Northland Director's Letter September 2012
5116 West 96th Street
Bloomington, MN 55437
CBMC NORTHLAND AREA DIRECTOR – ALAN SMITH
September, 2012
Dear Friend,
On this wonderful journey in ministry for over the past year I've found the best way to discover a person’s heart is while breaking bread and sharing stories.
Stories are powerful in conveying messages and transforming lives. CBMC’s discipleship tool Operation Timothy, describes the power of stories in the Bible this way:
Stories in 66 books, written over a 1500 year period by 40 different writers. Despite all of that, a consistent, complete message unfolds across its pages.
Recently a business leader shared with me how God has placed people into his life searching for the peace that only a relationship with Jesus can provide. My friend went on to say, "As much as I would like to share more about Jesus, I'm just not confident that I have all the answers. What if I mess something up or stumble with my response when asked tough questions about the Bible?” So, here I sat, praying about how the Holy Spirit wanted to respond to my lunch friend, then I recalled from my recent daily bible reading:
Do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.~ Matthew 10:19-20
Try it the next time you are in this position. Respond from the heart, something that you've experienced through your own life story. No theological whimsy or long quotes of multiple Bible verses. Just share your story. Let the Holy Spirit provide the words, and give the outcome up to Him as well.
CBMC Northland has a rich history of personal testimonies at monthly luncheons as a way of helping people understand how much Jesus loves them. Mark Whitacre has an incredible, life changing story to share. He will be speaking at several events on October 24th-25th.
Information is available on the different events on the CBMC Northland website. Bring a friend or sponsor a table of 10 to hear Mark's powerful story of redemption and a personal relationship with Jesus.
Join me in prayer that this this becomes the first story that many will share about their new ETERNAL life with Jesus.