“Pray for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ…” (Colossians 4:3)
As I sit down to write this update, I find myself thinking often about Paul’s prayer in Colossians 4. It’s a simple request, but one that captures so much of what we desire in ministry: Lord, open a door for Your Word. Looking back over September, that’s exactly what He has done.
The Lord opened doors at churches, outreaches, conferences, and training events. He brought people across our path who were willing to talk about eternity, ask spiritual questions, and hear about the hope found in Jesus Christ. He also provided opportunities to equip believers to share their faith with greater confidence and compassion.
Again and again, He reminded me that evangelism is ultimately His work. We can go, speak, and sow the seed, but only God can prepare hearts and bring the increase. Before I share a few highlights from the month, I’d especially appreciate your participation in a new online webinar series that begins tonight.
Reaching Jews for Jesus: Biblical Insights and Practical Training
This webinar grew out of a recent in-person witnessing workshop where many believers expressed a desire to better understand how to share the gospel with their Jewish friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members.
Over the years, my burden for the Jewish people has only deepened. The more I study the Scriptures, the more amazed I am by the overwhelming evidence that Jesus is the promised Messiah foretold by the prophets. Yet many Jewish people have never seriously considered those claims or have only encountered misunderstandings about who Jesus is.
This webinar series will equip believers to lovingly and biblically point others to Christ while helping them engage in meaningful gospel conversations with confidence and grace. If you’ve ever wanted to better understand Jewish beliefs, answer common objections, or learn practical ways to share the gospel with Jewish people, I would love for you to join us.
Register for free here: Reaching Jews for Jesus Webinar
As we look together at Scripture, fulfilled prophecy, and practical approaches to gospel conversations, I am reminded once again that God’s heart for Israel has never changed. Please continue praying that Jewish people would come to recognize Jesus as their promised Messiah and that God would continue to open doors for gospel conversations.
Riverfest Outreach
Together with other believers, we spent Labor Day weekend engaging people, distributing gospel tracts, and having Christ-centered conversations about spiritual things. Thousands of tracts were handed out, and countless conversations took place throughout the event.
Some interactions lasted only a few moments. Others turned into meaningful discussions about sin, salvation, eternity, and the person of Jesus Christ. One thing that continually encourages me at public outreaches is how often people are willing to talk when someone simply takes the time to listen and engage. Beneath the busyness of life, many people are still searching for answers. They may not always know where to find them, but we have the privilege of pointing them to Christ.
Testify Kansas
Another highlight this month was participating in Testify Kansas. For the first time the Lord expanded the Testify witnessing training camps to another state apart from Iowa. The Lord brought our team of about 25 Christians to share the gospel with people at the Kansas State Fair.
Throughout the week, the Lord seemed to orchestrate one conversation after another. We spoke with people from many different backgrounds and worldviews, yet again and again we found individuals who were willing to stop, ask questions, and hear the gospel. One of the joys of evangelism is watching God arrange encounters that you could never plan yourself. We simply seek to be available and faithful, and the Lord often does the rest.
Over the years, I’ve learned that some of the most significant gospel conversations begin with the simplest questions. A brief exchange can become an opportunity to talk about eternity. A casual encounter can become a divine appointment. While we may never know the full impact of those conversations this side of heaven, we trust that God’s Word does not return void.
A Missions Conference Focused on the Gospel
The month concluded with a particularly encouraging week at Calvary Bible Church’s Annual Missions Conference. As a donor-supported missionary, conferences like these hold a special place in my heart. They remind me that ministry is never a solo effort. The work God allows us to do is possible because faithful churches, ministry partners, and friends like you stand behind us through prayer, encouragement, and financial support.
Throughout the week, we shared a report from our recent ministry trip to Japan and Korea, participated in a home Bible study, presented a World Religions mini-conference, and enjoyed many opportunities to encourage believers in their evangelism. You can watch the World Religions Witnessing Workshop here.
The conference concluded with a Sunday message from 2 Corinthians 5:17-6:2, a passage that has been stirring my heart lately. Paul reminds us that believers have been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation and that now is the day of salvation. Those truths are both a privilege and a reminder of the urgency of the gospel.
What an encouragement it was to spend time with a church that loves missions, values evangelism, and desires to see men and women reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.
Thank You for Standing With Us
Before I close, I simply want to say thank you. Thank you for standing with us in this work. We are deeply grateful for your friendship, your prayers, and your partnership in the gospel.
P.S. Our Reaching Jews for Jesus webinar series begins tomorrow evening. If you have not registered yet, there is still time. I hope you’ll consider joining us, and I would be grateful if you would pray that God uses these sessions to equip believers, strengthen His church, and open many doors for the gospel.
The picture below is of a gospel outreach during the missions conference in New Jersey. Praise God there were three different gospel conversations going on. I praise the Lord for Pastor Adam, Matt Marton, and my friends Chris & Nancy for obeying the Great Commission faithfully!
