Five things you can do today to evangelise
By now everyone would have felt the full impact of the Covid19 pandemic. Many have lost jobs and are facing unemployment. Some have had to endure forced quarantine. Sadly, some have even experienced firsthand the horror and death that is the coronavirus. Nothing about the current state of affairs is business as usual. And so there has never been an easier time to not evangelise. Afterall, everyone is supposed to stay at home and practice social distancing, right?
On the contrary, the need to evangelise has never been more pressing. We are currently facing a crisis that affects every single human being regardless of status or wealth. It is an enemy that is invisible. There is no negotiating with it and no middle ground we can seek to reach. Its power is terrifyingly breathtaking, literally. If we don’t fight it, it will kill us. There is so much about the coronavirus that can also be said of the sin that lies within all of us. Perhaps there has never been an easier time to evangelise.
Here are 5 things you can do today to evangelise in lockdown.
Check in on your neighbours
With everyone keeping indoors as much as possible, odds are most of our neighbours are home majority of the day. Our family have recently moved to a new home and one of the first things we did was to knock on our neighbours’ doors and introduce ourselves. Disclaimer: this was before restrictions were put in place! One neighbour works as a nurse in the emergency department. Another has a lung disease. So you can imagine conversation has never been easier.
But perhaps this is a little daunting for you. Why not make up some care packages and drop it off at every door along your street? Young families will surely appreciate something for their little ones to do, even if it’s the novelty of opening a surprise package. What’s better, prepare craft materials and include a link to watch North Coast Kids. If all else fails, you can always give each neighbour a toilet roll!
Send a friend a Bible verse
Never underestimate the power of God’s Word timely spoken. The Bible is not just God’s Word for Christians. It is God’s revelation to the world. It is relevant in every circumstance and sufficient for every need. With what’s been happening all around us, here are a few verses that might be helpful.
On Uncertainty
Psalm 46:1-2
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
On Fear
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
On Suffering
2 Cor. 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
Psalm 119:50
This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.
On Hope
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
Start a prayer chain
Imagine being able to impact the world without even getting out of bed. For Christians, prayer is a supernatural act of staggering proportions. That we call God our Father is a divine privilege hard won by the death of Jesus Christ. Don’t forget it. Don’t underestimate it.
Every Wednesday I meet with our students at The Gospel Stand to read the Bible together and pray for our friends. Do you have a growth group or close circle of friends? Why not start asking how you can pray for them?
Here’s an idea: pick a friend you care for and ask them how you can be praying for them. Then nominate them to do the same for someone they care for. Who knows how many people will be motivated to pray!
Read a biography on missions
When life starts to feel overwhelming, gaining perspective is important. There is no doubt that in God’s purpose, suffering is the fuel that feeds the fire of mission. Countless men and women, whose names the world will never know nor honour even if it did, have endured unspeakable circumstances for the sake of missions right up to their welcome into our Father’s eternal rest. They are part of the great crowd of witnesses spurring us on in our individual journey. For those who know, these are the great treasures that will inspire our hearts.
What’s more, you can read for free at DesiringGod.org! There are heaps of biographies for download into either your kindle or as a PDF.
Read about the men who fought to abolish the African slave trade, which produced the hymn Amazing Grace. Read about the women who lost their husbands to cannibalistic tribes but saw a generation converted. Read about those who paid the ultimate price so that even a pauper can read God’s Word.
Why not start with this.
Give money
This last one might sound crass, but it is vital. Obviously, everyone’s circumstances are different and our ability to give depends on a variety of things. Exactly how much we give is of little importance, as long as we do give. One important reason is that we treasure what we give to. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.
Above and beyond what you give to the church which you call home, consider the many missions organisations or aid agencies around the world. Personally, we as a family have been grateful for the work of Barnabus Fund and Doctors without Borders (MSF). Don’t forget to include your kids in the discussion. You can never start too early to instil this practice.
I’ll end with the verse that has been at the core of what we do on at The Gospel Stand.
Rescue those who are being taken away to death;
hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.
(Proverbs 24:11)
Have fun evangelising!