Journal Entries / Italy 2011- July 29-30
We saw more salvation last night! We performed our drama in the same square as the first night. We saw many a familiar face and we tallied it as no coincidence that they have turned out to see us again. God is clearly getting their attention. About 15-20 people, mainly children responded to the altar call. Myself and my MIG scooped up a few shy ones and preached the gospel after we cast the net. My good friend Alma led three children to the LORD after He directed us to them. Then Kirstin pointed out another face. This woman's name was Angela and as our translator Erica made her way over we began to engage her with the gospel.
I was able to preach straight salvation to her as she sat with her beautiful little boy who must not have been over two years old. Each key point to salvation that I struck not only brought tears to her eyes, but invoked a joyous reaction from her little boy who could not yet talk. When I exclaimed that "God's love was this, that when we were yet sinners, Christ died for us", the little boy smiled up at me in winsome innocence and shouted with glee. He did the same when I offered salvation. Though she did not recite a sinners prayer on the spot, I am fully confident that the power of God unto salvation has impacted her greatly. We got her plugged into some information about the local church, and I'm confident that in the long run she will be saved. Along with her little one.
That was our ministry time for the evening, but the day we spent was glorious. We had the opportunity to walk around the town and take pictures which was amazing. We walked alongside the coast and toured the historic section. I am beginning to feel more and more at home here in Bari... Or Giovanazzo. I wonder if I am being called here... I am definitely picking up the language at a good rate, everyone is surprised.
Also, if I may boast for a moment... My team leaders pulled me aside yesterday for an evaluation. At first I was weary, but they had wonderful things to say. They stated that I am the most influential person on the team and that without me, the group would suffer and be at a loss. I've never really seen myself as a leader, but apparently people see me suited for one. They went on to say many more great things about my leadership ability and my character, but I won't gloat. Until tomorrow...
-Ryan Jackson
P.S. The pastor just dedicated Isaiah 43:1-5 to us. We are "precious in his eyes".
(Afterthoughts)
Looking back on this day, it was this evening that I began to realize the power in the structure of our Ministry Group. I began to receive discernment from the Lord, as we walked through the masses of people, I could feel the Spirit direct me to a group of children. Not knowing what else to do, I would point Alma into the direction of whomever the Lord directed me to, as I whispered into her ear "Pray with them". If the group was children we would kneel down, Alma would begin to engage the children with the gospel, as I directed Angela, Jacqui, Denise, and Kirstin to focus and pray for salvation and to rebuke any oppositional forces. At the same time I prayed, smiled, and kept watch to ensure a safe environment.
The structure of the group was a weapon against the forces of darkness. When I think of our Ministry Group, I saw the needle of a compass. Three individuals in the rear (praying for discernment and rebuking the enemy), myself and another (awaiting orders from the Lord), spearheaded by our translator Alma. We were all ready and willing to discern, direct, and engage at all times. As the spiritual leader of the group, I was in charge of the final call. Safety did preside over ministry so I made the final call in directing the group. I tried not to think much of myself, but allow the group to minister as much as possible as a whole. We would begin to see the power of this structure as the days progressed. However, we would also see the enemy attempt to pick it apart by inflicting injury, illness, and anxiety. All in all, it is a worthy method that any outreach group should utilize.
I was able to preach straight salvation to her as she sat with her beautiful little boy who must not have been over two years old. Each key point to salvation that I struck not only brought tears to her eyes, but invoked a joyous reaction from her little boy who could not yet talk. When I exclaimed that "God's love was this, that when we were yet sinners, Christ died for us", the little boy smiled up at me in winsome innocence and shouted with glee. He did the same when I offered salvation. Though she did not recite a sinners prayer on the spot, I am fully confident that the power of God unto salvation has impacted her greatly. We got her plugged into some information about the local church, and I'm confident that in the long run she will be saved. Along with her little one.
That was our ministry time for the evening, but the day we spent was glorious. We had the opportunity to walk around the town and take pictures which was amazing. We walked alongside the coast and toured the historic section. I am beginning to feel more and more at home here in Bari... Or Giovanazzo. I wonder if I am being called here... I am definitely picking up the language at a good rate, everyone is surprised.
Also, if I may boast for a moment... My team leaders pulled me aside yesterday for an evaluation. At first I was weary, but they had wonderful things to say. They stated that I am the most influential person on the team and that without me, the group would suffer and be at a loss. I've never really seen myself as a leader, but apparently people see me suited for one. They went on to say many more great things about my leadership ability and my character, but I won't gloat. Until tomorrow...
-Ryan Jackson
P.S. The pastor just dedicated Isaiah 43:1-5 to us. We are "precious in his eyes".
(Afterthoughts)
Looking back on this day, it was this evening that I began to realize the power in the structure of our Ministry Group. I began to receive discernment from the Lord, as we walked through the masses of people, I could feel the Spirit direct me to a group of children. Not knowing what else to do, I would point Alma into the direction of whomever the Lord directed me to, as I whispered into her ear "Pray with them". If the group was children we would kneel down, Alma would begin to engage the children with the gospel, as I directed Angela, Jacqui, Denise, and Kirstin to focus and pray for salvation and to rebuke any oppositional forces. At the same time I prayed, smiled, and kept watch to ensure a safe environment.
The structure of the group was a weapon against the forces of darkness. When I think of our Ministry Group, I saw the needle of a compass. Three individuals in the rear (praying for discernment and rebuking the enemy), myself and another (awaiting orders from the Lord), spearheaded by our translator Alma. We were all ready and willing to discern, direct, and engage at all times. As the spiritual leader of the group, I was in charge of the final call. Safety did preside over ministry so I made the final call in directing the group. I tried not to think much of myself, but allow the group to minister as much as possible as a whole. We would begin to see the power of this structure as the days progressed. However, we would also see the enemy attempt to pick it apart by inflicting injury, illness, and anxiety. All in all, it is a worthy method that any outreach group should utilize.
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| Bride and Groom... Down one of the back alleys. |
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| Tourist Mode. |
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| "Dramatic Waterfront Contemplation" -Justin Erwin |
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