CAT Scans and Chicken Evangelism

The technician led me into his chamber. Down the hall, ‘round the corner, through the doors and into the scanning room we went. There it was–like an idol in the center of an otherwise mostly-bare room. All attention focused on this huge, symmetrically-shaped icon with a hole in the middle.

The attendant took my coat and instructed me to lie down on what he called a bed. It looked more like a tray to me and I knew that I would be inserted into the hole and shot with some sort of radio-active rays that would show my insides and the condition of my heart.

The attendant opened a blood vessel in my arm and shot some fluid into the vein. He was a young man with a beard and pleasant disposition. We had a moment to chat while some paper-work was being filed. I asked him how long he had lived in Muscatine, our city. He in turn asked what I did for a living.

All of a sudden I rose to the occasion. Not literally, of course; I was still flat on my back on this sterile “bed”. I remembered Jesus’ words, “As you are going, make disciples of all the nations”. So I asked the attendant, Wade* by name, “Have you given your life to Jesus Christ?” He replied readily and sincerely, “I sure have!” I was encouraged by his hearty response and continued, “That’s great! What difference has He made in your life?”

The attendant paused thoughtfully—a long time, I felt. Then he answered confidently, “He’s given purpose to my life.” I could tell his answer was filled with meaning and authenticity. We could only talk briefly; there was no time to linger.

The signal to begin the CAT scan arrived and I was quietly slipped, bed and all, into the giant eye of the machine. Then it was over. CAT scans require only a few minutes. The attendant gave me a hand to get me on my feet, motioned to my coat and ushered me through the doors, around the corner, and up the hallway. “It’s easy to get lost in here, but there’s the exit.” “Thanks,” I said.

We exchanged good-byes and I was on my way. Will we ever see each other again? I hope so. Wade* and I were experiencing a warm and budding friendship. We had each shared our faith in Christ and some personal words of encouragement. The brief time of witness made it the best CAT scan I’ve ever experienced.

Something I’ve found continues to intrigue me: Witnessing makes friends. When we share our heart, others do the same.

We need to see personal evangelism through new eyes. Too often the idea is to make friends, then share the gospel. It also works to share the gospel, then we’ll have a friend.

Leaving CAT scans and Chicken Evangelism for a moment, check this out if you are in the Muscatine, Iowa area.

Praise Report

The sharing time (1 Cor 14:26) continues to sparkle with life. Mark C testified about the man in Des Moines whose life changed following prayer. We expect these signs to follow us and our prayers!

During this same sharing time last Sunday morning the Holy Spirit orchestrated the testimonies. First, Tom’s word that God gives us what we need, not what we want. This was followed by Flynn’s perfect illustration about how his pickup truck conked out but how God provided a van which is perfect for his coaching job. Come and bring some friends. You will be inspirited!

Next Up

Get filled with the Holy Spirit—Prayer with tongues is part of this holy, infilling time.Come at 8:00 am.

This Sunday’s message is titled “What If Jesus had Never Been Raised from the Dead?”

There will also be a time to edify the church according to 1 Cor 14:26. These are meaningful times—prepare now.

This Sunday the church will honor our home schooling families. If you are homeschooling your children, let the pastor know before the meeting.

New Adult Class Begins Next Sunday, May 11. We will learn the Keyword of each of the 12 Minor Prophets using pictures on a DVD. If you want to learn and remember the OT, now is your chance. We start at 9:00 am. Come and bring someone with you. God’s presence changes lives.

Now back to CAT scans and Chicken Evangelism. Chicken Evangelism wins friends and makes disciples. Click here to see more.

CAT Scans and Chicken Evangelism