This month, I had the privilege of serving as a team leader at Ray Comfort’s Ambassadors’ Academy—a powerful, Christ-centered training event designed to equip believers to boldly share the gospel in the streets, in conversations, and even from atop a soapbox. From start to finish, this experience was humbling, energizing, and filled with the unmistakable presence of God.
Equipping the Saints for the Work of the Gospel
The Ambassadors’ Academy isn’t just about street evangelism—it’s about heart transformation and obedience to the Great Commission. The speakers and classroom sessions were deeply rooted in Scripture, constantly pointing us back to Christ as our confidence and reason for sharing the good news. I had the tremendous honor of training the students in “How to Reach Roman Catholics with Grace”, a session that garnered a wonderful Q&A time.
We weren’t trained with flashy methods or shallow techniques. Instead, we were taught to rely on the Word of God, to love people enough to speak the truth, and to overcome fear through prayer, preparation, and the power of the Holy Spirit. I had the privilege of role-playing a gospel conversation in front of the group as well, modelling how to gently and lovingly present sin and the cure for sin, Jesus, in an unscripted conversation.
Leading a Team of Brave Beginners
I was entrusted with leading a team of a dozen students—each one unique, each one eager to grow. Some had never handed out a gospel tract before. Others had never initiated a full gospel conversation with a stranger. And many had never experienced the heart-pounding moment of stepping up “on the box” to open-air preach the gospel in a public setting.
Yet day after day, I watched God move in every one of them. Walls of fear crumbled. Conversations unfolded. People listened. Seeds were planted. And I saw team members who once felt unsure and timid now standing boldly to proclaim Christ crucified and risen—some even weeping with joy after their first gospel encounter.
It was nothing short of a miracle of grace—evidence that when we show up in faith, God provides the courage.
A Mentor Who Led with Love
A special highlight for me was being mentored by Linda Samson. Her love for Jesus and compassion for people radiated in everything she said and did. She led with grace, wisdom, and humor—and kept me in line when I needed it! Her example challenged me to lead like Christ: with truth, tenderness, and total dependence on the Lord.
Linda didn’t just give instructions—she modeled evangelism as a lifestyle. She reminded us that sharing the gospel isn’t an event—it’s a calling. Her prayers, her presence, and her patience were a blessing to me and to all who were near her.
A Glimpse of the Book of Acts
At times, it felt like we had stepped into the pages of Acts. Believers from all over the world, unified in love for Christ, hitting the streets to preach the gospel with joy and urgency. Conversations sparked on sidewalks, people stopped and listened, and the name of Jesus was lifted high in parks, on boardwalks, and in busy city squares.
Some planted seeds. Some watered. And all of us walked away knowing that God alone gives the increase.
Final Thoughts: For His Glory
As I reflect on this experience, I am overwhelmed with gratitude—for my team members, for the training we received, for the leaders who poured into us, and most of all, for the Savior we proclaim.
If you’ve ever felt too scared, too unworthy, or too unsure to share your faith—take heart. God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. And the Ambassadors’ Academy is proof that with the right equipping, encouragement, and a whole lot of prayer, even the most hesitant believer can become a bold witness for Christ.
P.S. I want to praise God for the other training and proclaiming opportunities He gave me in June.
- I trained young people in evangelism at a four day Transformation Youth Camp in Indiana
- I had the privilege of opening the Word in a Sunday church service and equip the saints for the work of witnessing in Iowa
- I held a full day Witnessing Workshop on a Saturday for another church in Indiana to prepare them for their gospel booth outreach the next week
- My family ran a gospel booth at our week long county fair, presenting Christ to dozens of folks including Muslims
- We hit the streets of Riverside, CA with gospel tracts and got into a number of fruitful gospel conversations
To God be the glory—great things He has done!
