A Small Bridge

This past Saturday in the course of 'tracting' on the square I had an interesting encounter. A young college age man sat on the divider between the south side Max stop and the square reading a book. Sitting on the barrier placed him at eye level.

I approached him, "Hey, got one of these?"I said as I offered him a 'School Shootings' tract. He took the tract gave it a quick glance and he tossed it down like it was hot, "Don't give me this s--t ! My mother took me out in the woods and shot a tree and said son it's not like in the movies!"

I said, "Dude, I did the same with my boys!" I then let him speak his mind, offering no objections to his slights against the true God and His word. After speaking a while, he then ran out of steam and began to apologize for his angry outburst!

"Hey, I'm glad you got that off your chest! My name is Jim," I said, as I offered him my hand. He took it and we shook hands. I had picked up the tract I had offered him and after our hand shake I offered him the 'Science Facts in the Bible' tract.

"Hey you'll like this one, it tells of scientific facts found in the Bible...very interesting...later," I said as he took the tract from me and I moved on down the walk.

What is the lesson in this encounter? I think being led of the Spirit is important. He'll give you direction and wisdom to know when not to talk! It was like taking several verbal blows and turning the other cheek. He felt a little ashamed that he had spoken so and that opened the door for a small emotional link to be established with the introduction and the shake of the hand, which opened the way for another offering of the gospel with a different 'wrapper'!

Believe me when I say that this was not a 'knowledge' thing. After it was all over I could hardly believe what had happened. It wasn't me. It was rather like the servant of Abraham searching out a bride for his master's son. Remember his testimony? 'I being in the way, the Lord led me!'

I guess that's what we are doing out here each week. We are seeking a bride for the Lord Jesus. Dear Lord use your word to call souls to your self!

The Best Father's Day Gift

Joanna rode with her dad back to the homestead.

She said, “Dad, a lady on a bike stopped and tried to get me to not believe in the Bible. She said that I was stupid for believing the Bible.”

“Oh?”, I said, “And what did you say to that?”

The little 'tracter' said, “I told her, 'I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ!'”

To which I queried, “And what did the lady say then?

“Nothing” she said, “she just rode off on her bike”.

The little trouper gave her daddy the best father’s day gift ever! The shy one stood alone on a public square and boldly proclaimed her faith in her Lord Jesus Christ! Praise God for his grace in giving our little lamb the boldness of a lion!

Fathers, I would challenge you to set the pace for your children. Lead them into service for the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men!” Your children will follow you; into service for their Lord but they will puke up lukewarm 'Christianity'. Our young people need a challenge to boldly stand for Christ in this dark time. God help us not to fail our little ones that follow us.

Family Affair Sowing the Seed of the Gospel

Saturday was a church work day for our home church and so we did not get to the square until 12:30 pm. It was a family affair, Molly and Liz taking the NE corner at 6th and Morrison, Joshua and Joanna holding forth on the SW corner at Yamhill and Broadway. Jim and I were roving through and about the square handing out tracts on the sidewalks and on the steps were many people were eating lunch. We had a great day with over 400 tracts given out.

The square pavement was filled with flowers and foliage with a stiff wind blowing through from the SE. Not the greatest for open air preaching. I decided to go to individuals with the message. I had several one on one conversations with different people on the steps and with people waiting for the Max on Yamhill. We were using a variety of tracts from living waters ministry. I like giving out 'Giant Money'. I had several ask for another to give to a relative or friend.

I want to thank my dear family for their faithful service to the Lord. The seed was sown. Dear Lord glorify your name in the saving of your people!

Father and Son Endeavor

To day was the day of the Grand Floral Parade in downtown Portland. What a great opportunity to give out tracts to many people. I read that as many as two million people would be in town on for this event! But I have to confess we were more like the small army of Israel under the leader ship of their new king Saul. The Philistines were spread out before them as the sand on the sea shore while people of Israel were distressed; running to find places to hide! These were the conditions that Jonathan took a step of faith saying "It is nothing with God to save by many or by few!" He and his armor bearer went up to the army of the Philistines expecting the Lord to use them.

I have thought that the fear in the heart is the measure of Satan's resistance to do a work for God. God help us to fear God more than men. We normally go to town in cars but because of the parade the streets down town are closed off from 7:00am until the parade is finished at about one.

As I was praying and struggling with what to do the thought occurred to be that most everyone going to see the parade would ride the train. The Max is the answer. My son Jon and I went down to the Max park and drive on Sandy Blvd & 95^th about hour before the Parade was scheduled to start. At this particular Max station all who are going to the platform must cross a pedestrian bridge. We found that it is perfect for passing out tracts.

We chose to give out the 'Giant Money' tract. This tract looks like a $100 bill and has the gospel written on the reverse side. About 60% of the adults that passed us took one! Plus they are sitting down for the trip in and will likely read them. Also, there is a good chance that those who are offended at the gospel message will leave them on the Max for someone else to read! We were able to hand out 94 Giant money tracts. This is the only tract I have every had people ask for additional copies!

I must admit that I am a little disappointed that more was not done for the cause today, but I am pleased that at least a hundred souls more than likely read the gospel today. Who knows what God will do with the seed sown?

Next Year we will be better prepared. Pray for laborers to enter into the harvest.

Closing out the Month of May

Our team did a great job holding forth the gospel on the square this Saturday. In addition to our regular group we had Emily with use today. This was her first time out distributing tracts. She did a great job with Liz and Jon holding down the corner of Morrison & Broadway. Molly joined Jim and Daniel on the corner of Morrison & 6th Ave.

Jim and Daniel lifted up the voice of the gospel with good effect. Daniel gives his testimony of God power in saving him. Jim gave a message of the coming judgment due the national sin of Abortion and the forsaking of God's marriage standard. A couple of men get up close and personal but Jim keeps delivering the gospel message.


We had a first this week. A young couple with children approached us and asked to sit nearby to listen to the preaching! Daniel spoke with the young man afterward of the word of God and the Christian way. Be sure to visit Daniels Blog to get the full story of this remarkable response. Pray for Richard and his family that they will seek the Lord and the way of Christ.