:8. Each of us has a choice either to fear God or to fear man. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” Prov. 9:10. Some say that we are not to fear God, but rather to have reverence or respect for God. However, the Hebrew word “yirah” is stronger, meaning “to fear from an apprehension of danger and a sense of our own weakness, joined therefore with trembling.” I fear God because I know His power is great and that He will chasten me if I sin (see Hebrews 12). This fear deters me from sinning when I am tempted. “By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil” Prov. 16:6. So the fear of the Lord is healthy, and causes us to turn from evil.
If we fear God, we will not fear men. If we do not fear God, we will fear men. “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoso puts his trust in the Lord shall be safe” Prov. 29:25. The greatest fear that we experience in witnessing is that people will reject us or make fun of us, not that they will do us physical harm. “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” 2 Corin. 5:11. Because he feared God, the apostle Paul overcame his fear of man and persuaded men to come to Christ.
Some say that we are to love God, not fear Him. But God’s Word says we are to both love and fear Him. Some say that we should not talk about fearing God, Hell, or judgment. We are told in stead to speak only about good things–the peace, joy, health and prosperity He gives us. But Christians who do not fear God often find themselves dabbling in various sins. They become slothful about spiritual disciplines. They neglect prayer and Bible study and seek comfort from the things of the world. They fear man and will not witness. “The slothful man says, `There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.'”
Letters
Enclosed is my membership dues for 93. About 5 years ago I started a street ministry in Logan, Utah–a small town in Northern Utah with a population of 30,000 (about 90% Mormon!) When the weather warms up, I walk the streets on Friday and Saturday nights passing out tracts and witnessing about Jesus. I use the Law in order to bring conviction about sin before I tell about the Good News of salvation in Christ. (I don’t want to produce any phony conversions.)
I don’t preach a sugar-coated Gospel Message. I usually ask the kids who hang out on Main Street if they see their need of God’s forgiveness. If they do and they seem serious, I reveal the Gospel. If they are unconcerned about their eternal destiny, I use the Ten Commandments to make sin look as bad to them as it does to God!
Needless to say, I have been mocked, threatened and ridiculed, but still I’m determined to pluck as many out of the fire as the Lord allows. I now live near Ogden, Utah, which has a greater population, doing the same, walking up and down Washington Blvd. on the weekend, witnessing for the Truth. Right now it’s cold outside, but I can’t wait until spring to renew the street ministry.
Please keep me in your prayers. I do this alone (it gets dangerous at times!) One night a girl drove by and called out to me. She said “would you like me to show you a good time?” I said I didn’t want anything from her, but I had something for her. I handed her a tract. She seemed overwhelmed but thankful and drove away. I believe I will see her in heaven one day! God bless your labors. P.S. I recommend Ray Comfort’s book, Hell’s Best Kept Secret. Ray Remo, Search and Rescue Street Ministry, 4569 S. 1675 W., Roy, UT 84067, (801) 731-7055.
Thanks a lot for your newsletter and the tape you sent me on worship and warfare. Your newsletter is a real source of encouragement to me. I am not a full time worker, but I can get out on the weekends. Please pray for me to be more active in street witnessing and evangelism. Doug Price, Tempe, AZ.
I just had to encourage you with what God accomplished Sunday night. Bill Clinton came to our town. Sunday from 1-3:30 PM we made signs. By 7:30 PM, Bill Clinton and his entourage passed the signs (about ten mostly with scripture) and saw [a man dressed as] Jesus and the cross with [a sign reading] “Repent America for Abortion, Homosexuality and Unbelief in the Son of God.” [President Clinton] did a double take. [The man dressed as] Jesus was interviewed on the 10 O’clock news on channel 2. Asked why he was there, he said to stop abortion and homosexuality and because Jesus is the only hope for this nation. About 10 other church members were there passing out tracts. We are praying about “Preaching across America” this summer, whatever that means. We’re not sure but we know God has a message — repent! John and Jannai Pero, West Heights New Life Ministries, 19380 Bear Creek Road, Los Gatos, CA 95030, (408) 395-2206. [Editor’s Note: If you want to know more about Preach across America, call Scott Crawford: (707) 459-9588.]
Coming Events
Sat. April 10, May 8 Worship Rally and Evangelism Outreach, San Francisco. 3-6 PM. Meet at Powell Street BART Station. Contact SOS Ministries, Box 27358, Oakland, CA 94602, (510) 531-5325.
April 22-24 Carolina’s Conference on Revival, Greenville, NC Contact Scott Hinkle, Box 380306, Duncanville, TX 75138, (214) 283-3900.
April 23-25 Fiesta Celebration Outreach, San Antonio, TX. Housing available. Contact Rev. David O’Dell, 3400 W. Park Blvd. #2117, Plano, TX 75075, (214) 519- 0195.
April 30-May 1 Kentucky Derby Outreach, Louisville, KY. Contact No Greater Love Ministries, Box 263, DuQuoin, IL 62832, (618) 542-4503.
May 27-30 Indianapolis 500 Outreach, Indianapolis, IN. Contact No Greater Love (address above) or Christ in Action, Box 100, Chats worth, GA 30705, (404) 695-1868.
June 25-July 2 SOS-Hollywood Outreach. Contact The Oasis, Box 1590, Hollywood, CA 90078, (213) 77-OASIS.
July 2-3 7th Annual Freedom Festival, Houma, LA. Jeff Fenholt, Bill Henderson, Jules Boquet, and others. Contact Sharon Saltee, Christian Community Fellowship, Sta. 2 Box 5, Houma, LA 70360, (504) 851-3000.
July 9-17 14th Annual SOS-San Francisco Outreach. Chuck Girard, Ray Comfort, Jerry Brandt. Contact SOS Ministries (address above).
July 23-31 Jesus Loves You – New York. Contact Abounding Grace Ministries, 7040 Colonial Rd #3G, Brooklyn, NY 11209, (718) 836- 2957.
March for Jesus is scheduling public praise marches in many cities around the world on Sat. June 12. For more information, or to help plan a march in your city, contact March for Jesus, Box 3216, Austin, TX 78764, (512) 416-0066.
Forward Edge is sending outreach teams to Guatemala, Nicaragua, the Crow Indian Reservation, Romania, Kazakhstan, and China this next year. Most outreaches are about two weeks long. For more information write or call them at 15121-A NE 72nd Ave., Vancouver WA 98686, (206) 574-EDGE.
It’s Time To Renew Your ISEMA Membership!
Once again, we want to urge you to become a member of ISEMA if you have not already done so, linking up with other evangelism ministries and Christians who believe in the Great Commission. If you are already an ISEMA member, now is the time to renew your membership for 1993. As the only association of street ministries in existence, ISEMA depends on your active involvement.
Please continue to send us information about what is happening in your community, teachings on evangelism, and information about upcoming outreaches, so we can share these with our readers. Our Tape of the Month is ABC’s of Street Ministry by Ron Radachy. Ron and his wife Judy direct the Oasis, a coffeehouse and street ministry in Hollywood, CA. They also organize the annual SOS- Hollywood outreach. This teaching is from last year’s National Street Ministries Conference and is an excellent introduction to witnessing — on the streets or anywhere else.
Yours in His love,
Larry Rosenbaum