The testimonies from those involved in last summer’s Youth Rush program continue to pour in, and they are profound. God leads all kinds of ministries, and door-to-door ministry is one that brings with it many experiences and stories that show how God is leading.
The group began their summer in Fresno, then moved to Salinas and Santa Maria. “They've been out on the front lines each and every day. They've been knocking on doors. They've been sharing truth-filled books with people. They've been praying with people and signing people up for Bible studies,” said John Miller, leader of the Youth Rush program.
Isaiah, one of the participants, told of his experience while canvassing. “It was our final drop of the night, and I was racing to the house. I knocked three times, which is how many times we knock, and no one answered. As I started walking away, this girl came out. She looked like she was probably about my age. I started my canvas, I introduced myself, and something told me to start with Peace Above the Storm. I was about halfway through my canvas and she said, ‘Hey, I'll get this book. How much is it?’”
She got the money, and when she returned she said, “You don't know how much I need this book right now.” She told Isaiah about how she doesn’t feel heard, and feels like her parents are always gone. She feels like she's not cared about, and that nobody loves her. “And that night she was going to end her life,” continued Isaiah.
But she told God, “I'm going to give you one more chance to show me that you really love me and that you actually care about what I'm doing.” Isaiah was able to pray with her, and leave her with a better outlook on life.
Adsel[1] told of one of her experiences. Toward the end of the day she was feeling discouraged. She sat on the sidewalk and began to cry. “I was in my thoughts and was kind of questioning, Why am I here?” Her leader picked her up to go to the bathroom, and after he dropped her off again he asked if she wanted to pray before she got out of the van. She said, “No, I don't want to pray. Just drop me off.” But he persisted, so she asked him to pray for a divine appointment, or a leading from God.
He gave her directions after the prayer, but she wasn't paying attention. “I went the wrong way, but the very first house I went to a lady was interested in Steps to Christ. I gave it to her, and then when I asked if she wanted to pray she said yes.” Adsel asked if the woman had any prayer requests.
“She looked at me, and she started crying. She told me about how her daughter struggles with a lot of sickness, but also because of that she goes out a lot and has problems with substance issues. I started to cry too, because in that situation I saw my mom crying for her daughter. I used to be that daughter. I feel like God saved that situation until the end of the day.” She believed it was to show her why she was there, knocking on those doors. “I'm doing something different than I was months ago. Now I'm doing the work of God.”
Anahi said one example of when she has seen God was when she was canvassing businesses. She went to a children's clinic and was talking to the two registrars. “I started with the cookbook, and they both looked at each other. They were shocked. They told me how they were just talking about eating healthier and living a healthier lifestyle. Then I showed them the next book, which was Peace Above the Storm (also known as Steps to Christ). I asked them if they were religious or if they went to church. One said she used to go to church, and she recently left. Her friend had died so she started doubting God, and she started having questions. I showed her the Answer Book[2] , which talks about questions people have about health, prophecy, and why we suffer.” The woman said she thought this was a sign from God, and that Anahi came at the right moment. “Canvassing isn't only about getting the books out, but also meeting the people's needs and I praise God for that,” added Anahi.
Written by Brennan Hallock
Kommentare