“It is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance”   People are most often not expecting a stranger to approach them on the streets or at their door with something free so their responses vary.  You can usually expect people to be surprised.  It’s easiest if you are ready with something like "Hi, we’re just out giving away _______ to share God’s love in a practical way.  It’s free, no strings attached." If it’s a bottle of water you might start with “you look thirsty . . . . If you’re serving in a place like the Laundromat you might start with "we’re just out serving our community by giving away _________ to show God’s love in a practical way."  People in our society are often in a hurry and we’ve surprised them in the middle of whatever it was they were doing so keep it short and FRIENDLY! Often people will ask questions like - What church are you with? What do you believe? Where do you meet? If they have an interest, share with them the basics but also ask God, “what are you doing?”  Maybe you’ll be given an opportunity to pray with the person or talk with them about God’s love, healing, & hope. Our job is just to plant little seeds of His love – His job is to grow a spiritual hunger in people.  Many people will need several touches of God’s love before they will show an interest. Each person is at a unique place in their gradual awakening to the love of Christ. Remember too that many people have been shunned or hurt by the church in the past.  Each little act of kindness is like tenderizer for the hearts of those who have tuned God out. Some of our seeds of kindness will be rejected.  People aren’t ready to interact with God’s love or they were already mad and having a bad day before we ever got there.  Don’t get discouraged, expect it, smile, say “Have a good day” and just keep on going. What will the outcome be? Non-Christians will begin to open their hearts toward God’s love. Christians will be built up in their courage to share their faith. The church will become oriented toward action.  It is our human tendency to be inward focused but we must give of ourselves if we hope to keep growing spiritually.  Jesus promised “rivers of living water would flow from the hearts of all who believe in Him.” As we bring the kingdom of God to our community, we will change the world in which we live. “Small acts of kindness done with great love will change the world” Mother Teresa                             Back...