Assurance
In Mexico I worked mostly among the rural poor. After a few years, I wanted to also start a church closer to the city. I started a church at the edges of Veracruz. Our cities in the US usually grow toward the outside with new suburbs while the center of the city slowly dies. In Mexico it seems to be the opposite. The downtown maintains the wealth and stays vibrant while the poorest of people build shacks on the perimeters, which keep growing as a slum.
It was in such an area that I attempted to start a new church. A missionary couple wanted to help me get started. They had a special plan. They would hold a VBS type event for the children of the area. They did this for one week. On Friday, the last day of the VBS, I was to address the children. Acting as the pastor of this new work, I would be one of the final people to talk to the children. Hopefully, this would have an impact on parents and therefore bring the entire family to become a part of the church.
On the last day of the VBS, I spoke to the children. I used a simple vocabulary and explained the Gospel. I told about who Jesus was and what He did. I did not put words into their mouths. I did not put ideas into their heads. My message was Jesus; His person and His work. I ended with encouraging them to do business with God. I asked them to tell their teachers if they did so.
The children were dismissed to have their next session, which was a snack. My wife was helping with the VBS. While they were coloring a page, a six year old girl said to my wife, “Teacher, I did what that man said and something happened right here.” She pointed to her heart.
I never said anything about Jesus coming into your heart. I never had them repeat after me. I never suggested anything about having some experience. Nonetheless, a six year old girl encountered the Living God by simple faith in Him. And she knew it. I cry every time I think about that day.
Could we trust God to give His assurance to adults through the simple preaching of the word about Jesus? Would we dare to give up on our gimmicks and tricks? Will we stop trying to give assurance to people who have not believed on Jesus? Can we trust God to make Himself known to our hearers?
June 28, 2023