one to one: Lessons about life, ministry, and grandkids

by Keith Burden, Executive Secretary, National Association of Free Will Baptists

Good News

Statistics indicate that most Christians never attempt to share their faith with an unbeliever. That’s not an indictment…its reality. Of course, the reasons for their silence are numerous—fear of rejection, lack of self-confidence, or just too busy, to name a few.

One factor that seems to affect believers who have been followers of Christ for a considerable period of time is lack of contact with unbelievers. Admittedly, in most cases, the longer a person walks with the Lord, the smaller their circle of non-Christian friends. Sad but true.

That’s a challenge I face as a denominational worker. Most of my time is spent rubbing shoulders with fellow believers. My opportunity to build meaningful relationships with non-Christians is limited, to say the least.

Last year, my wife and I attended a dinner sponsored by Child Evangelism Fellowship. We listened to reports from their leaders, testimonies of volunteers, and an inspirational challenge from a guest speaker. As a result, we signed up to be supporters of the organization. But we decided to take it one step further…we signed up as volunteers in a Good News Club through our local church.

In partnership with other church members, we accepted leadership assignments, went through basic training, and embarked on a rewarding journey. On Tuesday afternoons for two semesters, our club met faithfully at a local elementary school and shared the good news of Christ with more than 15 children. Eight of them prayed to receive Him as their Savior.

Recently, during an open house at the school, our team members were able to reconnect with some of last year’s participants and meet several new parents and their children. Preliminary results indicate the prospects for this year are excellent.

Obviously, many other evangelistic opportunities are available to those who desire to share their faith. I mention this one in particular to make a point: anyone can be a witness if he or she is simply willing to put forth the effort. Does it require a commitment of your time? Sure it does. Will it necessitate some sacrifice on your part? Of course it will.

But the rewards far outweigh any sacrifice you make. Maybe you can’t do everything, but you can do something. So, stop making excuses and start looking for the place to serve.

Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14). Who knows? Perhaps someday, one of the children in our club will become a minister or missionary. Regardless, some will be in Heaven, and that, my friend, is really Good News!

About the Column

One to One is a regular feature of ONE Magazine. Written by Keith Burden, executive secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, the column explores life, ministry...and the joys of grandchildren.