| The dictionary definition of “witness” includes these points: • one who attests to an event. • one who has a personal knowledge of something. • something or someone who serves as evidence or proof. • a public affirmation by word or example of religious faith or conviction. When I was a freshman in college, I was invited to go to Mexico on an evangelism/witness trip. There were about 12 of us who traveled to McAllen, Texas to meet members of a Christian church in Reynosa, Mexico. Our role was to assist the pastor of the church with street evangelism and house-to-house evangelism. I can still remember the few days I spent in Reynosa, preaching on street corners, in the courtyard of a Mexican prison, and in the homes located close to the church. For the longest time, I thought this was the definition of evangelism and witness, where one shares or preaches and then has an altar call for sinners. In some settings, this method still has some value; however, I’m not convinced this is the best way to witness today. Witness involves telling what you have seen and experienced. The telling sometimes happens with words, but more frequently it happens as we live our everyday lives where your life is the proof. People need to see over the long haul of time how faith in Christ transforms. Your life is the sermon that another hears. Witness is the manner we embody Christ. We live in the world as the presence of Christ for those to see. People join the ranks because they see the beauty of our lives—a Christ life.  This Week’s Readings: -Monday – Hebrews 12 -Tuesday – Hebrews 13 -Wednesday – James 1 -Thursday – James 2 -Friday – James 3 Things to Pray About: -The violence and finding peace in our city, state, country, and in the world. -Pray for guidance, healing, protection, strength, courage, and faith. -Our unwillingly absent members. -Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. -Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times. -Family restoration through forgiveness. -Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC. |
| “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 |