the Duffy's - Evangelism Blog

rain and burgers

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 04:28:45 -0800

(josh) The streets were calling again this weekend. We are now getting involved with a UPEI ministry called Christ On Campus. It is a nondenominational group with a heart for community in fellowship and service evangelism. It is great to be a part of something with so many young people who want to express their love for Jesus through participatory service.
Friday eve there was a get together on campus from 7p-11p, and after that we hit the streets downtown for some Gospel sharing. We originally planned to hold a free bbq but it was raining so we just went out anyways. I am not really a fan of evangelizing in the rain for a whole host of reasons, but by 2:30am a host of people had encountered a Jesus outside their current thought. There was great conversation, praying for people and the laying on of hands, bibles and information handed out, and (hopefully) connections made that will lead to further fellowship.
Last night five of us met at 10pm and headed down to the corner of Great George St/Richmond St right behind Province House. We set up a bbq and started cooking up burgers. The burgers were offered to any-and-all free of charge! The 'free' part was what interested most people, of course! The best part of the night was the five 20(ish) yr old skaters that came over and were talking to us for at least half an hour. One of them was an ethical vegetarian(!), so I got to hear his story and tell of my own journey to veganism. We talked about church and their opinions of it. They took literature, and a couple of them asked for New Testaments. We hope to break down walls (strongholds, really) that people have built between them and Jesus. The institutional church has been a place not the most accepting of many of the people we encounter on the streets, we want to show them another side of Christianity, a side hopefully more in tune with the spirit of the Gospel.
What is starting to happen at UPEI is grass roots. It is a beginning, but also a continuing, of the greatest story ever told.

back on the streets

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0800

(josh) It's been awhile since Jenny & I have hit the streets. While we firmly believe that we all should be a constant witness in every area of our lives, we also believe that it is good for us to stretch ourselves and go out to the community and see what people think of the One whom we call Lord and Savior.
Today was one of those days. We headed downtown Charlottetown to see what people think they believe.
As soon as we got out of our car, I approached a gentleman sitting in his car next to us.
"Excuse me man, can I ask you a question?"
"Sure."
"What do you think about Jesus?"
And from there, an hour and a half conversation ensued. We talked about EVERYTHING from conspiracy theories, to how we "earn" a place in heaven, to addictions, to etc etc etc. I don't think this fellow ever had someone explain to him the basic tenants of Christianity before, but on this day, although he agreed that I had given him loads to think about, he was not ready to believe Jesus was exactly who the Bible says He is.
It's interesting, going out on the streets and interrupting people's lives with the question of eternity. Although we live in a Christian nation, there really are few that I've talked to who know the Gospel. Our responsibility to share the Gospel has not ceased. It is stronger than ever.

Apostolic Servanthood

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0800

On sunday I wrote about Jenny & I's experience at Harvest House. We led the service and then took 3 people downtown to share the love of Jesus with anyone who happened to be around. Right after the service a woman and her roommate were expressing their desire to come out with us but they weren't able to do it that day because of a prior commitment. They said that the idea of street evangelism terrified them, but the cost of NOT doing it was far greater than staying in their comfort zones. I asked what time was good for them and they said monday evening. So I told them that Jenny & I would come back at that time and take them out. I really feel that to be a true servant of God, we must inconvenience ourselves and our schedules for the potential betterment of others.

So, around 5:45pm the next day, Jenny & I made our way to Harvest House to see if they really meant what they said the day before. I left them feeling rather skeptical, because usually if you don't do something right away, it doesn't happen. To our great surprise, when we pulled up, there was 10 people waiting outside!!! At first we thought most of them were just hanging around, which is a common sight in this area of Charlottetown, but these saints were all there for the opportunity to stretch out of their comfort zones and obey the Great Commission Jesus gave us. It was a far better turnout than any time I ever tried to mobilize teams at Bible College! Amazing!

With Jenny & I included the team numbered twelve, so I divided us up into 3 groups of 4; Roy took Hillsboro St, Jenny took University Ave, and I took Queen St. EVERYONE was pushed out of their comfort zones.

Jenny and I led by example and demonstrated how Holy Ghost has taught us. Then we encouraged our teams to step out in boldness, and do the same. Tracks and Bibles were handed out, curses were thrown our way, some were not interested in talking, but others were interested. The biggest fruit we seen though, was in the lives of our teams. They couldn't believe how easy and practical witnessing was.

The best story was from Roy and his team who witnessed to Boomer Gallant!! Thats pretty sweet. For a second, I thought Roy was gonna get on the evening weather update! They also handed out a New Testament to a man who professed to be Muslim. I was kind of skeptical again but though, "Oh well, whatever." But, when we were walking back to Harvest House, this gentleman rounded a corner and began greeting us emphatically thanking us for the literature we gave him and saying he was eager to go home and read it! This man surely looked like he was from the Middle Eastern region.

It was an amazing couple of days. Never before had I been part of a church congregation whom immediately desired to apply the message that was preached. We left our teams saying that when we return in the Fall, we would like to be part of an existing evangelistic team rather than leading one. We pray that the Fire that has been lit would be fed, and not diminish.

We thank Noel and Harvest House for the opportunity to give out of what we have recieved.

Heymans gets his credit

Sat, 10 May 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Heymans came and picked me up today and took me to the Pen Center to buy me a new pair of shoes. We went to Sportchek and he got a pair of New Balance and I got a pair of Adidas. Heymans is quite a 'giving' guy, many times sacrificing blessings he's received in order to sow into others. Christendom needs more soldiers like him. After that we went to SoftMoc and he bought Jenny some Skechers. These were kinda like a going away gift, seeing that after the 21st, we may not see Heymans for a long time, if ever?

While we were picking out our shoes, Heymans struck up a conversation with an employee of Sportcheck. He told us that he banged up his shoulder pretty bad playing football and surgery was in the near future. Heymans asked if we could pray for him and right there, in the middle of Sportchek we laid hands on him and committed his football future to God. We want the doctor to give a mighty testimony when Dan has his next appointment. He was very interested to remain talking to us about foreign missions as Heymans cashed out. Heymans indeed deserved his credit today.

What glorious opportunities we pass by everyday, as Christians. It's so very easy to talk to a stranger about the weather, or the game last night, or whatever, but we shy away from talking about the most important thing in our lives. Then again, IS Christ the most important thing in our lives, if we shy away from the simple things like talking about him? We all know the answer, yet we hide behind more (less important) questions.

Why did the Pope, Mother Teresa, and St Francis cross the road?

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0800

The answer is totally obvious.........................TO PREACH THE GOSPEL!!! And thats what they did.

Last night was obviously Halloween and I wanted to go to the bars dressed as religious icons and spread the Good News of what Jesus has done for people. Colin Jackson and I went to Niagra Falls to look for costumes and when we were there I convinced him and Jenny Brown to dress up as the Pope and Mother Teresa (respectively). So, we did.

Later that night we went downtown St Catharines and started going outside bars, inside bars, and on the street witnessing to people about the Gospel of grace. We were told off and cursed at a lot and MANY were surprised when they found out we were not putting on a show but were actually genuine and concerned for their realtionship with Jesus. We got quite a few opportunities to speak into people's lives but the highlight was when Colin and I jumped up onto a ledge and started open-air preaching to a group of about 30 people standing in line to get into a bar! They thought we were fools until they realized we were preachers of "Grace" and not "condemnation"! Looks on faces changed and people couldn't believe what we were actually doing. It was pretty sweet. We were out for a bit over 2 hours and there were times I couldn't help but wonder where all the other christians were? We did run into one Christian, but he wasn't out to evangelize. It is too bad for all the people who want Jesus but don't have anyone to show them His love. Sad.

We realized just how much people need Jesus. In Africa they are all to ready to admit their need for Him; it's obvious. Here in the 1st World people need Him just as much, they just don't realize it. Help us reach the world Lord, please.

Russia

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0800

I was ministering at 2 hospitals last saturday. First, Анюта and I went to a hospice and ministered to a couple of ladies who had been given very short time to live. It was hard to not cry while talking to these ladies. The first lady just wanted God to give her enough time so that she could work in her garden again and spend a bit more time with her grand-daughter. Oh, the things we take for granted in this life. In our busyness we pass by the things we deem most important, when we look back at the end of our lives. T'is sad.
Then we went back to the hospital from last week and were able to follow up with a couple people whom we had previously ministered too. They were happy to see us and so thankful for the gifts we brought. I am amazed at the things we take for granted. I am ashamed. It hurts.

очень, even!

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Last night though may have been one of the best times in Russia that I've had. A group from the church Анюта attends took us to a local hospital to pray and minister to some sick people. It was a lesson in love. Hospital ministry is one of my favorite things to do. We were able to minister love and peace to these dear people who were obviously in need of it. Анюта and I will return on saturday (tomorrow) to follow up on thise we ministered to, and to take some practical things that they are in need of. We also get to go to another hospital to take hope where there is little. I expect another mighty move of God in the hearts of people who know Him not, or who know Him little. By the time we leave I want them to know Him much more.

A Holy Addiction (jenny)

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0800

The first evangelism of the year! The excitement was hard to contain as we huddled to pray in the foyer of the church. Around me stood Jessica, Colin, Josh Heymans, Neron, Carrey (first year from Niagara-on-the-lake) and Mina (first year from Finland). We were down town bound as we split up into pairs, jumped into vehicles and took off, under the black night sky.
"Boldness, Lord, boldness!" we prayed "may we be led by the Spirit and bring Jesus to people tonight!"
Josh and I were walking down the street when we noticed a lady who had obviously had too much to drink, flagging down a city bus. To our delight, she didn't end up getting on the bus so we approached her and began telling her about Jesus. She was in great distress because she was trying to get to Oakdale, and so she hardly showed interest to anything we were saying. It didn't help also that she was drunk. We made her a deal: we give you a ride and you let us talk to you about Jesus. It was a deal so I joined her in the back seat of Josh's car and as we drove, I told her about how God isn't angry with her. She agreed with what I was saying but at the same time didn't show great interest. We had thought we were driving her to a friend's house but ended up to our dismay, dropping her off at another bar. Oh man!! that was definitely disappointing but I gave her a salvation book and so let's just pray that she'll find it in the morning and read it- and be changed.
In the mean time, Colin, Mina, and Carrey met a man who was very open to hearing about Jesus. He admitted that he knew about the love of God but has never experienced it. Colin asked him if he would like to experience this love by having Jesus-and he said yes!!! All of the angels rejoiced in Heaven as through tears, this man invited Jesus into His heart, and so becoming a new man. Praise God!!!
Next stop for Josh and I was the bus terminal. A lady who sat on a bench with a bandaged hand, looked like she needed Jesus. We sat next to her and I asked if she has a relationship with God.
"I do have a relationship with God," she said eagerly, " but my boyfriend doesn't and that's why he does this to me." To our horror, she held up her bandaged hand. What do you say? What do you do? You just pray that God will give you the words. Words of life don't come from our minds but from our Spirit, and so just listen and repeat. I sat with this lady for a long time, praying with her and talking with her about God's passionate love. I pleaded with her to leave her boyfriend. She said that she was actually waiting for a bus because she was infact leaving her boyfriend and travelling to her father's house. I pray that she wont change her mind. She cried as she showed me her finger which was half missing with stitches sticking out of it. Please, reader, pray for her right now that she will walk in the strength of Jesus and pursue an intimacy with Him, never looking back. I was able to sit with her for a long time, listening to her and ministering to her. Before we said 'goodbye' she threw her arms around me and told me that she really needed to hear these things. It was so intense.
In the mean time, a homeless man ran down the street at Jessica and Neron, screaming and flailing his arms. Apparently, this was their third encounter with this man. He rolled his eyes and scowled when they first spoke to him about the love of God being the cure for his miserableness. Neron and Jessica were able to minister to him and found out that he was born again and yet didn't have a revelation of Jesus- and he seemed satisfied to stay at that. They parted their ways with him, yet he kept running to them, begging for money. This man was desperate for a change of life but didn't believe that Jesus could change His life. Pray for this son of the most High King, that he may become desperate for Jesus. We know that God doesn't hold Himself back and freely gives Himself to anyone who wants Him.
I stood at a bus stop pretending to wait for the next bus. Josh Heymans was sitting down with a young man who seemed to enjoy his company. It looked like he was really making a connection with him. A girl stood next to me reading a novel. I debated whether to interrupt her reading but I began to think about how Jesus is too important to hold back and so I asked her if she knew about Him.
"You know I've been thinking about that lately and considering becoming a Christian," she replied, "I might join the Christian group at school but I'm not sure." I told her about the gospel, about His grace and His perfect love, but she wasn't ready to make a commitment that night so I gave her the salvation book and then I met up with Josh again.
We returned to our meeting place with the rest of our friends and shared of our adventures that night.
"This is so addicting!" Colin exclaimed and that led to us cheering. Us cheering , led to a drunk guy and his friend cheering. They staggered around waving their beer bottles.
"Come over here!"Colin yelled to them and they stumbled up to us.
"My name is JC!" the one yelled.
"Oh, yeah, I know a JC-Jesus Christ and I know of a new wine!" Colin exclaimed. They really weren't having it. One of them even said,"Ok, you guys are freaking me out. I need to go smoke a blunt!" and then they ran off. It was an interesting end to an immensely interesting, heart-hurting night.
But this is life, this is life. We can't deny that we feel the most satisfied when preaching the gospel. I would not want it any other way. Telling people about Jesus is so addicting. It's a holy addiction! I pray that we will become so hungry for souls that 'woe is us if we do not preach the gospel'. I don't pray these things lightly though. I seriously don't because it will hurt but it will be so good. I don't know what else to say at this point. I just want more of it. It is just so addicting

a funny thing happened on the way to..........buy pizza

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0800

After this evenings Grace Conference session with Age Aleskjaer, Heymans and I went to Sobey's to get a late snack or sumthin. Before we went in, Heymans challenged us to give out at least one salvation booklet to a random person. We were in the frozen food isle and Josh goes up to this guy and tries to give him the booklet. Turns out the guy is a believer and he starts prophesying over Josh right there. At first we thought he was kinda crazy, but the longer he went the more accurate and relevant he became. It ended up being a pretty hardcore word; one that is not necessarily the easiest to accept. God does some funny things sometimes.

day of street outreach in TO

Sun, 22 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Today was pretty sweet. Josh Heymans, Jenny (Hinn) Brown, and myself, cruised to Toronto at about 9am for a day of street ministry. It was an absolutely beautiful day, at about 20 degrees or so. We had 20 bags of assorted food with us and approached random people who were obviously staying on the street, and asked them if they wanted some food, and if they knew Jesus, etc. We were quite surprised at the amount of food these people received on a daily basis, and that they had obviously received this food from Christians, seeing that they all knew about Jesus. We gave out around 14 or 15 bags of food and had some decent ministry time. The highlight (or un-highlight) of the day was when Jenny and I stopped to talk to some Muslims who were giving out some free Qurans. We were talking to them for a few minutes, but neither of us were making much headway, so we took our Qurans and started walking away when we ran into a couple of Christian fanatics all dressed in white robes passing out gospel tracts. They seen the Quran in my hand and started proclaiming that Jesus was the only one who died and rose again (which is not even scripturally accurate; see 1Kings 17:17-23, 2Kings 4:32-37, 2Kings 13:20-21, Luke 7:12-15, John 11:39-44) and that all other's beliefs were wrong. Jenny and I got into a bit of an argument with them about the kind of people Jesus tried to reach while He was on earth. They thought that you should scorn unbelievers, while we thought you should love them. The last thing I (loudly) said as we walked away was, "I'd rather talk to the Muslims!" It was one of the most disgusting displays of Christianity I ever was personally involved with. It made me sick. The Muslims were so kind and open to talk, and were giving away free literature, etc etc, while the "christians" were proclaiming judgement, while they stood in their "white" robes. What a sight. Man oh man, it made us so mad. Even Jenny was gettin into the thick of the argument. It was awesome. After that we gave out some more food and had to rush back to St Catharines for 4 o'clock. My word was on the line!! Thank You Jesus, so much, for getting us back in time!