Repent and Trust - The Blog

"True Christian" - The Gospel is Good News!

2011-04-16T22:28:00.001-05:00

Dorothy Sharing The Gospel on a Train

2011-02-08T21:10:00.003-06:00

Old Testament Law and the Christian (Pt. 3)

2011-02-07T05:52:00.002-06:00

Toby continues his discussion on OT Law showing their civil, ceremonial, and moral parameters, while highlighting that the OT Laws make no provision for forgiveness for transgression against a Holy God.

Old Testament Law and the Christian (Pt. 2)

2011-02-05T14:33:00.001-06:00

Begging For The Babies' Lives...

2011-02-02T10:53:00.003-06:00

Dorothy is an obedient saint that has been faithfully "reporting for duty" every week, on the sidewalk of our city's local abortion clinic, for nearly twenty years now. She has seen babies saved, but sadly, far more killed in the name of "choice".
Everyweek girls and women of all ages line up outside the clinic....waiting to kill their babies.

Below is an audio clip of Dorothy pleading with the women standing in line to not kill their babies and to repent and believe on Jesus Christ.

Lubbock Christian Schools STOPS Gospel Proclamation

2011-01-24T19:58:00.008-06:00

I do post the following as an account of what happened to us as we were simply passing out Gospel tracts....on public property, paid for by OUR tax dollars! And I do present this as an "open letter" to Lubbock Christian Schools. I have only one goal in this post: Notify Lubbock Christian Schools that they are responsible for stopping the proclamation of the Gospel.
If a representative of LCS would like to respond I will be glad to post their defense for a "Christian" school hindering the Gospel.

THE INCIDENT....

We had planned to give out Gospel tracts outside the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center tonight as a large crowd was expected to hear former vice presidential candidate Governer Sarah Palin. As the event was held at the civic center we assumed that it would be alright to do so as that is public property.

We arrived at 6pm and began to hand out Gospel tracts. Shortly thereafter a Lubbock Police official came outside and informed us we must leave the civic center property at the request of Lubbock Christian. He further stated that the school had rented the whole facility, including the parking lot, and if we wanted to hand out Gospel tracts (he had one of the tracts in his hand) we would have to go out to Mac Davis Blvd.

As we were walking toward our cars we were approached by two men in a car who asked if we were the people handing out cards. They told us to "get out!" We had no idea who they were so we asked their name and they told us they were police officers (they were in street clothes and a Blue Nissan Altima) and that Lubbock Christian had sent them after us because we were not leaving fast enough. We were amazed that things turned out this way as we were not protesting anyone but just handing out Gospel tracts. Nor were we targeting this event because it was hosted by a Christian school either. Our goal is quite simple.... we take Mark 16:15 seriously! If we know there is going to be a crowd somewhere we go to proclaim the Gospel of repentance and faith in Christ alone.

It is shameful that Lubbock Christian Schools, professing the Name of Jesus Christ, STOPPED the Gospel from being shared tonight.

Old Testament Law and the Christian (pt. 1)

2011-01-23T14:59:00.000-06:00

Salvation: You Must Realize Your Need

2011-01-02T14:53:00.004-06:00

Toby preaches from Romans 5:6-11 and speaks on three major points:

- Christ died for the ungodly

- Christ saves us from the wrath to come

- Joy is found in Christ because of the atonement He made available.

2010 Wrap-Up at Texas Tech

2010-12-11T22:10:00.002-06:00

We have had a great year witnessing and handing out Bible tracts at Texas Tech. We have had about 300 one to one witnessing encounters with a variety of students from all over the world. We had conversations with Hindus, Moslem's, Catholics, Baptists, Mormon's, Atheists, Secularists, false converts, GLBT members, Greenpeace advocates, skeptics, party animals and fraternity members. We found many students that were seriously seeking the answer to life's biggest question - Where will I go after I die?

Christmas Parade 2010

2010-12-11T21:59:00.002-06:00

We had a group of eight at the Christmas parade tonight to give out candy canes and Gospel tracts. The weather was not bad - upper 40's.

As usual, the crowd was very receptive to the candy canes and Gospel tracts that we gave out. We ran into a few that mentioned they remembered us from past parades and still had the Gospel tracts that we had given them then. I am amazed at the life of a Gospel tract. You just never know the "life-cycle" of a tract or how many people will read or EVEN BE SAVED because of reading a Gospel tract!

God is good and promises that His Word will not return void....we just need to be faithful to get that Word out!

Sanctification Through Trials, Tribulations, and Persecutions

2010-11-27T19:38:00.005-06:00

Toby preaches from Romans 5:3-5 on sanctification and how God uses trials, tribulations, and persecutions to grow His believers.

Where Does Your Value Come From?

2010-11-21T14:01:00.001-06:00

As Christians we would be quick to say that our value and self-worth comes from God, but do we really live our lives like that?

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Why Do You Believe The Bible?

2010-11-15T19:44:00.001-06:00

Reconciliation - Romans 5:1-2

2010-10-30T07:36:00.005-05:00

Toby delivers a message on reconciliation and man's need for Christ from Romans 5:1-2 to a homeless crowd on the steps of the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

Punkin Day Festival

2010-10-09T21:45:00.001-05:00

We drove out to a town called Floydata population 3,000 located 50 miles from Lubbock. Punkin Day was in full celebration on the downtown square. Everyone but one man gladly accepted a million Dollar Bill bible tract, even the old timers sitting on cane rockers outside the general store.
There was a line of seven or eight of these "old timers" we placed a Million Dollar Bill Gospel tract in each of their pockets but had to replenish several times as they kept disappearing.

A Command To Sing....

2010-10-09T08:18:00.001-05:00

Psalm 100 - A Joyful Noise

New Halloween Tract Available!

2010-10-05T20:18:00.002-05:00

Check out our latest Gospel tract for Halloween.

This one is good for both children and adults.

We are taking orders now and expect to begin shipping out orders on 10/13/10....just in time for Halloween!

Three Responses To The Gospel

2010-09-25T23:07:00.004-05:00

Toby Brillon preaches from Acts 17:22-34 on the "Three Responses To The Gospel", which are mockery, consideration, and belief.

The Problem With Islam - Sharia Law

2010-09-19T13:39:00.002-05:00

Part 2 of a two-part series on the religion of Islam. This discussion focuses on Sharia Law and why it cannot coexist with any other governments. What is the Christian response?

Worldview Videos

2010-09-17T21:25:00.005-05:00

We have just added a new section to repentandtrust.org called Worldview Videos.

The goal of this section of the web site is to equip Christians with a Christian world view which will facilitate more confidence in sharing the Gospel.

You can tune in live at the web site every Sunday morning at 10am CST. If you miss the live broadcast you can catch-up on past teachings HERE.

The Problem With Islam

2010-09-14T18:06:00.003-05:00

This is part 1 of a 2 part message. Due to "technical difficulties" this video ends abruptly. There is about 10 minutes of the video that we lost.

This video covers two problems of Islam:
1. It's a "different gospel".
2. It's text, the Quran, is corrupt.

Part 2 of this video will discuss the third problem of Islam, Sharia Law.

Face2Face At Texas Tech

2010-09-08T17:44:00.002-05:00

Three of us were out in the free speech area today passing out tracts and engaging students in conversation. We witnessed to Skeptics, Atheists, lapsed Catholics, disenchanted Baptists and several lost people. We also met and encouraged professing Christians to share their faith boldly. A Campus organization was also in the forum asking students to post their comments about God, Jesus Christ and the Church on a Face-book board they had set up as a witnessing tool.

Should A Christian Partner With Glenn Beck?

2010-09-06T08:07:00.000-05:00

Texas Tech vs. SMU

2010-09-05T21:31:00.002-05:00

Today we were able to give out 1,000 Gospel tracts at the football game. The crowd on hand was massive and it was a blistering 97 degrees!

We were using our new football tract, "Are You Ready?" and the crowd was eager to receive it....for the most part! Many were thrown to the ground as soon as they were discovered to be Gospel tracts.

We were also able to share the Gospel with a few verbally as well. Dorothy had a conversation with on individual that was drinking. He expressed his contempt for her efforts to give him a Gospel tract "because he was drinking". You can listen to an excerpt of this conversation below:

Stirring The Spirits...WITH THE GOSPEL!

2010-08-29T20:18:00.004-05:00

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek - Romans 1:16

This past Friday's outreach to the homeless was a bit tense to say the least! However, what we see as trouble God uses for His glory. I was imediately reminded of Romans 1:16 the moment I thought that I was about to get violently attacked while preaching the Gospel to a homeless audience.

While preaching the Gospel a woman in the crowd could no longer bear the law and the Gospel and started spewing profanities and threats. She was very animated and paced to and fro, steaming with fury.

Take a look at the video below which shows just a snippet of her rampage:

However, the Lord was very gracious and he provided His protection that evening. As angry as this woman was, and that was to the point of no control over herself, God seemed to set up a barrier between me and her. She seemed confined to the top deck of the stairs that she was pacing. It was as if she could go no further. You will see in the video that while she is yelling a man sitting down in front of her on the steps gets up and moves which gave her a clean shot towards me. She never even tried. I thank God that He protected all of us sharing the Gospel that night!

After I was finished preaching I had another man approach me that was visibly upset with me. I offered my hand of introduction to him and he would have none of it and began to voice his greivance with me. I stopped him and asked him if he were truly that offended with me that he would not shake my hand and give me his name. He reluctantly shook my hand and gave me his name too.

He then began to tell me that I was preaching wrong. He told me that I need to be more loving. I told him that I did truly love these people or else I would not be out sharing the Gospel with them. He continued to school me on the proper way to preach the Gospel (which his message and "right way" was no Gospel at all). I told him how we have a record in Scripture of the Prophets preaching repentance, Jesus, and the Apostles preaching repentance and faith in Christ alone as well.

He began cussing and told me that he had read through the Bible four times and preaches. I immediately interrupeted him and told him that a filthy mouth has no place in the Christian life. Can you guess his response?!?!?!?! He said, "I never said I was a Christian".

I told him he had no place to "school" me on the Gospel because he does not know the Saviour and therefore does not have the mind of Christ. I immediately dove into the Gospel message with him and he would have none of It!

Afterwards I spoke with many of the faithful brothers and sisters in the Lord that joined me that night just to "gauge" their thoughts on the night's events. They were all a little rattled and expressed that they were all afraid that I was going to get attacked. This one response they all gave me, and it made me give glory to God: they all said, "I just started praying".

Thank you God for your faithful servants!

Here are some photos from the night:

Sin All You Please!

2010-08-28T20:27:00.002-05:00

Dorothy recently had a conversation with a woman that thought God only forgives and never judges. You can listen to an audio clip of this converation in the player below.

These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Proverbs 6:16-17

“God is all about love, the Bible is all about love, not of judgment,” Insisted the young woman who was waiting for her friend to come out of the abortion facility. “God doesn’t judge anyone, he doesn’t have rules,“ she continued. We reminded her that God does have rules they are called “The Ten Commandments.“ and began to open them up so that she could see that God does indeed judge sin and we will all have to give an account.

It soon became apparent that this woman was a victim of the “God has a wonderful plan for your life“ evangelism module. She would not entertain the idea of a judgment for sin, or of the need to flee from the wrath to come. “God forgives everyone, he created everyone, he even created sin! With that she rolled up the car window and the conversation ended.

“Before I can preach love, mercy and grace, I must preach sin, law and judgment.” Charles Wesley

Homeless Ministry Pics

2010-07-31T17:51:00.003-05:00

Last night we visited our city's homeless community with a hot meal and the Gospel. This is a new outreach that we are joining in with and we will be taking part in this ministry on the last Friday of each month. Below are some pics from last night.

Settlers Day Parade in Levelland, TX

2010-07-10T19:47:00.002-05:00

We hit the streets of Levelland, TX today with the Gospel. The town was celebrating its "Settlers Day" with a parade and craft show and for a small town there were lots of people at the parade.

The parade didn't start until 9.30am which was a good thing because we couldn't find the downtown area, we were late also. Handed out 547 tracts - no one turned them down; in fact people chased after me for more. After the parade we milled around the street festival on the courthouse square giving out tracts here and there. Many friendly folk around, even the police, firefighters and paramedics were happy to receive tracts. Saw a young man wearing a T shirt that was just asking for the "Good Test." This man and his wife were very gracious and told me they had just recently repented and now attend a local church.

Our Parade Got Rained On!

2010-07-07T05:01:00.003-05:00

I can now sympathize with anyone that has ever uttered the statement, "Don't rain on my parade". I truly understand what they are saying now! The 4th on Broadway Parade in Lubbock, TX was rained out.

Twelve of us went out to pass out Gospel tracts even though it was raining but there were just no crowds to be found. This event is billed as the "biggest free street-fair in Texas" and it truly failed to live up to that title this year. Typically this one mile stretch of street swells with around 100,000 people, but this year's 10 inches of rain definately took its toll on the parade.

However, those of us that braved the rain had a great time passing out Gospel tracts....even in the rain! At one point I looked over at my 8 year-old son and he said he was ready to go home because he was tired of being wet. I asked him how often he got to play in the rain. He considered that briefly and then asked, "can I go jump in that puddle?". I told him to have at it! This changed his outlook for the rest of the time he was at the parade.....he had fun!

It took us a few days to dry out the left-over tracts and come up with a count of what we actually handed out. We had 8131 tracts available. I decided the morning of the parade to leave 3700 behind because they were paper and I knew they would not hold up well in the rain. With this subtraction that left us 3513 laminated business card size tracts that would handle the rain a little better. I have learned from past experience that 3500 tracts and 12 people don't last long, but the rain came down ALL DAY LONG affecting the crowd and the temperment of us handing out tracts! We were able to give away 918 tracts altogether. Frankly, I was impressed with that number.....I didn't think there were that many people on the parade route!

I truly thank God for the opportunity to be in His service and I also think the 11 others that were "crazy" enough to go with me!

Feeding Homeless Bellies AND Souls!

2010-06-26T22:07:00.004-05:00

This past Friday evening we joined in with a group that has been feeding the homeless and delivering the Gospel to them as well for the last two years. I was impressed with the organization of the food and the cooperation of the homeless. I was told that this homeless ministry has absolutely no support from anywhere but the people involved in the ministry. Every week they feed 75-100 people and foot the bill themselves.

There were about 75 homeless in attendance. It was clear that many were there simply for the free meal and tolerated the Gospel message I delivered. However, there were some that truly seemed to be considering the Gospel.

I was able to deliver a Gospel message to a captive audience (they were waiting on the food!) and I look forward to taking part in this ministry again.

You can listen to the message I delivered HERE.

Christian Orientation

2010-06-23T21:58:00.004-05:00

June 23 - Tech Report

(Dorothy reporting)

On Wednesday went to Texas Tech and gave out tracts to those attending new student orientation. Spoke with several mothers who had accompanied their soon to be college students. Was able to witness to a lost young person who came up to ask directions. He was wearing a Christian T shirt that a family member had given him, but he said he had no religion whatever. At first he said he was “an OK person” but after hearing what the Bible called “good” changed his mind and admitted he would end up in Hell if God gave him justice. I gave him the good news of the cross that is available to save his soul upon repentance and he said he would consider further.

Gave a tract to a student who exclaimed that his wife had been given one at a local store the day before and this had become the topic of conversation over dinner.

Had an extended conversation with a professor who does not believe that it is possible to look into the Bible to know about God because “the Bible is not reliable evidence any more than the Koran, the Veda’s or the Book of Mormon.” He asked, “Why should I be concerned with the afterlife; why should I believe in God? We presented the Gospel to him, but this was rejected with, “If there is a God, and I am not sure there is one, and the Bible accurately reports what he said then he is a very cruel being!“

New Stop Abortion Tract Available

2010-06-12T17:42:00.003-05:00

Check out our latest tract. This one will be great to use outside of abortion clinics.

Minor Infractions

2010-06-12T15:29:00.003-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

First Summer Session at Texas Tech University

Discovered last year that the campus is still a great place to witness and pass out tracts during the summer. The last two weeks have yielded many interesting opportunities to witness to international non Christian students as well as home grown students, the later express a religious background but “no longer believe.”

A communications major said he felt that “The God of the Bible is unfair to punish people for eternity for minor infractions.” He didn’t see his sinful state before the holiness of his creator nor did he understand the kindness of God to provide a way for his escape. I explained this to him and he promised to consider the matter further.

Spoke with two self proclaimed Atheists who were unconcerned for the state of their souls, however they went along with the “Good Test,” I suspect for a laugh; nevertheless they heard the Gospel. Additionally, because they were very animated and loud in their responses the people within ear shot heard also.

New Good or Evil? Gospel Tract

2010-06-12T15:24:00.002-05:00

Another new Gospel tract available through our web site! CHECK IT OUT HERE.

New One Question Gospel Tract

2010-06-12T15:21:00.003-05:00

We have a new Gospel tract available for purchase through our web site. CHECK IT OUT HERE!

NEW Heaven or Hell Gospel Tract

2010-05-29T00:03:00.004-05:00

Check out our latest Gospel tract. They are for sale on our web site for $5 and free shipping! CLICK HERE above for a closer view and more info.

Where Are The Men?

2010-05-07T21:49:00.001-05:00

Listen to our latest message calling men to godliness.

http://tinyurl.com/37tj22z

Discovery Channel Religion

2010-05-07T15:27:00.003-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

This was the last week of the spring semester, and although finals were in progress there were still many students willing to spend some time in conversation. Talked with several Christians who have unsaved friends and would like to witness to them but find it difficult. Had a good conversation with two friends; one women said she was a Christian and gave a very good answer while her friend said she was a non believer and didn’t want to think about eternity and her own death because it was depressing.

I witnessed to a Moslem who expressed concern for his soul. I talked with a young man who has a Christian background but is not currently walking with the Lord, the conversation was going well until his boss suggested he go back to work; hopefully he will read the tract and think more on the subject. Lastly witnessed to four smokers but they all escaped except one. He said he used to go to church but found Christianity to be too limiting. He said he believes in Jesus but only as a prophet, however, he also believes in the Veda and other Hindu writings, “If one leads a good life one will enter Heaven; everyone’s sins will be forgiven - I heard that on the Discovery channel.”

Preaching to Elton John Fans

2010-04-11T16:35:00.004-05:00

Friday, April 9, over 13,000 people decsended upon the United Spirit Arena in Lubbock, TX to hear their favorite "old-school" Elton John songs, perfromed by Sir Elton John himself.

We were on hand to pass out Gospel tracts and preach the Gospel via open-air. The crowd was fairly tame and it was a much "older" crowd than what you are used to finding at a concert. Here are a few pics we took while we were outside the concert venue:

I took on to do the first open-air presentation of the Gospel and the crowd was "strangely" quiet. They were lining a long flight of concrete stairs leading up a hill to the building which provided excellent acoustics for a Gospel presentation. All could hear clearly because my voice was echoing back from the concrete and brick that surrounded us all. Here is the video of that presentation:

At the end of the above Gospel presentation the crowd did something that I don't think I can say I have ever had happen before. They gave a round of applause. West Texas is very conservative and I have been preaching the Gospel on the streets in this manner for several years now, but the crowd giving applause at the end of the Gospel presentation was a first! I did not know how to respond!!!! I am always ready for hecklers hurling insults and everything they can get their hands on.....applause was different, to say the least! Praise God!

After this presentation we moved on to find another crowd waiting at a different entrance. Here is that video:

This crowd was much more restless because the doors were just about to open to let them into the concert. There were many distractions to take the crowds attention away from the Gospel. There were two radio stations with their vans full of speakers standing by to drown out anyone that might try to give a Gospel presentation as well! However, God provided and when I started the Gospel presentation one of the radio station vehicles actually turned their speakers off and I was able to give the Gospel without fighting a blaring radio station. At the end of this presentation the guy from the radio approached me and asked what I was doing with his cell phone camera in hand. I delivered the Gospel to him and his camera hoping that he might get that video online somewhere so that someone else might hear the Gospel!

It was a great night to proclaim the Gospel of peace and reconciliation with God. We (four of us in total) were able to give away 1,000 Gospel tracts in an hour's time and deliver two open-air Gospel presentations.

The rest is up to God..... Romans 1:16 and Isaiah 55:11.

Entertaining The Church

2010-03-22T17:34:00.003-05:00

Listen to my latest message called ENTERTAINING THE CHURCH

Piecing Out Repentance

2010-03-03T19:22:00.000-06:00

(Dorothy reporting)

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:10, 11
　

Several groups of students were campaigning for the upcoming student government election at the front end of the free speech forum when we arrived. Steve chatted with several of those who were holding signs. One student said he attends a local Baptist church within walking distance from campus; we find this is the case with many of the students we speak to. Steve mentioned that we are not trying to pull people to our church; our main objective is to encourage them to study out the Repentance brochure to learn what the Bible has to say on the subject. The second to last thing we want to do is make a Christian feel that they are not saved, however on the other hand, we don’t want to slap someone on the back and say “see you in Heaven” when they are not saved.

At the far end of the free speech forum representatives of “Green peace” were informing passers-by about their latest project. I gave tracts out to this group and witnessed to one of the members. She was very passionate about saving orangutans in the rain forest, (informing me that they were the closest related to humans D.N.A. wise) and although she did not believe in the “Christian God,” she did acknowledge a higher power.

Self-Atonement

2010-02-24T20:04:00.002-06:00

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Hebrews 9:12

We were on campus last Wednesday giving out Gospel tracts and noticed many students with crosses painted on their foreheads in observation of Ash Wednesday. Several of them said they had made commitments to give up activities such as smoking, deserts, meat and even IPOD’s for the six weeks of Lent. One young man said this was the first year he had participated. He said his primary reason was to get closer to God; however he also wanted to be in solidarity with his peers.

We spoke with a member of a non Christian faith, who voiced concern that his sin would prevent him from obtaining Heaven, even though he participates in the rituals of his religion. He expressed an openness to the Gospel, however the understanding that Christ as sin bearer is an all sufficient Savior who is able to save to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25) was difficult for him. He could understand the concept of forgiveness for past and present sins, but future sins he felt one had to atone for oneself.

Happy Birthday Gorilla!

2010-02-17T04:55:00.003-06:00

(Dorothy reporting)

We were on campus last Friday passing out tracts and conversing with students. It was still cold, the sun was out but temperature did not get past 45 degrees. The Secular Students Society of Texas Tech had a table in the free speech forum; they gave away bananas in celebration of Charles Darwin’s birthday. One of their members was dressed in a gorilla outfit topped off with a happy birthday hat. He was quite convincing!

They told me that they had religious training growing up, had read the Bible many times, and memorized the commandments (The “gorilla” was able to quote all Ten of the Commandments within three minutes), However, that was then. Now they do not see any benefit in religion, “One can be just as happy, moral and ethical without being a Christian. However, we had a very pleasant conversation, they asked several interesting questions such as, “Why did God make me a person capable of sin and then condemn me to Hell for sinning? Another asked, “Why did God only deal with the Jewish people and leave the rest of the world out?”

"I Am Good With What I Have"

2010-01-29T13:55:00.003-06:00

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
John 17:17-18

Six people were willing to leave room temperature comfort and take the Gospel message to Texas Tech last Tuesday. It was a cold day!

Most students were already inside, or hurrying to get to their next class. However, we handed out many Bible tracts and were able to engage a few people in conversation. An oriental student studying design took several tracts. He said he had no religion but was interested in Christianity and the Bible.

A very delightful Muslim lady stopped by. She said that she had heard a lot about Christianity from a friend. She went on to say that her friend was a Jehovah’s Witness. Like many people today she was under the impression that all who profess Christianity have the same doctrine.
Jesus said “…And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32) We posed the question: “Where is freedom if one has a different gospel, a faulty translation, or false teaching?” One can claim that everyone believes in the same “god“… they just call him by a different name. However, if one places his hope on man made illusions instead of biblical truth he will spend eternity in Hell. One student said that he had his own religion, “I am good with what I have!”

False Security

2010-01-24T16:15:00.002-06:00

(Dorothy reporting)

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
1 John 2:19

We began the spring semester evangelistic outreach to Texas Tech last Wednesday. Three of us gave out Bible tracts and witnessed to several students during the lunch hour. We asked passersby the question, “What do you think happens to people after they leave this world? “ The majority responded either Heaven or Hell; a few answered, “Nothing - this is all there is.“

The students who subscribed to a belief in the afterlife saw themselves as going to Heaven. One student said he was sure he was going to Heaven because he was living the best life that he could. Another student said he believed that a person would enter Heaven if he had good morals and ethics, believed in God, went to church, lived a good life, and prayed a lot.

Someone that we had a conversation with more than a year ago came up to say he often thinks about what we talked about, however he still doubts that there is a God. He added that he used to believe but now looks at things from a logical point of view and has arrived at the conclusion that one can be just as moral, ethical, and good without religion; “I was saved once - but that was a long time ago.” We asked him to consider the fact that he may not have been saved after all.

Salvation is not something we do or earn; it is a supernatural work of God. If we are truly saved we will persevere, we will not go back or fall away; perseverance and a changed life are evidence of salvation. No one is good enough to merit Heaven; we cannot save ourselves by repeating a prayer, making a decision, filling out a card, or engaging in religious works. We must look at ourselves in the light of God‘s word and see that we have broken His law, are void of all merit and are destined for Hell. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and brings us to trust only in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

…and then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity…
“If a person could be saved and lose their salvation, would not Jesus have said, “I once knew you” or “I thought I knew you”. He said, “I NEVER knew you.”
Paul Washer, Genuine Regeneration

Dangerous Discussions

2010-01-19T19:36:00.002-06:00

(Dorothy reporting)

We went out to the mall last Saturday and shared the Good News with about twenty people. We prayed that God would direct our path and lead us into some conversations with individuals both inside the mall and outside at the bus stops.

We asked people the question, “What must one do to enter Heaven?” Although we received one polite rejection the majority allowed us to engage them in a conversation. Their answers ranged from: be baptized, keep the commandments, and believe in God to “I don‘t know.” A college student said he believed that there was more than one way to enter Heaven and that one didn’t necessarily have to believe in Jesus, although at the same time he said that he believed in Jesus. His expression changed as we explained that Jesus himself claimed to be the only way to Heaven (John 14:6). He thanked us for speaking with him.

A young man told us he had become an atheist after his confirmation in the church, “I came to the realization that I didn’t believe it all.” He was a very pleasant person and we gave him some literature and implored him to think about where he would spend eternity. We talked with several groups of high school students who had attended a religious event for youth during the weekend. We encouraged them to be bold and share their faith with unsaved class mates.

Unusual Day at the Abortion Clinic

2010-01-14T19:12:00.000-06:00

(Dorothy reporting)

It was an unusual day on the sidewalk outside the abortion facility. So many people were willing to accept Bible tracts and stop and talk. I had an interesting conversation with a young man who gave his name as Junior. He was waiting for his girlfriend who had gone in with the first wave at 7am. He explained that he had done a lot of bad things in his life “and this is the worse thing I have ever done,” however he still considered himself to be a good person because he hadn’t killed anyone yet. I took him through the law and he changed his mind and admitted he was on the road to Hell. He went on to say that the only other person who had ever talked to him about his soul was an aunt who was a Jehovah's Witness.

Later in the morning we were able to witness to Lewis who had accompanied a young woman. They had arrived in a vehicle which prominently displayed a “Jesus” sign on the back window. He claimed to be a good person because he read the Bible and went to church occasionally. He said that he didn‘t believe in abortion; however in this circumstance the timing was just not right and ...“it is wrong to bring someone into the world that you can not take care of.” Later I was able to witness to Jeanie who was waiting for a friend. She started crying half way through our conversation and said she needed to get right with God. I prayed for her and invited her to church.

Christmas Parade 2009

2009-12-13T14:29:00.003-06:00

Christmas in Texas is beautiful!

.....depending on the weather, of course.

The weather for the parade was perfect. Once the sun went down we dipped into the mid 50's. The mild temps made for perfect parade weather. We had 18 faithful servants of Jesus Christ on hand to hand out several thousand tracts and 2,000 candy canes.

Parades are always easy to work, especially Christmas parades. We approached the spectators and told them we were giving away Christmas cards and candy canes...it was easy! The people were happy to receive.

I also decorated my utility wagon with blinking Christmas lights and wired it for sound with Christ-centered Christmas music. We had many people talk to us about the wagon and it provided much opportunity for us to witness. We also had a couple of the vendors along the parade route offer us sandwiches and drinks because of the wagon, candy canes, and Gospel tracts that we were giving away!

I have posted some photos and videos from the parade below. Take note of the picture of car that belonged to a church on the parade route. This church was on hand to sale coffee and hot chocolate, but the Gospel was no where to be found from them.

Fleeting Security

2009-12-04T22:44:00.002-06:00

(Dorothy reporting)

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

1 John 1:6

Another busy day at the local family de-planning clinic on 67^th street. About a dozen Christian people gathered before dawn in the below freezing weather to pray, intercede and love their neighbor as themselves.

I was able to get several tracts and booklets into the hands of people entering and leaving; I also had a conversation with a young man standing outside his vehicle smoking a cigarette. He admitted his actions were wrong but was doing it anyway and hoping for forgiveness later. He went on to say that he was a Christian, was sure of his eternal salvation, and even added that he was a ------------ . (I was unable to hear the last word because at this point the woman inside the vehicle banged loudly on the window and said, “It’s time to go in.”)
I reminded him all of us will give an account to God (Romans 14:12) and that Jesus said many (false converts) on that day will hear “I never knew you. “ (Matthew 7: 21-24) I expressed my concern for his soul and implored him to examine himself in the light of scripture. He responded with "God is a merciful god and in this situation ..."

(the photo is of one of the cars parked in the abortion clinic's parking lot)

Sikh-ing The Lost

2009-11-20T21:47:00.004-06:00

(Dorothy reporting)

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. Isaiah 44:6

The fall semester is drawing to a close which leaves just a few weeks to witness to students. We handed out lots of tracts at various bus stops, almost everyone accepted one and most sat and read it as they waited.
We also witnessed to individuals and small groups of students many of whom were from India. Although most were of the Hindu faith a few professed Christianity. Out of a group of four ladies, two said they were Christians. The Christian students said they had been telling their friends about their faith and sharing stories from the Bible. We had a nice conversation and the Hindu students asked questions and took a booklet which compared the major world’s religions with Christianity.

After that we met some more students from India. This time one of them said he was a Sikh and his friend said he was a Christian. They both agreed that they were serving the “one God” (Sikh’s believe in one God and not multiple gods as in Hindu belief) and therefore they were both on the same spiritual journey although taking different paths. We then asked what they both had to do for forgiveness of sins; both said that they had to do good works to enter into Heaven. We attempted to explain that there was a huge difference. One can not earn the way to Heaven or be forgiven of past sins by doing good deeds or by merelybelieving in one god - one must repent and believe the Gospel.

Sikhism, organized 500 years ago, teaches a belief in a divine being, having no particular shape or form which is manifested in every life form. Ones soul reincarnates when the body dies; and one’s good, or bad actions, determine the life form into which existence comes next. Every soul must go through a continuous cycle of life and death subject to the influences of past deeds. As one continues in good deeds and disassociates self from personal “ego” reincarnation ceases and one merges with the divine.

The Day After...

2009-11-16T21:06:00.003-06:00

Thou shalt not kill.

Exodus 20:3

The day after at an abortion clinic.

The red trash cans contain the aborted babies and are transported to be disposed of as "medical waste".

This photo should outrage you to action NOT COMPLACENCY. Please do not disregard this with a helpless attitude. We need more Christians standing at abortion clinics as street counselors sharing the Gospel with the women that wait in lines to kill their babies. We need more Christians praying that God would convict souls and grant repentance.

...we need more Christians.

"Religious People"

2009-11-06T17:56:00.000-06:00

(Dorothy reporting)

The Texas Tech witness continues to provide opportunity for the Gospel both by tracts and one to one conversations. These conversations vary from casual to in depth study of a particular theological question a student may ask. Everyone we meet has some kind of belief. Some are hoping that if they keep the tenets of a religion they will be good enough for the next life; others are placing faith in a religious figure, or even themselves to merit entrance into Heaven. All express a belief in something or someone, however the object of ones faith and the end results of that is the measure of its validity.

Many students are adherents of a major world religion, however occasionally we encounter a person who considers their beliefs to be spiritual, as in spirits, rather than religious. Had a conversation with a person who rejects Christianity but believes in God and the afterlife because of his experience with the paranormal.

Another of our conversations was with a student who grew up Muslim. Although he no longer practices Islam he also rejects Christianity and states he will pay for his own sins in this life and the next.

Another student said he grew up Catholic but has since quit going to church. He said he had read both the Koran and the Bible and came to the conclusion both religions were the same. “Allah is just another word for God, he claimed. We asked him his opinion of the following statement Jesus made when a disciple asked,” Show us the Father,” … he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? (John 14:9,10). Unfortunately he had a class to attend and had to leave before he could formulate his answer.

Halloween Witness

2009-10-30T19:48:00.001-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation
John 5:28-29

Went out to the campus of Texas Tech on Friday afternoon to pass out tracts and witness to lost souls. I noticed that many students were wearing Halloween costumes; Michael Jackson was in the free speech area and ten zombies from last nights “Zombie Walk” were roaming around the student union building.

I asked passing students if they believed in zombies, ghosts, and haunted houses; no one would say they did. This gave a natural spring board to the next question. “Do you believe the dead can come back to life?” This opened up witnessing opportunities with both professing believers and non believers. Had a long conversation with a group from India who believed in re-incarnation according to the Hindu religious system. Although the majority of the group dropped out when their bus arrived, one member of the group stayed on. He asked many sincere questions about sin, repentance and the Christian life.

Anything But The Truth

2009-10-25T16:08:00.002-05:00

We took the Gospel to the Texas Tech vs. Texas A&M football game and the crowd hated it! Anything but the truth please! However, it is important to remember that it is simply our job to proclaim the Gospel. God is in the conviction and conversion business.

Bullhorn Preaching at Texas Tech

2009-10-24T20:12:00.004-05:00

We hit the Tech/A&M game this evening with Gospel tracts in hand. If you pass out Gospel tracts on a weekly basis sometimes it gets to be a "routine" (which it should never be!) and you just go - still relying and trusting in God and a move of His Spirit, but you just go.

Tonight God blessed in a big way! We felt impressed to go to a different area of the stadium and pass out tracts in a different area. When we arrived the foot traffic was huge. There were thousands of people everywhere. This is typical for a gameday but today it just seemed different. We began passing out tracts as quick as we could. It seems as if we can never get them out fast enough. They (the crowd) have too many hands and we (Dorothy and I) never seem to have enough! As I passed out tracts I began to hear the Gospel being preached. I look over my shoulder and saw two men with a bullhorn preaching the Gospel about a hundred feet away. I quickly advised Dorothy and we got closer to hear their message. It was spot-on! Repentance from sin and faith in the resurrected Jesus Christ. What a breath of fresh air!

We introduced ourselves to Jeremy and Joshua (the bullhorn preachers). They had travelled from Roswell, New Mexico for the sole purpose of proclaiming the Gospel. What faithful and obedient servants of Christ! We quickly joined efforts and passed out tracts and proclaimed the Gospel with them. What a blessing!

I love how God blesses when you are not expecting it. We invited Jeremy and Joshua to return with us next week on Halloween when Texas Tech will play again.

After all was said and done four people handed out hundreds of Gospel tracts and faithfully proclaimed peace and reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ alone.

Amen.

Sanctity and Sanctification of Humans

2009-10-22T21:55:00.003-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
(1 Thessalonians 4:2-4)

It was a cold morning - temperature in the 40's with a wind chill factor making it feel like the 30's.

13 women went in at 7am and another 5 at 10.30am. 5 came for follow up and I was able to give repentance tracts to two of them.
One baby was saved when a young woman came out and told me she had decided not to go through with her plans. I gave her information about a local Christian ministry and a Bible tract.

Later we were able to pray with a young man named David. He told us he was a Christian and read his Bible everyday; however, he admitted he was not walking in holiness. Jim and I talked with him about living a normal Christian life, turning from sin and living for God. He became very humble and contrite. We prayed with him and urged him to get right with God and start afresh.

Many people have the mistaken idea that the Christian life consists of “accepting Jesus” (salvation) and going to Heaven (glorification). They fail to understand, or are not told about, what comes between these two instantaneous events - the sanctification process. We grow in holiness and in the likeness of Christ by obedience to God's word, fulfilling His will, and turning from sin. It is impossible to live the Christian life in our own power. But, we can live a victorious Christian life in the resurrection power of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Texas Tech Homecoming Parade 2009

2009-10-10T18:13:00.003-05:00

We arrived at the Texas Tech Homecoming Parade and it was cold and there were very few people on the parade route. We happened to be next to the parade staging area and there were hundreds of people standing on floats and around floats waiting to march down the street in the parade. There was still thirty minutes before the start of the parade so we took the opportunity to hand out Tech Trivia Gospel Tracts to everyone standing around. The tracts went over well and people were eager to recieve the red and black trivia cards that just happened to have the Gospel message printed on the back!

After we thoroughly tracted the parade float riders we then hit the route and began to approach the crowds that were beginning to assemble. The children on the route received giant one-hundred dollar bill Gospel tracts while we gave the adults more Tech Trivia Tracts.

Gospel Tracts at Texas Tech

2009-10-09T17:43:00.000-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

I arrived on campus at 11am and headed for the plaza by the Student Union Building, usually this is well populated, however due to the cold day it was almost deserted. A few students were sitting behind two tables set up on opposite sides of the free speech area; however they soon abandoned their post. People were not spending any more time outdoors than necessary - not a good day for open air witnessing. I handed out tracts to the pedestrians hurrying by and chatted with a couple of young women who were passing out invitations to a “scare house” fund raising event. I asked them why are “haunted houses” and other scary things so popular?” They both agreed it is because people know that in the end these types of things are not real. However, when they know something is real, like dying, that is scary.

I went over to talk with the people at the T shirt table; they didn’t have many customers and had to sit there anyway, however another student came up and when he found out the topic of conversation, began a “statement of faith monologue” complete with scripture references, all delivered in a very loud voice. Fearing he was driving away what few customers the T shirt sellers had, I motioned him to move away from the table so I could engage him in a quiet conversation. I was unable to get a word in during the next fifteen minutes and was preparing to move on when he looked at the tract I had given him when he first walked up, and asked, “What is all this about anyway?” I asked him if he witnessed or handed out tracts. He said he didn’t believe in using tracts, “Tracts do not lead to conversations; no one ever got saved by a tract.” (Perhaps he has never heard of Hudson Taylor or George Whitefield who both credited their salvation experience to the reception of a Gospel tract.)

Moving on from there I noticed a long line forming in the front of the building and went over to find out why. The people in line were waiting for the T shirt give-away to begin. I handed tracts to everyone in line then made my way to the bus stop. A Chinese student was waiting for a bus and we struck up a conversation. He was newly arrived and was interested in learning about Christianity. The bus came so I handed him a booklet that compares Christianity to all the other major religions and he said he would read it.

Texas Tech vs. New Mexico and the Gospel

2009-10-04T15:45:00.005-05:00

This past Saturday we were on hand at Jones AT&T Stadium to spread the Gospel to the thousands of football fans that were on hand to watch Tech and New Mexico. It was a cool and cloudy day with rain showers threatening the game, but that did not deter the crowds.

We stayed busy and handed out many Gospel tracts. Out of the several hundred Gospel tracts we gave away in the course of 45 minutes we only had about 15 rejections. I noticed that many people would read the tracts as they were waiting for the police officers to allow them to cross the intersection. Others would stick the tract in their pocket. There were a few tracts that found their way to the sidewalk but we rest in the fact that God's Gospel will not return void.

As the vehicle and pedestrian traffic collided the police officers were allowing the crowds ample time to cross the street. This meant long waits for the cars that were attempting to drive down University Ave. Dorothy took the opportunity to give tracts to the people stuck in traffic and she tried to spark up quick conversations as well. There was one particular vehicle that was stopped for a long time in traffic next to us as we were handing out tracts. The truck had some very inappropriately dressed (or should I say undressed) women pictured on the vehicle in advertisement. Dorothy said the advertisement was for a "Gentlemen's" club. I immediately bounced my eyes and kept my back towards this vehicle...I was remembering Psalm 101:3 and not setting an evil thing before my eyes (we felt it necessary to edit the photo on this post as well). However, out of the corner of my eye I saw Dorothy apporaching this vehicle and giving the passengers Gospel tracts. I did have to snap a shot of that! It was truly a good place for the Gospel. I noticed two men walking by the truck and one nearly fell down stumbling because his eyes were glued on the nearly naked women pictured on the truck - I got Gospel tracts in their hands!

Freedom of Speech at Texas Tech

2009-10-01T19:18:00.004-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

Aaron Women’s Clinic was closed today so a few of us prolife campaigners decided to raise awareness on the campus of Texas Tech University. We displayed a couple of anti-abortion signs in the free speech area and attempted to engage passing students in dialogue. At first we had very few comments; no one seemed to be either for or against the issue. The crowd continued to pass by in their own private ipod world.

There were several other groups in the free speech area supporting various causes and interests. Adjacent to us was a group who was promoting the wearing of pink shirts at Saturday’s game to raise awareness for the Susan G. Koman fight against breast cancer. A lady who was with us had a conversation with them and mentioned that Panned Parenthood receives money from the national organization; this was apparently offensive to them and was reported to the campus police as “harassment”. An officer and a Tech official came up and informed us that we had to move to the back of the gazebo (out of the way) as that was the only free speech forum on campus. Two female students, who were standing close enough to hear the conversation protested saying, “the whole campus is open to free speech.” There is nothing that attracts interest in an otherwise apathetic crowd than the arrival of the police. Another group of students came over and joined which had now become a “free speech” issue. The students and the administrative official debated back and forth. The police got tired and left and the students went back to their electronic gadgets.

We started to pack up at 12.45 and as we were leaving a group of fraternity boys; we thought they were a religious group at first because of the frequent mention of the Lord’s name, applauded our departure.

I handed out over a hundred Bible tracts and witnessed to a young woman concerned about forgiveness, and a few lost souls.

Being Relevant at Texas Tech

2009-09-24T19:07:00.000-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

Another great witnessing day at Tech.

Gave out tracts and had several short conversations with students at the bus stop. One young man told me he had committed his life to Christ “for real this time,” just the day before. He said he had grown up in a Christian home and had “make a profession” in high school but since coming to Tech he had “got tired of all of that and began to question if there was a God.” He said he had a friend whose faith never wavered and this friend kept witnessing to him (as well as others). Sadly his friend had died 6 weeks ago which had caused him to begin to think seriously about eternity.

After that I had a nice long chat with a young man sitting at one of the umbrella tables. He said he was a Christian and was looking for a church for himself and his friend. He went on to describe that he would like to find a church where they could “fit in and that would be relevant to a younger crowd with contemporary music.” He agreed that doctrine and the word was the most important. He talked about giving out tracts with his former church on mission trips so I shared my thoughts on Biblical witnessing.

After this I had a very interesting conversation with a friendly atheist, who said he was “open-minded, and considers it to be unfair to say there is no God because there is no empirical ability to answer the question.” We went on to discuss several points such as, “Why is there so much suffering in the world?” And, “Is climate change the result of man pillaging the world’s resources without consideration to the environment or is it because of the fall of man?” I was able to give the Biblical explanation for entropy with a plea to consider the truth of the Gospel.

Lastly I spoke with a couple who said that they felt guilty after reading the tract. The young man informed me that he repents every Sunday for the activities of the previous weekend; but then goes right back to the same sin again.

Plastic Christians

2009-09-24T19:01:00.001-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

I was handing out tracts on the sidewalk outside the local “Women’s Clinic” when a man wearing a shirt with “DAD” on the front came up and asked for prayer. Thankful for this opportunity I asked him what was his prayer request? He replied, “that God would forgive me for what I am about to do. I asked if he was a Christian and he said he had “asked Jesus into his heart.” I tried to reason with him and point out what the Bible said on this subject but he continued to excuse himself with the “everybody sins” mantra. He finally got mad and walked away asking, “What kind of a Christian are you. “

Later we saw a parked vehicle with a plastic Jesus figure on the dashboard. This “Jesus” will nod approval no matter what one does or where one drives.

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23

What Does The Bible Teach About Divorce?

2009-09-19T21:15:00.005-05:00

Today in our culture it is likely that you know someone that is divorced or are possibly divorced yourself. Have you ever considered what the Bible teaches about divorce? There are right and wrong circumstances in which a divorce can take place, but do you know the difference?

Pastor Steve Miller of Temple Baptist Church has written a clear and concise book on the subject of divorce and remarriage called "Head On A Platter".

You may purchase the book online HERE.

You may also refer people to www.divorcem.info

"I Would Rather Be In Hell"

2009-09-18T16:38:00.000-05:00

But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
2 Timothy 2:23-26

Today was definitely different; people were in a hurry to be somewhere and didn’t have time to talk, so we decided to just hand out Million Dollar Bill’s in the free speech area and wait for someone to ask a question. A student came by and asked if I was giving away money, he said he had been a Christian for several years, but as the conversation progressed I began to wonder. He claimed that he took drugs to get closer to God, and even added that he sold them on campus to help support himself. His argument was that being as the Bible didn’t specifically address this it wasn’t a sin, further more God made the plants. Rather than address this I reminded him he had to stand before God one day and give an account. He announced he had to go to class.

After that we talked with a Hindu student who said he is not really religious but enjoys the cultural celebrations surrounding the various Hindu deities. Later we met up with a student who had listened in to a conversation we had with his friend several weeks ago. He said he was still thinking about what he had heard. We met many students who say that they believe in God but do not like “organized religion” we explained to them that Christianity is a personal relationship with our Creator and Redeemer and not a round of religious activities to earn entry into Heaven.

We handed tracts out to a small group and asked them their opinion. One young woman said it was very enlightening and another said it had given her something to think about. However one young man disagreed, he said he isn’t dead yet so he doesn’t care. We always pray that God would send lost people our way … most times these conversations are a real blessing - however sometimes they can be difficult. This was the case today; although we gently tried to reason with this person he rejected the Gospel and said, “If God will not let me into Heaven because I don’t believe in Him then I would rather be in Hell!”
　

Texas Tech vs. Rice - Taking The Gospel To The Game

2009-09-12T19:18:00.000-05:00

We were on hand to witness at the Texas Tech game on Saturday. We gave out lots of tracts to the passing fans and were able to have several conversations.

Toby started to witness to a group of students sitting on a bench. Most of this group claimed to be Christians; only one said he wasn't sure. During the conversation those claiming to be Christians returned to their cell phones and texting; the one who was not sure did remain and we pray that he will make his election sure.

We proceeded to University Avenue and ran into three people from the U.K. They very graciously listened to Dorothy (who is also English) present the Gospel message.

After that we spent about an hour handing out tracts before the start of the game. Before we left Dorothy spent some time talking with a young woman who said she had grown up Christian but now was not sure that God was real.

Wandering At Texas Tech

2009-09-11T19:10:00.000-05:00

Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

Psalm 119:140

We began our fall Texas Tech witnessing campaign last Friday September 11th.

We were given the opportunity to hand out tracts and speak with students from various spiritual backgrounds and cultures. We had many conversations with those who said they were not “practicing” Christians at this time; although they had been members of church youth groups while in their teens.

We also had a discussion with a group of fraternity members on what it took to enter Heaven. Although there were five to begin with (all claimed to be born-again) only one remained; the rest wandered away during the conversation.

The Tech outreach will continue each Friday morning from 10am until noon until the end of the semester.

He Died For All

2009-08-16T21:27:00.002-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
2 Corinthians 5:15

Went downtown last week and gave out tracts and talked with five individuals. The first lady I spoke with told me she had recently turned her life over to God. She had attended church regularly in the past and knew what she should do but like many of us had chosen to go her own way. We had a nice talk and she thanked me for the encouragement.

After handing out several tracts to passers by I began to talk with a lady waiting in a parked car. I handed her a Gospel tract and asked if she had a spiritual background. She told me she used to attend church all of the time but since she had "strayed" she had stopped going to church because she felt like a hypocrite, but added, "I still believe; and one day I will get right with God again." I asked her what she thought would happen if she stood before God before she "got right?" Her answer was "I would go straight to Hell!" She went on to say that she had often thought about this and had been thinking more and more in the last couple of days. The next lady said almost the same thing to me and I had the opportunity to witness to them that the God who created the universe and everything in it took on human form and died on the cross for our sins taking the punishment we deserve; then he rose from the grave to give us eternal life if we repent and place our trust in him as Lord of our lives.

The Global Reach of the Gospel

2009-08-02T21:27:00.003-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15

New student orientation is in progress at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. The incoming freshmen, many with their parents, are spending a couple of days on campus finding out what life will be like for them next semester.

We were out this morning passing out tracts and asking the question, “What do you think about the Bible stating that God is jealous… how can God be jealous?” As expected, we received various answers to our question. Most people thought that God could not be jealous because “he is God and he has everything.” A few verbalized that he is jealous when people worship another god than the God of the Bible and not the kind of jealousy as in a covetous way.

We chatted with people from as far away as Norway, Mexico, and Australia, and with those closer to home from Houston, Dallas and Austin. Two ladies from Norway, who came with their freshman students, said that the majority of people in their country only attend church for such milestone occasions as births, deaths and marriage. One of the ladies had a Lutheran background and hoped to enter Heaven. The other lady was not interested in the conversation, although she did not try to deter the first lady from talking with me. She did not want a tract, however when she saw it was a Million Dollar Bill tract she changed her mind and gladly accepted one. Pray that the message will be read at a more open time.

I had a fascinating conversation with a lady who said that she did not take the Bible literally. She said that she had read many books which make the claim that Jesus wasn’t sinless; that he had a wife; and other stories. This she believed because, “Why would he be different from all the other Jewish men of the day?”

Drunken Thieving Minister?

2009-07-26T20:56:00.005-05:00

This past Saturday in the Depot District was different to say the least!

We started out at our normal spot but before we were even able to give away any tracts a man approached us and we began to discuss the things of God. He identified himself as a minister and told us that he wrote Bible commentaries and sermons for people to study by and preach from. This intrigued me. It was not because of his scholary claims that he made it was more of the foul odor of alcohol permeating the air from his breath. It was bad! He was one of those that you could almost feel yourself getting a bit tipsy as he spoke from his drunkenness.

I did not want to spend much time in conversation with this drunk but my curiosity got the best of me so I asked him to explain the Gospel and he could not. I suppose I could give him the benefit of the doubt and assume that he, being a self-professed minister and Bible scholar, did understand the Gospel but simply could not communicate it because of his drunkenness. However, his drunkenness proves to me that he does not understand the Bible!

I zeroed in on the sin of drunkenness and pointed out the Scripture that states that no drunkard will inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10). He became agitated and started to get very animated and would point his finger in my face from time to time to drive his "drunk is o.k." points home to me. I simply continued to quote Scripture to him.

However, we did leave on good terms. You know how drunks are.... happy one minute and mad the next.

About an hour later we heard some loud banging sounds coming from across the street which sounded like someone trying to break a car window. We went to investigate and guess who we caught trying to break into a car!!!!! Your right, the drunk minister/Bible scholar.

I asked him why he was trying to break into a car and he said he had heard a noise and came over to investigate. I called him on that because the door he pointed to that he said he came out of was in our sight the whole time during the banging and we never saw him come out. He became very nervous and a bit agitated and invited me to join him behind the building in the dark alley. I am uncertain of what the good minister had in mind to do with me if I had followed, but perhaps he felt a Bible study was in order! I declined his offer and as I was walking away from him (for safety concerns) we advised him that we were calling the police.

The police did show but there was no reason to take the drunken burglarizing minister to jail because the police did not see him do anything. After the police officer left we decided to leave as well because we did not trust this individual and did not want to stick around to see what he might try next.

Please be in prayer for his soul.

Hell And The Necessity Of Evangelism

2009-07-19T21:06:00.003-05:00

Pastor Steve Miller of Temple Baptist Church delivers a message on hell and why we must share the Gospel.

Take a listen to this message and more than likely you will learn something about hell that you have never considered. This is truly a life changing message!

You can listen to the message here.

The Power of God and His Gospel

2009-07-11T19:40:00.005-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: - 1 Corinthians 2:4

This week I have been reading 1 Corinthians and noted that Paul speaks a great deal about the “power of the Gospel,” the “power of God” and the “power of the Holy Spirit” He begins chapter two reminding his readers that he did not come with excellency of speech or of wisdom … but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. (Vs. 1-4) He goes on to compare the wisdom of men (worldly wisdom) to the wisdom of God, and concludes in the final verse, by reminding believers that they have the mind of Christ.

Meditating on this chapter I began to think about the opportunity we have at Texas Tech University to reach students from all over the world and began to look forward to the fall semester. Then I thought why wait - the second summer session began this week, so off I went in search of those whom the Holy Spirit would bring my way.

I began handing out some Liberty Bills between the library and student union building. I certainly do not have any “excellency of speech” however I prayed for the leading of the Holy Spirit and it wasn’t long before several people stopped and engaged in conversation

A young man from Kuwait stated that one could get into Heaven as long as one didn’t commit any big sins; another student said it depended on the way we act. A Chinese student at first said he only believed in science and not religion, however I challenged him to think about why he is unique, why there is no one else like him in the world, in the past or living today? The conversation went very well and I could sense that he was giving serious thought to the Gospel message. A young lady said one had to follow the rules in order to enter into Heaven and mentioned the Ten Commandments specifically. However, as I took her through the commandments opening up each one she understood that we can not get to Heaven by our own merits.

Not all conversations proceeded as planned however. I gave tracts to three painters’ taking a lunch break as I went inside the building. When I came out later they were still there and I asked them what they thought of the tract. Two of them said they hadn’t read it but the third painter, a younger man, said he read part of it. I mentioned it was a Bible tract and asked them if they had any religious backgrounds. The younger man said his dad was a preacher and one of the others got up and announced, “We have a work background and there is the boss,” with that they made their escape. I let them go without further interaction relying on the Holy Spirit to convict them at a later time and place and turned my attention to another young person to my left who was eating French fries out of a paper carton. It turned out he was working on campus for the summer and had never heard the Gospel before. We had a very pleasant conversation and he took additional literature and said he needed to get right with God as soon as possible.

Run For Your Life!

2009-07-06T21:23:00.000-05:00

4th on Broadway Parade Photos

2009-07-05T14:47:00.002-05:00

It was a perfect day for a parade! The morning air was comfortable and we had an overcast day which was a welcome change from the 100 degrees we are used to seeing this time of year.

We had 14 people on hand to give out Gospel tracts and the crowd was more than receptive. We had a new tract in hand that went over very well with the crowd. The tract is called the Liberty Bill and has a very patriotic theme and the Gospel message is centered around John 15:13.

We were able to give out 6,000 tracts and had conversations with several people as well.

Jesus Christ Is Everything - Paul Washer

2009-07-02T04:23:00.001-05:00

Questioned By The Police

2009-07-01T04:17:00.003-05:00

Below is the video from when we were approached by a Lubbock police officer while preaching the Gospel to a crowd waiting to get into a nightclub. In the past we have spoken with many Lubbock police officers and for the most part the have been very professional and curteous, but this officer sets a new standard that all would seek to achieve. He was very kind to boot!

For any of you that may be thinking of open-air preaching the lesson we have learned over the years is be respectful to the police officers and kindly explain why you are sharing the Gospel via open-air. As long as you are on a public sidewalk you SHOULD be ok when they show up, but if you get an officer with an attitude he can do anything and the courts will figure it out later!!!!

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. - 1 Tim. 4:12

They Called The Police

2009-06-29T19:57:00.003-05:00

It was a busy night in the Depot District this past Saturday night and we were able to deliver the Gospel in a unique manner by the world's standards today!

Many years ago, before public address systems, public speaking was done in a very different manner. Public speakers of the day would raise up their voices to the masses and deliver their message loudly so that all could hear. Many of the great preachers from this by-gone era delivered many sermons via open-air preaching. This was how it was done back then.

Since the invention of microphones, speakers, and amplifers the world has forgotten open-air preaching. However, we were able to remind them of this forgotten medium this past Saturday night in the Depot District!

The crowds were lined up outside of Louie Louie's standing and waiting to get in to see a popular singing act that was performing live that night. I took the opportunity to deliver the Gospel by raising my voice to the waiting crowd and proclaimed reconciliation with God through repentance and faith in Christ alone.

Overall the crowd was receptive. We did have several in the line that continued their conversations and even turned their backs towards me, but there were several more that listened to the entire message.... intently!

A bouncer from the club came out and demanded we leave but I advised him I was on a public sidewalk and he had no authority to ask me to leave. He quickly went back in after advising me he was calling the police.

We waited for the police but time lingered on and they had yet to show so I began to give another Gospel presentation. The good thing about a waiting line is that the audience changes. As people leave the club they let some from the line go inside. We keep an eye on the line so we can know when we have a "fresh" audience.

As I was delivering this second Gospel presentation a police officer arrived and asked to speak with me. He told me that I was completely within my legal right to be preaching on the sidewalk and that he could not legally ask me to leave. However, he did ask me if I would leave just so he would not have to come back out because the bouncer would not stop calling. I advised the officer that we were leaving for the evening anyway and would be happy to grant his request. Open-air preaching is hard on your vocal chords and quite tiring so after two presentations I was ready to stop anyway!

Overall we had a very good night and many people heard the Gospel!

Family Worship

2009-06-27T16:45:00.001-05:00

Have you forgotten about family worship?

http://tinyurl.com/lcmsy2

The Heavens Declare The Glory Of God... And So Must We!

2009-06-26T08:46:00.000-05:00

The heavens declare the glory of God;

and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Psalm 19:1

The last few days have been 100 degrees plus, so decided that today I would get down town early to try to beat the heat. I wasn’t actually there by dawn (took this picture while walking in my neighborhood earlier) but did get there by 8am.

I was hoping to tract the crowd waiting outside the municipal court - the doors open at 8.30am - but there were only a few people waiting in cars. I did have a conversation with one person though and gave out tracts. A young man who works inside an adjacent building came out and requested ten of the Million Dollar Bill tracts to pass around his office.

Later I noticed a small crowd sitting on benches outside one of the bail bond offices. So I went over and handed out tracts and begun a conversation. The people were gathered there to support a young family member who had an appointment with a judge. After this group went across the street to the courthouse another group came by and took their place on the benches. This scene repeated itself several more times which gave an opportunity for several group gospel outreaches.

After that I witnessed to several individuals and handed out more tracts.

Two Babies Saved?

2009-06-25T08:43:00.000-05:00

Dorothy was back at the abortion clinic this past Thursday and reports the following information:

One young girl came out of the clinic and approached Dorothy and stated that she was going to keep her baby and that she was leaving the clinic. The young girl did not speak English but there was another woman available that was able to speak Spanish so that Dorothy was able to communicate with her.

Dorothy also mentioned that she had some of the Spanish Gospels that we have been putting together in the church and she was able to give one to this young lady as well. A special thank you goes out to all of the people that have been helping put the Scripture together every week! We now know that a young lady that was going to have an abortion turned away from this act and has a Gospel of John and the Book of Romans that she can understand in her language.

There was another woman that left the clinic but Dorothy was unable to speak with her. Dorothy did note that she did not return.

One woman from China was being delivered to the clinic by a friend did not speak English but Dorothy was able to give her a copy of the "Wordless Gospel". This Gospel tract uses pictures to deliver the Gospel message and is great to have on hand for situations such as this when a language barrier exists.

Overall Dorothy reports that she gave out more than the usual number of tracts and Gospels to women going in and coming out.

New Episode of Repent and Trust Radio Online

2009-06-23T04:25:00.001-05:00

Check out the latest episode of Repent and Trust Radio - WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Downtown Street Ministry

2009-06-19T20:22:00.004-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Romans 1:16

I parked at the library and walked to the courthouse, praying to find some lost souls on the way. A man and his two sons were waiting outside the courthouse so I handed them tracts which easily lead into a witnessing conversation. After looking at Gods holiness he admitted he was afraid he was headed straight “down under!” I delivered the good news of the Gospel and encouraged him to get right with God.

After that I sat down and spoke with a young woman who was waiting on a bench. She said she was “supposed to be Catholic but hadn’t attended church in a long time but still believed in God.” I explained that it wasn’t going to church that would take away sin only the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who paid for that sin.

The next person that I handed a Million Dollar tract said she wished it was real. So I asked what she would do with it if it was real. She said she would pay off all her debts and credit cards. “What about your sin debt - do you ever think about that?” I asked. She said she had thought about that and was hoping God would be merciful and forgive her. I explained that Gods mercy and his justice met at the cross. Jesus Christ took the wrath of God on our behalf and if we repent, admit our sin and turn from our wickedness, and place our trust in Christ alone and not in good works; then God can save us. She asked me to pray for her then and there before her bus came.

I had a pleasant conversation with a gentleman who is a member of a local church and encouraged him to share his faith and hand out tracts as he walked along - I gave him a handful of tracts to get started and the web address to obtain more.

Two Babies Saved This Week!

2009-06-19T19:55:00.004-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

We are limited to the public sidewalk outside the clinic parking area and can only hand tracts to those who park on the street and walk by us. Employees arrive before 6am and park in the slots next to the sidewalk thus preventing our ability to talk with any customers who would otherwise park there.

It is not easy to get people to come over to talk with us or even take tracts but this week several customers were willing to accept a gospel message. One young woman came out later and said she had changed her plans and was going home.

A large group of Spanish speaking people accompanying a young person parked on the street. I am unable to speak their language but I did have on hand some Gospels of John and Romans in Spanish which they all received.

Later in the morning a confused young couple came up to the door, the security guard was inside and the door was locked. They were standing outside wondering what to do and I suggested to them to go to the other “women’s clinic,” I handed them a card with the address to a prolife clinic run by a local church in town. To my surprise (why we are always surprised), they said they would go there and left before I could say more.

He Died! - Paul Washer

2009-06-18T05:51:00.001-05:00

"I Hope My Name Is In The Book"

2009-06-15T17:44:00.002-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

The downtown courts were busy again today. I gave out tracts and had conversations with several individuals.

A well-dressed gentleman, who said he had just been released from jail, stopped and asked for directions to 37^th street. I handed him a gospel tract which opened the door to a witness encounter. He related that while he was sitting in the cell he had opened a Bible and read: "Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15.

He went on to say that he doesn’t go to church anymore but still believes in God and hoped that his name was written in this book. We talked about what it means to be a Christian; not just hoping but knowing if your name is written in the book of life. He thanked me for my time and said it was something he needed to hear.

Later I talked with a young person outside the pre-trial building. He was concerned because, "this is the first time I have ever done anything wrong." He listened carefully and even had his ride wait until the conversation came to a close.

After this I went to the library and found several of the homeless community sitting outside. Many of this group can articulate on biblical themes having listened to various ministry groups that provide them with free lunches and dinners. They sit outside the library most of the day and night and seem to welcome anything to pass the time.

There was a new person there today, a young lady of 19 who said she believed in spirits, people who choose not to pass on to the other side. She said that someone told her that these disembodied spirits stay around and become children’s imaginary friends. However, as we discussed sin and God’s holiness she brought up repentance. A short time into the conversation a cleaning lady going by with her janitorial cart stopped till the end of the conversation. The attention of the group was distracted at one point by the arrival of sacks of brownies given away by a local church, and again by a walk-by heckler who said, “don‘t listen to all of that, there is no God”, however, I pressed on and delivered the message of repentance and trust in the Savior.

Praise Him For The Storm!

2009-06-12T14:40:00.003-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

We truly praise God for the storm!

I arrived at 6am and even though it was still dark a few customers had already pulled into the parking lot. Dan was on the sidewalk preaching to the staff and security guards. By 7am over fifteen had walked through the doors and those who had brought them were leaving.

We were able to have a long conversation with two fathers. Bo said he already had a six year old that he was paying child support for and figured the $500 he was paying today was a bargain. He claimed it was all her (his girlfriends) fault. We took him through the law and grace but he rejected the Gospel saying he was going to do what he needed to do for himself because he wanted to be in control of his own life.

Occasionally those who accompany abortion bound mothers attempt to persuade them to change courses. An older lady went in to the clinic to plead with a family member and persuade her to leave. Another lady came by to support her in this; unfortunately they were unsuccessful in their noble attempt.

Later on I handed a tract and tried to start a conversation with another person but he didn’t appear open at that time. As I was walking away he called out and asked me if I could help with a dead battery. This was an open door. The car alarm was preventing the placement of the cables so he had to call the owner of the car who was inside the abortion facility. She came out and we were able to witness and give pro life literature to this couple.

It was getting late into the morning and the abortionist had not arrived. A woman who left told us that there was a terrific storm in Dallas and all planes had been grounded.

Soon after that all of the customers and staff began to leave, many of the women smiled as they passed or indicated to us they would not be back. The lady who tried to get her family member to come out earlier was especially joyful.

Our New Site Is Live!

2009-06-11T19:51:00.001-05:00

New Repent and Trust web site is up and running!

Check it out here.

Professing Believers

2009-06-07T15:32:00.004-05:00

It was just another night in the Depot for us but we never know just how God is going to use His Gospel in the hearts of others. It was a busy night in the upper Depot and we never left "our fishing hole" due to the heavy foot traffic roaming to and fro.

It was a typical night as far as passing out Gospel tracts goes. Many took our tracts while others refused (some more disdainfully that others). There was a "strange trio" that came by consisting of two young men that did not look old enough to get into the clubs and an older woman. She could have easily been their grandmother if one were to judge by age. I approached the group with Gospel tracts and the two young men took them while asking, "What is it?". As I was about to give a tract to the older woman I told them that the cards were Gospel tracts and the woman refused (with a "look" I might add). I bid them a good night as they walked on when I heard the older woman tell the two young men, "Don't read that ****". She wanted the two young men to throw the tracts away but I did see them stick the tracts in their pants pockets as they were walking away. I pray that they would read the message at another time outside the influence of this woman.

Soon after this group another group of six came by and I began to offer a man in the group a Gospel tract. I could tell he was offended by his body language and refusal of the tract. I then recognized him as someone I used to go to church with a few years ago. I actually left that church in part because of their problem with me passing out Gospel tracts in the Depot. They thought it was too confrontational for their "seeker-sensitive" methods. As I recognized him I tried to engage him in conversation by reminding him that we used to go to church together but he would have none of that. He told me that he didn't need a Gospel tract because he was "with me". I don't know what that means. If he was trying to state that he was a Christian then why would he be offended when someone tries to put a Gospel tract in his hand? I personally look forward to the day when a fellow believer approaches me to put a Gospel tract in my hand. I will be so excited because the Gospel message is how God saved me! I would still be lost today if I had never heard that beautiful Gospel message. This is why I have "red flags" go up when a professing believer refuses a tract or even seems aggravated such as this man that I would try to give him a Gospel tract. I do not judge this man's salvation, but I do however question why he would be offended by me passing out Gospel tracts... it just makes me wonder.

I had a conversation with a young man that had just recently been released from prison. He seemed to be wanting to "do the right thing". He said he grew up in a Christian home and was a Chrisitan... he knew the lingo. He said he knew he had made bad choices and wanted change. I discussed the Gospel with him and told him that Jesus was the only One that would give him the radical change he needed. We had a long conversation that didn't seem rushed. Typically you can tell when someone does not want to be talking with you about Jesus. I did not get that feeling from this guy. He asked for my phone number, which I gave him, and he asked about the church I attend. I invited him along to church and he seemed genuinely interested and asked for directions. I didn't see him at church this morning nor did I receive a call from him. Please pray for him.

There was another professing believer that believed all paths led to God. He said that a Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist would all go to heaven if they believed in their faith rightly. He also stated that the other religions were started by prophets from God as well. I spent time discussing with him why this could not be the case. We discussed John 14:6 where Jesus said He was the only way and I also explained to him how Christianity stands apart from all other religions. I told him that all other religions teach you can do good and pray to earn your way into heaven while Christianity teaches that man is wicked, deserving of God's wrath because of his sin and that nothing can be done to earn salvation. I told him that this is the reason that Jesus had to come was to pay our fine to God the Father and save us from the wrath to come. He seemed to take hold of this explanation and actually told me that he was going to discuss this with the girl that told him that prophets of God started the other religions.

Please keep all of the people in your prayers.

Dog Days of Witnessing

2009-05-30T20:58:00.003-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Ezekiel 36:26-27

Downtown Friday was not as busy as last week; however I had some good witnessing encounters and passed out lots of tracts. A man who had received a tract the previous week came up to tell me what had happened on his way home. “I ran out of gas and while I was sitting on the side of the road I took out that Million Dollar Bill and read the back. That was a wake-up call for me to make some changes in my life.“ I told him that first he has to make the big change - Repentance before God - and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. When God saves a person He will make the changes.

Later I spoke with two other young people, they kept trying to justify themselves as not deserving judgment because God forgives and everyone goes to Heaven. I had to challenge them to see themselves in the light of God’s law.

My next stop was the Central Appraisal Office. As this was the last day for property owners to file intent to protest the increased taxes I expected a big crowd. As expected it was standing room only inside. I began a conversation with a man wearing a little dog around his neck. At first I thought it was a toy until the tail wagged and the dog got off and sat on the counter, scattering all of the office paperwork. The woman behind the counter was not impressed and their visit ended abruptly. By the time I got out of the door they were gone.

I noticed a person sitting on the steps so I handed him a MDB. We had a very good conversation; the person asked some very thoughtful questions and seemed genuine in his search for truth.

Hopefully It's Godly Sorrow

2009-05-28T20:23:00.003-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

Isaiah 59:1-2

I was standing on the sidewalk outside the local abortion facility when a very sad looking young woman came over and told me that she had been very depressed since her abortion. She went on to say that she was a Christian and had tried praying, “but that made it worse.“ I inquired about her salvation experience and she related that she had prayed at age of seven “because I wanted to go to Heaven when I died.” She went on to say how she had slipped away since then. Thinking that perhaps she was never saved in the first place I took her through the law. She allowed me to pray for her - I prayed that she would come to the place of true repentance before God and place her trust in Jesus’ finished work on the cross. I told her that when God saves a person they will want to do the things that please God and will not want to sin against Him.

Although it would be easy to let my grandmotherly sympathy take over in situations like this I have to keep the best interest of the woman in mind and gently help her to see that only godly sorrow will bring peace. “First, then, before you can speak peace to your hearts, you must be made to see, made to feel, made to weep over, made to bewail, your actual transgressions against the law of God.” George Whitfield 1714-1770

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

2 Corinthians 7:10

"Dead Night"

2009-05-24T15:58:00.003-05:00

Three of us met in the Depot District ready to share the Gospel. We were armed with Gospel tracts, Bibles, and began our outreach with prayer on the street corner. After about fifteen minutes and not one soul passing us by on the street corner we decided to take a walk through the Depot.

Nobody....

There were club employees standing outside waiting for club-goers, but no club-goers. We were able to give Gospel tracts to five individuals as we walked. There were a few others but they refused.

We finished our walk through the Depot and still no crowds. We then decided to walk over to the bus station to see if there was anybody there. When we arrived at the bus station they had already closed for the evening. The only two people we saw were our two "regulars" of the Depot. They usually hang out where the crowds are and just sit. I have my suspicions of their "business" because they are dressed too nicely to be homeless. We have discussed the Gospel on several different occasions with these two, but they don't see their need for Jesus Christ.

We decided to call it a night and go home early.... due to lack of interest (on the club-goers' behalf not ours!).

A Jumpstart With The Gospel

2009-05-23T18:13:00.002-05:00

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment ... Hebrews 9:27

... behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

Friday Downtown Outreach

Another great witnessing morning in downtown Lubbock. At first, it was difficult to engage passersby in conversation; people seemed preoccupied in their own affairs. A woman’s car would not start, and although she had jumper cables on hand she did not know how to apply them. She asked several men for assistance and they all claimed not to know how to do it; some just said they didn‘t have time - so much for random acts of kindness.

A short time later, a lively group of seven young women came by. They said they were working off their traffic fines by picking up trash. Several participated in the witnessing conversation while the rest listened in. They all left with tracts.

After that, I went around to the bus station, gave out tracts, and spoke with several couples and individuals. A man was on his way to the funeral of his younger brother, a victim of murder which had happened recently. I expressed condolences for his loss then turned the conversation around to his own standing before God. I shared the Gospel with him, however he said he was not ready to repent at this time because, “I have a lot more sinning to do, after that I’ll repent when the time comes.” I prayed with a homeless man and his friend who are currently staying with the Salvation Army. They said they were Christians, were recently unemployed, but hoping to get back on their feet soon. Next, I went to the courthouse, gave out tracts, and spoke with several people waiting by the steps. Most of them said they were praying that the judge would be merciful in their case.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday morning I went to call on two women who had recently visited church. When I got there, no one was home. I left a tract on the door, and as I was walking away, I noticed a neighbor preparing a BBQ grill so I walked up to introduce myself. I knew I was off to a wrong start when the neighbor introduced herself as “god.” Turning to leave I noticed a couple of people were listening so I handed them Bible tracts which soon led to a witnessing conversation. The woman who claimed to be god came up and told these two not to listen to me because she was god and if they listened to loud dance music, she would let them into heaven. She doubled the crowd; two more people came out of their apartment and joined the group. I continued to witness while “god” carried on her own conversation. As I was leaving, I asked her to spell her name for me and she spelled

G O O D D E!

A Heartbreaking "Busy" Day

2009-05-21T17:30:00.006-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

Today was probably one of the busiest days in a long time. I estimated that 25 unborn babies lost their lives in a 3 hour time span. At least three of the mothers were reluctant to go in. We were able to plead with two of them who said they didn't want to do it "but I have too," both claimed to be Christian.

I was able to have a witnessing conversation with Joe who at first was not concerned for his soul, "God loves everyone in the world and he has to forgive us" but later admitted he was afraid he was headed "straight to Hell."

I left for a short time to get coffee and when I returned I unknowingly walked into a situation. A young woman was refusing to get out of the vehicle even under the "prompting" of an older woman. A second woman in the party (wearing a crescent moon necklace) came up and ordered me off the sidewalk and said "The Devil is the Christian God." They claimed to be Jewish but quoted selective scripture from the NT - none of which had any bearing on the present situation. I was unable to witness to either of them. However, I was able to give out about 8 tracts and one Gospel of John to others during the course of the morning.

One Realizes His Need For Christ!

2009-05-16T11:20:00.002-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

Had a great morning again on Friday handing out Gospel tracts to the many people passing by downtown. One young man stood on the sidewalk reading the tract that I gave him, so I asked him his opinion of what was written. He said he was a Christian and although it had been a long time since he was in church he was trying to “do right. “ We discussed that “doing right” was not enough to get into heaven because he had a sin debt that must be paid. He agreed that he had fallen short of God’s standard of righteousness and if he died this very day God would be justified in sending him to Hell. I explained that the Bible tells us that Jesus Christ paid the sin debt and if we repent, turn from sin, and place our trust in the risen Savior then God can remit that debt and dismiss our case. Only then can we “do right” by God‘s power. He thanked me for helping him to see that and said he would ask God to save him. Pray for J.

The next person I talked with does not want to go to Heaven. Chip, promptly turned down the offer of a tract by saying, “No thanks, I am a devil worshiper.” Thinking he was just trying to be smart I asked him if he was serious. He said that he grew up Baptist, in fact his family consisted of preachers, youth leaders and deacons; he went to church read the Bible and even kept the Ten Commandments. Then, three years ago he joined the Luciferian Church. He made a point of saying that the Luciferian church has nothing to do with modern Satanism as expounded by Anton LaVey and The Church of Satan. They don’t just let anyone join - there is a waiting list. I asked what a person had to do to go to Hell and he answered, “Absolutely nothing.” This was the one thing we could agree on. So my next question was, “What is the point, if you’re already going to Hell by doing nothing.” He went on to say that he was now working on attaining a high position in Hell. As he claimed to have kept the commandments I took him through a few --- that’s when he had to leave.

After that enlightning conversation I talked with a nice lady who was waiting for a family member. She asked for prayer for her son that he would turn his life around.

Summer Time Witness

2009-05-09T21:18:00.002-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

During the summer months we will be witnessing downtown on Friday mornings. This area is one of the few places in town where people actually walk from place to place; this gives ample opportunity to pass out tracts and engage people in conversation.

Last Friday was especially busy; lots of people were on the street, several of whom were waiting on corners or just passing time. I started up a witnessing conversation with a young man who said he was Catholic and if one “did right” they would go to Heaven. After looking at God’s standard of righteousness, the commandments, he said that he would ask for forgiveness when the time came. I implored him to consider his situation further because we do not know in advance “When the time comes".

After passing out tracts for a few minutes I was able to have another conversation with a lady and her two sons, one of whom had just gone to court for a minor infringement of the law. Facing the judge was a fearful thing for this young man and he vowed never to get in trouble in the future.

Earlier I had handed a tract to a young woman who was entering a building, as I was leaving for the morning I happened to meet up with her again. She still had the tract and I asked her for her thoughts regarding what was written. She said that it really made her think about her situation, and although she only had a “kind of” religious background, she knew she had to change. I explained that turning over a new leaf, making changes or resolutions can not save us from Hell, but only by repenting of our sins and putting our trust in the risen Lord; then God will come into our life and change us from the inside out.

THE Final Exam

2009-05-05T18:07:00.002-05:00

(Dorothy reporting)

May 1st 2009

Today marked the last witness day at Texas Tech for this academic year. Final examinations are in progress and will be finished in a couple of days after that most of the students will depart until the fall semester.

Recently I have begun to use a more direct approach. I introduce myself and state up front that “I am on campus speaking to students about spiritual things.” A few people immediately say they are not interested or say “my religious beliefs are private,” however, most university students seem to enjoy giving their opinion. Today my fellow Gospel workers canceled out so I went by myself. I don’t use the word “alone” because God has promised he will never forsake us and each time in the past that I have gone by myself God has blessed abundantly. With this thought in mind coupled with the idea that perhaps this could be a student’s last opportunity to contemplate the state of his or her eternal soul, I set off toward the center of campus.
Regular classes have ended and those I spoke with today were there to take finals. As the topic of conversation was on finals it was easy to springboard into the question “How do you think you will do on THE final exam?” One student said he was not religious but he did pray a lot before his test, another student with two broken arms, the result of a recent accident, said he was not interested at this time. A student with a religious background said he had been up all night studying for today’s test which he hoped to pass with a decent grade; but as far as the ultimate final he hadn't given that much thought and hoped that “God would take a more holistic approach.” A student from Germany said he had no religious background or beliefs whatsoever and found the emphasis placed on religion in America to be somewhat of a cultural shock. He believed when he was dead that was it. A student in all black clothing believed that everyone went to a good place. He said he used to be a Christian until high school but now he has no reason to believe in sin or Hell.

Finally I spoke with several ladies who work in the cafeteria, one of the ladies came back to ask for more tracts to give out to her friends and family and a third lady came out on her lunch break to ask me to pray with her.

"I Don't Believe In God"

2009-05-04T18:40:00.004-05:00

It was a cool Saturday night with light showers, but God has given all Christians the command to "Go" and so we did. Once again we met in the Depot District and dodged the showers. We had Gospel tracts in hand and our secret weapon for slow nights - a big sign which states, "What If?". We had not even been on the corner long enough to start the night's witness for Jesus Christ in prayer when a couple approached and asked what the sign meant.

We asked them if they were to die tonight did they know if they would go to heaven or hell. The couple seemed eager for the discussion and the young lady stated that they had been discussing that very topic for the past two hours amongst themselves.
The lady said she was a Christian and the man had no particular religious belief and the discussion soon proved to be challenging. I explained why Christianity, more specifically, Jesus Christ, was the only way to be saved from the wrath to come and gain entrance into heaven. I quoted John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me", and the two were offended by the statement. I explained why Jesus made that statement and why Christianity stood apart from from all other religions. The man said Jesus' statement was wrong and the woman said that having faith was enough and the object of the faith was irrelevant. I again explained why Jesus was the only way to escape the Judgment to come. They did not agree with the message, but the truth of the Gospel is a hard message and they now have no excuse before God on That day.
As they were leaving I asked where they were from because they had slight accents that I could not pin down. The lady was from Austria and the man from Germany. They were in the States visiting... GLOBAL MISSIONS IN THE DEPOT!

After the couple left we prayed and began passing out tracts as people were walking by quickly through the rain. It wasn't too long and we were able to share the Gospel with a young man that was a Catholic. He said he was not certain he was going to heaven, but thought he had done enough good to get there. I shared Ephesians 2:8-9 with him and explained that Christ alone is our assurance of salvation and it is only His finished work that can satisfy the wrath of God.
I explained Isaiah 64:6 to him and how God views our good works as filthy rags. He said that made sense to him and he would consider what we discussed. As he was leaving I encouraged him to put his faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work rather than his filthy works.

After this, Dorothy and I again took cover underneath an awning due to the light rain. It was at this time a young lady that was not dressed modestly came walking by with purpose and determination. I tried to give her a Gospel tract but she quickly retorted, "I don't believe in God", and moved on quickly. I guess she didn't realize that was the reason I was trying to get the Gospel to her.

We finished the night with one young man that had a good grasp of the Gospel. In fact he said he had done missionary work in Australia for two years, but he was getting confused in the Kingdom Now/Word of Faith movement. I could tell he struggled with the balance of the Gospel and these abhorrent/heretical teachings. He said it was good what we were doing, but...
His newly found theology was giving the proclamation of the Gospel a back seat. After a very long conversation we left the depot and thanked God for the opportunity to share the Gospel.

Graphics Designer Needed!

2009-05-02T12:26:00.003-05:00

We are currently seeking a Christian that loves the Lord and can do outstanding graphics designs for Gospel tracts. We have ideas for Gospel tracts but need someone with a keen eye for design and expertise in Photoshop and PDF formats.

If you know of anyone please pass along their info to us through this link.

Obedient Demons and Disobedient Christians

2009-04-30T19:28:00.008-05:00

If you are a Christian, then sharing the Gospel with others is not a suggestion. It is a command from our Lord, Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15).

In this message Toby Brillon explains how the command to "go" is clearly illustrated through the Prophets, Apostles, and New Testament believers today. He also points out that in one instance demons received the same command as well.

The shocking reality is that in many cases the demons themselves are more obedient to the command of Christ than His own followers for whom He died.

Listen Below:

Dowload mp3

Repent and Trust on Twitter

2009-04-27T18:08:00.004-05:00

Welcome to our experiment... Twitter!

We have recently created a Twitter account with the intention of including YOU in our street ministry. As we are out and about in the streets sharing the Gospel we will send in "tweets" to keep you posted live.

Our hope is that you will become "followers" of our Twitter posts so that you might be in prayer for the individuals we encounter while we are sharing the Gospel.

Please know that this effort is only for the glory of God and the salvation of souls and it is not our intention to "rack-up" followers in a prideful manner. We simply want prayer warriors to be in battle while we are on the front lines!

We made a test run with Twitter last Saturday and you can check out the posts HERE.

for His glory,

Toby Brillon

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