September 9, 2023
Salem, Oregon
Dear friends, I not only had the good opportunity to attend an evangelism conference but also to participate in the practical part of evangelism in downtown Salem.
That day, I first met elderly people who, to my surprise, did not want to hear anything about God. It was strange because I expected the previous generation to be more responsive. Then I saw a girl completely covered in tattoos except her face. However, she showed interest in the question: “Do you believe in God?” As a result, we talked for almost an hour. The conversation included topics such as scientific facts about God’s creation, God’s wrath and mercy, and the reliability of the Bible.
After our conversation, when I thoughtfully prayed for her repentance and conversion, I was convinced once again that people, no matter how they suppress God’s voice and the conscience given to them, still reflect on the crucial issues of their lives and existence.
The Apostle Paul confirms these thoughts in the following Scriptures: ”For what may be known about God is clear to them since God has shown it to them.“ (Romans 1:19). And also: ”For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, not having the law, are a law unto themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, while their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them,“ (Romans 2:14-15)
Are we willing to give the answers of our genuine trust in the Lord and accept those whom we least expect to be converted? Do we pray the prayer of faith that people’s hearts will be changed by the work and power of the life-giving Holy Spirit? Are we ashamed of the gospel of Christ for fear of losing our jobs or being expelled from school? Do we put a candle on a candlestick so that it shines for everyone, or do we hide it under a bushel?
Let us not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ! The time is near!
Max Volkov in Christ