January 10, 2012
by Sus
in Our Ministry, The Sower: Helping You Share Your Faith
Tags: Bible quotes, Denver Broncos, faith, Florida, God, God is, humor, Jesus, John 3:16, ministry, persuasion, Pittsburgh Steelers, The Swamp, true stories, University of Florida, wild card, world news
“God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” ~ John 3:16 CEV
Mike is a long-time Pittsburgh Steelers fan. The Schmitts are also University of Florida Gators fans; we especially enjoyed watching the football games when Tim Tebow was the quarterback. Josh saw every game in “The Swamp” his last year at UF. (Also Tim’s last year.)
Many of you know the Steelers lost to the Broncos Sunday 29 to 23 in “the fastest overtime win in NFL history”. You may not know that the statistics from that game have caused an eruption of sorts on the internet. (See first point in “notes” below.) Here’s some of the numbers:
- Tim had 316 total passing yards
- Tim averaged 31.6 yards per pass
- and the final quarter-hour TV rating for the game was 31.6, “the highest-rated wild card game for CBS in 24 years” (see point one in “notes”)
Millions of fans searched the internet for John 3:16 after learning of Tim’s unusual stats. In his college days, when Tim wore John 3:16 on his eye black for one game, Google recorded 93 million hits that day. (Read more on my post about Tim: Reaching Millions with Bible Verses… and a Dedicated Life.)
Because of Tim’s habit of writing Scripture verses on his eye black, NCAA voted to ban words and other items on eye black (referred to as the “Tim Tebow Rule.”) The NFL had already banned this before Tim became a professional athlete, so he had not been displaying his favorite verses as the Broncos’ quarterback, but God seems to have brought the verse to fans’ attention anyway. I couldn’t help but think of Acts 4: 19 – 20 CEV when Peter and John were ordered by the priests not to talk of Jesus Christ. Their answer was: “Do you think God wants us to obey you or to obey him? We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard.”
We pray for Tim and are grateful for his bold stand for Christ.
NOTES:
January 2, 2012
by Sus
in Our Ministry, The Sower: Helping You Share Your Faith
Tags: Jesus, true stories
A middle-aged woman walked right up to me, blocking my path. She studied my face a long time before speaking. I waited patiently, and wondered, while other WalMart shoppers maneuvered the crowded aisles around us.
“Do you know if I can get a smaller bottle of laundry soap?” she finally asked in a light, British accent. “I only need a small amount.”
“I’ll help you look,” I replied and followed her down a long, colorful aisle of endless large boxes and bottles of detergents. I explained that WalMart wasn’t a good store for small quantities and that she could try another store.
As she turned away, I pawed through my purse for a tract to give her. (I often carry British “Four Laws” with the London address on the back; we run into a lot of Brits in our part of town.) When I discovered I only had the American version, I looked up and saw her far down at the end of the aisle, turning into the stream of shoppers. I didn’t know how to try to introduce the tract to her now, after “the moment was gone,” but I felt compelled to follow after her anyway.
I caught up to her after she turned down another aisle. I mumbled awkwardly about following her, and then I was surprised to see we were standing in front of another display of detergent! I was so relieved to have another reason to be with her! We chose a smaller bottle that would work for her vacation. I then handed her “Would You Like To Know God Personally,” which is based on the British version of the “Four Spiritual Laws.”
When I’m traveling or interacting with a tourist (we live in a high-tourism area), I often feel compelled to speak to them about Christ, since I know I’ll obviously not cross their path again.
Do you keep tracts in your pocket or purse? Are you willing to talk to people about Christ on your errands?
© Sus Schmitt 2012
November 28, 2011
by familynews
in The Sower: Helping You Share Your Faith
Tags: Christmas, Jesus Christ, Jewish, Messiah, rabbi, true stories
I had never seen gemstones that large outside of a museum case. Several of the ladies, hands wrapped around their drinks, wore rings with stones as big as the olives in their glasses.
Joel and Miriam, the host and hostess, had owned a liquor store before retiring and had a large bar for their guests. We had built a relationship over several years with Joel and Miriam and were honored to be invited to Miriam’s 80th birthday party.
Kris and I made our way from the smoky living room to the dining room. We met a man dressed completely in simple black sitting at the dining room table who stood out from the other party-goers. Actually, Kris and I stood out more than he did. We were the only Gentiles and about 55 years younger than most of the guests, while he was their beloved rabbi.
One quiet afternoon, several months later, I sat at that same table with Miriam and Joel. . As I simply related the beautiful Christmas story, Miriam lit a cigarette, her face deeply furrowed with wrinkles from age and from smoking.
“I never heard this before,” Miriam exclaimed.
I was amazed to think of someone living in America for 80 years and never hearing about Jesus’ virgin birth. They were open to hearing everything. So, I told Joel and Miriam about the birth, life, and death of their Messiah and explained the Gospel.
Miriam died two years later, not of lung cancer or problems from drinking, but simply because it was her time.
Seated in the back row of folding chairs in a mausoleum, I listened to her rabbi talk about her good life. He never offered hope for eternal life.
I don’t know if we will sit around a heavenly table and renew our friendship or stroll through the New Jerusalem together and admire the city adorned with jewels. I will be delighted if I see them there!
NOTE: God’s Good News in Hebrew or in your language.
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