chicken evangelism experiences

Chicken Evangelism! Here’s another example of how it works.

James’ story, below, is not unique; rather, it shows the power of the seed of God planted within man’s spirit, even if he is rebellious. It also shows the power of prayer and the love of God toward us all.

I met James only one time and that was only for a few precious minutes together. We met at a mall at Christmas time in about 2010.

My wife was wrapping presents at a store in the Muscatine Mall. While waiting for her to finish her shift, I sat down in an empty chair beside another waiting man.

I introduced myself and began a conversation with James. He was in his twenties and dressed in sweat clothes, if I remember correctly. We talked about sports to pass the time.

Since I’m passionate about Christ, I asked him, without much delay, “Have you received Jesus Christ into your life?” (I knew I needed to ask within the first minutes of the conversation; if I delayed, I would “chicken out.”)

James responded to my “chicken evangelism” question rather dejectedly, “No, I haven’t. But my wife has.” (Did he think his wife’s Christianity would rescue him?)

“That’s good for her,” I returned, “and I have some really good news for you, too. Jesus Christ loves you. He died for your sins … and He rose again from the dead! He has a free gift for you that’s called “Salvation!” It’s not because we are good or bad;  it’s just a wonderful gift.

James listened quietly and didn’t say much. I asked, “Does this make sense to you?”

“Yes,” he finally said.

“Do you understand what I’m saying about salvation: that it’s a free gift because Jesus paid the price for our sins?”

Again, “Yes.”

The conversation flowed naturally; nothing dramatic, but very real.

My new acquaintance was sitting right beside me; just two guys talking in the mall. I continued, “Since this makes sense to you, is there any reason why you would not want to accept Christ Jesus into your life right now?”

It was all very matter-of-fact. After prompting, James bowed his head and prayed. I didn’t hear his words, but after a while he lifted his head and said, “I did it.”

He seemed happier than he was a few minutes before, but nothing very emotional. As we talked, he explained that his wife attended an Assembly of God church. I strongly encouraged him to go with her to church.

I have never seen James since that life-changing moment at the mall, but I’ve never forgotten him. Neither has God.

This week I said hello to a woman I recognized at the HyVee Restaurant. She introduced me to her daughter who was with her. The daughter turned out to be James’ wife! They enthusiastically started telling me about James. He has become a genuine disciple of the Lord Jesus, attending church every week. He is faithful as a husband and father, serving God whole-heartedly. He had enrolled in a “Road to Emmaus” course that had been instrumental in bringing him along.

His wife literally beamed as she reported her husband’s commitment and said, “James has never forgotten you!”

Without a doubt, other influences helped James on the road to discipleship. But one thing I know for certain: James prayed to receive Christ and now he is a follower of Jesus. Praise God!

Have you tried bringing up Christ with a stranger … before you chicken out? How wonderful is Chicken Evangelism! James’ story verifies that we are “born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable . . .” (I Peter 1:23). You can reach people for Christ through Chicken Evangelism. The reward is LIFE for all who believe! We can do it because the seed of Christ is in us!

If you have led anyone to salvation through Christ recently, tell your story in the comment box or by contacting me directly. I’d love to hear from you.

Please Tell Me Personal Evangelism is Not Dead

Please tell me, “Personal evangelism is not dead!” Better yet, please show me personal evangelism is not dead.

I need some encouragement in this matter. After starting this blog I have requested numerous readers to send their stories of how they have witnessed or won someone to Christ. One minister, Fred Herzog of Northfield, Minnesota has sent a report of how he won his barber to Christ. He’s the only one so far.

Of course, others may be sharing the Gospel regularly and I am simply not aware of their witness. This matter of personal evangelism neither starts nor ends with me. However, my son and I are publishers and reporters of personal evangelism stories. We find people are being saved through sermons and meetings, but how about personal evangelism? Jesus said, “I have called you to reap.” (John 4:38) That the Gospel is proclaimed from the pulpits of the land is wonderful, yet I repeat my plea: Would you please show me personal evangelism is not dead.

Yes, to live the Gospel and be an example is necessary, but who is able to make the Gospel clear with no words and only an exemplary  life?

As I put my ear to the ground, I hear discussion about the topic; I find most Christians believe in soul-winning. But can you show me it’s happening in your neighborhood, your factory, your school, or your office?

We all need encouragement in the PE (Personal Evangelism) department. On a recent plane ride I conversed with a seatmate named Todd. After some chit-chat I asked him, “Have your received Christ Jesus into your life?” Todd smiled and effervesced, “Yes, I sure have!” He went on to tell his life story, how “When I was young and foolish I dove into the wrong end of a swimming pool and broke my neck.”

His story didn’t end in despair. Todd related how his faith became certain and real as he lay paralyzed for months in a rehab ward. He began to focus his faith on his immovable arm. After about three months one finger twitched. He kept focusing his faith and today he can jog, run, swim, and leads a normal life.

This particularly encouraged me because my feet are impaired as a result of cancer and I’m believing every day for full recovery.

I witnessed to Todd and he in turn inspired me. So often this is the case.

Please join me in leading the way to restore personal witnessing in the church. Together let’s show the church and the world “personal evangelism is not dead!” We can do it! Click here to discover how to overcome fear.

Who among us has shared their faith recently? Tell the world your story in the comment box. It will encourage us all.

Publisher’s note: I have known Bill and Darlene for about 20 years. God has gotten hold of their hearts and lives in such a way that they are the “real deal.” Darlene sent the following praise report this past week.

Bill spoke at the Grand Forks County Correctional (jail) last night. He got back to the home we are staying in so late, I thought they might have decided to keep him. :-))

Forty eight inmates attended the two sessions and 40 of those men stood to give to give their lives to Christ.  Bill did something unusual last night.  When each group came in and were seated, Bill stood up, walked over to them and said “I don’t care what you have done, where you have been or why you are in here, I just want you to know I respect you as a man and I will treat you with that respect.  Thank you for coming out to listen to my story.  One man looked at Bill and said, “no one has shown respect to me in my lifetime.” Bill replied back “well, then this can be a new beginning for you.”

We are grateful for your prayers,

Bill and Darlene

Bill, son of a Florida police detective, had a rebellious attitude which led to his premature discharge from the Air Force. His continued antisocial behavior led to a life of crime, drugs, and repeated imprisonment. With his body suffering from the ill effects of alcohol, drugs, and a rebellious lifestyle, he was dramatically changed by Jesus Christ in 1972.

After his dramatic transformation, Bill engaged in street ministry where he saw many lives radically changed. He began working with young people, and shared his story in high schools and universities throughout the world.

His message of hope and the ability to make a fresh start through God’s grace has affected many.

Darlene has been walking with the Lord since she was eight years old. She has been active in the leadership of a Bible Study for the past 15 years. She is also a favorite speaker at women’s conferences and retreats, where she delights both young and old alike.

Bill and Darlene reside in Tampa, Florida. They have 5 children and eight grandchildren, and minister internationally.

Respect Brings New Beginning

Chicken Evangelism–Bring Up Christ before You Chicken Out

There’s Something Strange Going on with Personal Evangelism These Days

While speaking at a minister’s conference I asked for a show of hands. “How many of us have led someone to Christ Jesus through personal evangelism (not in a church altar call) in the past two or three months? Only five percent or less of the hands went up.

I recently googled “personal evangelism” and perused the top ten sites. Each had excellent training and content. What struck me as strange, however, was this: Not a single one of the top ten sites had a story of personal evangelism.

I repeat. The sites were fabulous. Great training, great instruction, great organization, and some great sermons. But no stories. No examples, just telling other people how to do it. Now perhaps the owners of the sites actually are leading people to Christ through their own personal evangelism. I hope so, but it doesn’t show up on their sites.

(I do know that Chris Walker of Evangelismcoach.com — his site is number two on Google for personal evangelism — does practice what he preaches. Chris Walker is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and is the principal writer for Evangelism Coach. In online conversation with Chris, he related personal experiences where he won souls to the Savior.)

Do I Have It Wrong About Personal Evangelism?

Maybe I have it all wrong. It seems to me that leaders of evangelistic sites ought to be showing the way by stories of how God has used them in personal evangelism. Please don’t just tell the rest of us how to do it; show us the way. Here’s my invitation. “Tell us about the people you have led to salvation in out-of-the-pulpit-experiences. (That sounds like out-of-the-body experiences. Maybe all of us need to get “carried away,” or at least experience some kind of a down-to-earth “trance” where we share our faith with an unbeliever at work or on the street!)

We preachers somehow want to win souls from the pulpit, yet put short priority on winning people one by one. Most of the people in our churches will never preach from the pulpit nor lead a vast crusade. We leaders need to model personal evangelism in such a way that our people will see how it’s done.

What we prioritize, our people will too.

Personally, God’s making some progress with me in this matter. I’ve been able to lead some people to Christ, even the first time we’ve met. I call it “Chicken Evangelism” and it’s a lot of fun. You can do it too. If you wish, invite my wife and me to your church or group and we’ll show you how.

Do You Have a Personal Evangelism Story to Tell?

Since you’re at this site, chances are you’re a leader. Do you have a personal evangelism story to tell? If you do, it will encourage other believers. Please pass on your story by writing it in the comment box or contacting us on this site. Take your time and make it as short or long as you wish.

Have you signed up for our newsletter? You will be inspired when you do.

Sid Roth’s Remarkable Report from Jerusalem

Background: Who is Sid Roth? Roth currently hosts the popular TV program It’s Supernatural. He is a former account executive for Merrill Lynch who was raised in a traditional Jewish home. Yet, religious tradition provided no answers when he hit rock bottom in 1972. With his life out of control and his marriage in shambles, he was set free from demonic oppression through a supernatural encounter with Jesus. Immediately, he began to boldly proclaim Jesus as the Jewish Messiah.

Sid Roth’s Following Report is Adapted from His Website

I just got back from a trip to Israel where we led three evangelistic outreaches to share the Gospel with unsaved Jews. These outreaches coincided with the Feast of Tabernacles (Harvest feast) and a Blood Moon. I believe these were signs from God indicating it was a special time for evangelism to the Jewish people.

God Took Over

Sharing Yeshua with 150 unsaved Jews in Ashdod, Israel

We held two of the three meetings in the same city on the same day (Oct. 7). The first meeting had 150 unsaved Jews in attendance. I was told that I could say anything during this meeting but that I was not allowed to give a public altar call. Still, God took over! I am sure that all 150 unsaved Jews who attended went to bed saying, “Yeshua, become real in my life.” One woman ran up to me at the meeting and said, “I must be saved now!” I prayed a prayer of salvation with her.

Later that night, we had an auditorium filled with Jewish believers. The Israeli city where these two events were held is 100% Jewish. I laid hands on every person in attendance for an impartation of the Spirit. I believe many were set free for the first time in their lives, healed and anointed for ministry.

The Remarkable Report from Jerusalem

This Has Never Happened Before in Modern-Day Israel

Nearly 525 out of 550 unsaved Jews stand to publicly profess Jesus as Messiah in Jerusalem

The last meeting we held was on October 9 in Jerusalem to an auditorium filled with 550 unsaved Russian Jews. If you calculated the odds, you might think they were stacked against us: 550 unsaved Jews in attendance in the heart of the fiercest spiritual battlefield on earth.

Never tell God the odds. There has never been another outreach or response like we received in the history of modern-day Israel!

Editor’s note: Thanks to Werner and Ericka Blum from Bern, Switzerland who alerted us to this amazing and remarkable report from Jerusalem. Sid Roth is pictured below.