This Week: Bikers, Open Mic Night and Trillion Dollar Bills

 

Biker Outreach   

     This was a first for me. I have never been to a biker rally. Today, Trace from Calvary Chapel of Branson and I went to a "Bikers Against Child Abuse" rally and fundraiser. Up until today, the only bikers I've met were incounty jail when I was a chaplain. So I didn't know what to expect. But, I did know it was a great opportunity to reach people.

 

    The Trillion Dollar Bill tract went over great with just about everyone. One couple whose matching t-shirts pointed out an affirmation of evolution, did not want our tracts. They made their way quickly past us... I was hoping we could have had a chat. Over all, we had a warm reception. Some bikers thanked us for coming and passing out tracts.

      We were able to read the whole tract to those who couldn't read the small print. So far, I have not had anyone stop me from reading the whole Gospel presentation on the back of the Trillion Dollar Bill. This lead us into some great conversations with bikers about Jesus. Some our conversations with people uncovered some interesting beliefs about death, salvation and the Bible. These were great opportunities to teach what the Bible actually says on these subjects.

 Here are some statements people made:
    "I don't believe in the old Testament, I only believe in the New Testament."
    'As a Christian, "I believe you go to heaven and if you need to, you come back to do it over."

     We went away rejoicing. God had some great divine appointments for us.We even got invited to a biker rally to hand out tracts by the promoter. He said, 'you're welcome to come out and pass 'em out, or until we get tired of you.'

 Open Mic Night at Waxy O'Shea's

 

Trace sporting the name above all names: Jesus

     Another first for the both of us. Trace is one of the musicians on the worship team at CC Branson. He's has had it on his heart for a while to play some worship music at a local open mic night. We discussed how he planned to share the Gospel and how we could hand out tracts. Trace played three songs and gave a brief testimony. He even joked with the audience. He told them that he brought me to bribe everyone with Trillion Dollar Bills, to listen to him. He played and I passed out tracts. When he was done, we finished our non-alcoholic lemonade and my non-alcoholic Coke.

     Some people may question going into a bar to share the Gospel. And I think we should think carefully about where we go, how we represent Jesus, and how we share the Gospel to different people groups. We don't need to participate in sin to reach sinners. Rather, we ought not be afraid to rub shoulders with unbelievers. The Book of Jude has some powerfull verses on reaching out to sinners and apostates.

^Jude17"But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁸They said to you, "In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions." ¹⁹It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. ²⁰But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, ²¹ keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. ²²And have mercy on those who doubt; ²³save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh."

     Sometimes, pulling a person out of the fire requires us to get close to the flames.

Church Army
The Church Army is an outreach that restores people and families through a new life in Jesus Christ. They offer community drug and alcohol recovery services with Jesus as their focus. I got a chance to meet staffers and offer some care pack supplies and reading glasses.

Photo Credit: SwiftShots for Branson Landing

Time to Hit the Street with the Gospel

     The Landing is an outdoor walking mall situated on Branson's riverfront. Overlooking the retail stores and restaurants are condominiums. This venue draws many visitors and shoppers. We felt this was a good place to hand out tracts. We filled our pockets with tracts and hit the walk ways. We talked to people and handed out Trillion Dollar Bill tracts. This lasted for a short time before security informed us that we needed prior permission to distribute free literature. We asked the security guard if he had seen the Trillion Dollar Bill, and he had. In fact, he told us, one of the other security guards would pass them out to his co-workers. So, we are prayerfully seeking permission to hand out tracts.  To be continued...    
-Christopher