Chicken Evangelism–Bring Up Christ before You Chicken Out

Today we made a man cry. Not in sorrow, not in joy, but because God moved on his heart.

My wife and I were Christmas shopping at the mall in Iowa City. (Yes, I know it’s January, but Kari is a great bargain hunter. We were buying presents – pajamas for the whole family — for next Christmas while they’re on sale now. While checking out at the counter, we fell into conversation with the young man who seemed to be the store manager.

“What’s your name?”

“My name is Jason*, but I have a nickname too.”

“OK, what’s your nickname?”

“They’ve called me ‘Ironman’ for the past 6 years. I dress up as Ironman and do fundraisers. My favorite fundraiser is ‘Save the Children.’”

“Like pro-life?” my wife asked.

“Yup, that’s my favorite.”

“You sound like you’re a believer. Have you received Jesus Christ into your life?” I asked.

“Yes, I did. But I’ll be honest with you. I’ve given up on Him.”

“Oh, how’s that? Tell us more.”

“Too many bad things happened. The last time I prayed, my grandmother died. I didn’t want to pray anymore, cuz I didn’t want any more people to die.”

“I really appreciate your honesty. I can tell you’ve really been tested.”

“Yeah.”

We talked on a bit more as he was folding our pajamas. After listening, I wanted to give him hope and encouragement.

“Are you reading your Bible?”

“No, I don’t read it at all right now. I just can’t. I want to get back. I’m trying. I’m doing everything in my power to get back, but I just can’t do it right now.”

After listening for awhile, I wanted to encourage him.

“Here’s what helps me. Reading the Bible, going to church, and getting filled with the Holy Spirit including talking in tongues.”

Kari interjected, “We know a really good pastor here in town. He’s Brad Sherman and the church is called Solid Rock Church.”

“After we go, my wife and I will pray for you,” I said as we picked up our purchases and nodded toward the door.
At this the man started wiping his face. His tears flowed freely and His voice was cracking.

“You are the second people who have made me cry today,” he said. He stopped everything and was unashamedly pouring out his soul to us, total strangers moments before, but now heart-felt confidants.

“Thank you so much for talking with me,” he said as he stuck out his hand for us to grasp.

We left. Shortly outside the store, we stopped in the mall corridor and prayed for this tender-hearted man. With such a gentle spirit, we suspect he’s called into ministry.

I’m so glad for Chicken Evangelism. Chicken Evangelism simply means to share Christ before you chicken out. We continually marvel at how open people are. People want to talk about their faith.

Chicken Evangelism — It’s the call to adventure!

Have you got a personal evangelism story? Share it in the contact box. Thanks.