Larry is about "10 years old, a big burly fellow, long retired bus driver for the Nashua School system. He is also a former Navy man, did three tours in Vietnam, and wears a hat with pins and emblems that testifies that he is likely telling the truth about his military career, His language was quite flavorful as well and he calls God the "man up top." He sat across from a friend in Duncan Donuts, whose name I didn't get. They were laughing and enjoying themselves. I edged my way into the conversation, hoping I wouldn't be perceived as too intrusive. They enjoyed teasing me a few minutes about the very idea of them talking with a preacher.

Larry's friend was a former Catholic, he quit after being frustrated by its leaders many of whom have been indicted over the past years for inappropriate activities. He was generally disgusted with religion. I'm not sure if Larry has ever gone to church. But they both engaged me in a serious (but friendly) conversation about church and Bible study, etc.

Some of Larry's beliefs were (and he used a number of words I won't repeat) that "God was serious in the OT, He didn't take nothing off any body, but in the NT He tried a different tactic." He also believed Christianity today is like a meat market, beef, steak, baloney, etc. and people just pick what they think is best for them. I also noticed that both men kept emphasizing that you never know when you're gonna go (i.e. die, MB), but that you got to live everyday to its fullest. Near the end of our conversation I found out that they both have cancer. Larry tipped his hat and revealed a bald head.

I told them all the more reason to take time, while they still have time to read the Bible and find out what is next (2 Corinthians 5:10). Unfortunately, in this case neither took me up on a study when I offered it. Larry took my card but his friend didn't.

Well, why do I tell you about this discussion? I just want to encourage you to engage people in spiritual conversations and offer them the opportunity to read with you from God's word. Was this experience "successful" as we define success? No. Will it produce "results"? Well, who's to say? But folks, we are just supposed to sow the seed. Many of us are doing that, I'm just trying to encourage us to do it more and more. I plan to spend lots of time this year reaching out to people. Jesus called us to "go and make disciples of the nations... baptizing there... teaching them all lie commanded" (Matt. 28:20). And in the 1⁵¹ century, that is what all the disciples did (Acts 8:4).

I am convinced that this must become a way of life for EACH of us. We should not pride ourselves on our correct worship assemblies. Don't get me wrong, that is immensely important. Our carefulness to worship God in the way He asked is a reflection of our respect for His authority. But folks, church assemblies are not the essence of Christianity. We were called to a higher purpose - to be a light to the world. We are a city set on a hill (Matt. 5:16). We are to "love our neighbors as ourselves" (Matt. 19:19, Luke 10:27). So, let me ask you this, if you weren't a Christian and your neighbor was - what would be the greatest indication of love he could show you?

No, we aren't adequate in ourselves (2 Cor. 3;5-6). Every time I enter a discussion I feel inadequate. But the Lord has made us adequate by equipping us with His word. And it is the gospel that is the power of God unto salvation. So pray for boldness (Acts 4:29), pray the Lord season your words with His grace (Col. 4:6), and pray you will make the most of every opportunity the Lord gives you to speak with someone about Christ (Col. 4:5). I really appreciate every person in this group who is sowing. May God bless us that we may become more and more I" century Christians, following the pattern of the disciples in Acts 2, crying out to those around us, "Be saved from this perverse generation." (Acts 2:40).

Mike Bozeman