Google Maps Gospel Outreach

The possibilities and venues for Gospel outreach seem almost limitless. I'm encouraged and energized when believers share things they are humbly trying to do to share the Gospel. It's difficult to get stories and examples for this blog as Christians are afraid some might think they are bragging or boasting about their efforts. Of course - they are not! Actually, by sharing such examples and stories, others are encouraged to become active in some new little venture for the Lord. 

To keep things in perspective - for decades, we've been sharing news about special Gospel meetings held around the country either as pioneer efforts or as assembly sponsored activities. People have found such information helpful and encouraging over the years. So this blog expands on that concept. There's much, much more to Gospel work than public preaching.

Here's the latest example of a little personal outreach activity from a couple in Manitoba. The first paragraph of the letter below explains the approach this couple is using to share the Gospel.

Dear Friend, 

We have never met and it’s not likely we ever will.  This is not a mass mailing program. We don’t represent a group, religion or denomination. Let me tell you how you have received this letter. We live in Southern Manitoba, Canada.  Each morning I pull up Google Maps and scan the entire United States of America and Canada.  Of the approximate 150 million homes or so, I select three. It could be in any state, province, city or town.  Google maps provides me with the address and code and I mail this letter.

You see, I am a Christian and believe that there is a wonderful message of Hope to be shared.  This message is found in John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave His only Begotten SON, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have Everlasting life”.  This verse of 25 words shows me what God did in the first 12 words and what I needed to do in the last 12 words. The 13th or middle word is “SON”.  We find God through His Son.

This morning your home was selected as one in about 50 million.  As I wrote your address on the envelope, I prayed that it will not be by chance that the message of the enclosed pamphlet finds you at a time when it could bring Hope to your life. I prayed for the blessing of God on you and your family.

One day, perhaps very soon, the world as we know it today will end. The Bible speaks clearly of this. What also will end is the opportunity to receive God’s amazing gift of his free grace and forgiveness ; “The Gift of God which is Eternal Life through Jesus Christ.”  It’s a gift – you don’t work for it – you believe and receive it. I ask that you read this material carefully and with a sense of urgency. It can change your eternity.  

If you have a Bible, begin to read in the Gospel of John in the New Testament.  Read the first five chapters several times over the next while.  Ask God to speak to you and he will.  Perhaps you have never had much time for the Bible. Over time as you begin to read these chapters, God through his Holy Spirit will show you truths about Himself and yourself. God desires to know you personally through his Son Jesus Christ. This is the way to Eternal Life.

Jeremiah 29:13 says “You shall seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart”

A website I enjoy is www.heaven4sure.com . I think you will find their articles interesting. I recommend a video called “The Last Adam” found under the “NEWS” tab.  It will be 15 minutes well spent.

We hope you have a wonderful day. May God richly bless you.

Ron and Nancy Burley

ronandnancy77@gmail.com for more questions, comments or other material.

On the reverse side of the letter, more information is shared about their family to add a personal touch and to show that the letter is not from some dubious kook. You may not feel comfortable sharing similar information with people you don't know, but you will be able to add your own personal touch that reflects your comfort level.

So here is the reverse side of the letter:

I’ve always had an interest in maps. As a boy I would sit down with a large atlas and stare at small towns and interesting places and begin to wonder what those people did every day, how they made their living and most of all why they would find themselves living in that particular small location on this great map.  People were likely raised there and never moved away. Perhaps employment took people to a new setting.

We live in a very small community in southern Manitoba. Our roots are Vancouver Island. That’s where we were raised and married. We spent 23 years in Calgary, Alberta and now the past 13 years in Manitoba.

Since beginning this little effort of sending out 3 letters per day, I’ve been reminded of two important things.  One day my mouse pointer will zoom in on what looks to be a very modest home in a district where people may struggle financially. The next day it may focus on a home backing an expensive golf course in a high valued location. It reminds me that the message of God’s Love is the same for the rich and poor, or any color, ethnicity or gender.  God’s love transcends all of our differences and He has chosen to love “All Men”, everywhere, no matter who we are or where on the map we are found. That’s the wonder of the message of the Gospel. I invite you to take some thoughtful minutes and ponder the future. God’s love and forgiveness is available to all. 

We live a simple, rural life, but God has given us incredible wealth through a large, wonderful family. For this we feel blessed without measure. But more important to us is Salvation which brings me into a far greater family – God’s eternal family. The secure Hope of Life Eternal is not something that I would trade for anything. I marvel every day that this treasure is a Gift.   Romans 6:23 says “For the Wages of Sin is Death but the Gift of God is Eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord”.   None deserve it. We are all born as sinners, undeserving of God’s Love and yet Romans 5:8 says “But God displayed His Love towards us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

BIBLE EXHIBITIONS FOR SCHOOLS

The Assembly at Spencer Bridge Road, Northampton, UK hosted the biennial visit of the Ayrshire Bible Exhibition again between the 14th and 25th March, 2011.  This is the seventh time the event has been held here.  As in previous years the outreach was focused on 10 - 12 year olds (Grades 5-6). In addition to the schools, invitations were also sent to other 'churches' in the town as well as other assemblies requesting prayer for the event.

Schools had been notified of the exhibition dates as far back as November last year and again in January, 2011 to ask them to make firm bookings for their group visits.  A big factor in their ability to attend is the fact that the Assembly provides free transportation. Without this, attendance would be very difficult. Schools have commented positively on the fact that people are willing to pay for children to come and learn about the Bible.  There has been a waiting list of schools wanting to attend on the last 2 visits.

Some 1200 children from 29 schools attended along with their teachers.  They were divided into groups and shown around the exhibition by guides from the Assembly using a worksheet with twenty-one questions to be answered.  During the tour there were six or seven occasions, through the questions, where a simple but clear gospel message could be given. e.g. 'Why did God send His Son'? or 'What are the two ways on the Wayside Pulpit poster'?  In the displays there were topics such as the origins of the Bible, its history, etc. where links could be made to school curriculum. 

The tour was followed by a 'fun' quiz to reinforce what they had been told in the tour. The children were given a 'goody bag' when they left containing various items such as a Gospel of John booklet, text bookmark, leaflet on the Dead Sea Scroll, a pencil and if appropriate - invitations to Sunday Schools/Children's meetings in the local Assemblies.  

Just think how many weeks it would take your Assembly to see 1200+ people through the doors to hear the Gospel, the majority having never heard anything of it before?

Although the exhibition is open to the general public we do not see a great response. Those who do come in are impressed by what they see.

The exhibition has been used as a means of accessing schools in the county through presenting prizes to children who have neat, all correct worksheets.  We currently have access to forty nine schools that participate in the exhibition. Each school will be visited at least once in the term.

The schools are already anticipating the return of the exhibition in 2013, Lord willing, but please pray for the seed sown and Graeme Paterson who 'runs' the exhibition. 

For more information email Aelwyn Williams

More information on the exhibition and pictures can be found at http://www.bibleexhibition.co.uk 

FEEDBACK FROM SCHOOLS:

A great afternoon, so welcoming and engaging.  The children learnt loads & thoroughly enjoyed it, thank you very much.   

Towcester CE Primary, Year 6

A fantastic, well organised afternoon.  The children were focussed, enthused and excited by the learning.  Thank you. 
Wootton Primary, Year 6

The children had a fantastic time.  It’s amazing how much they took in, super staff and thank you very much. 

St. Luke’s CEVA Primary, Year 5

Wonderful! So organised, exciting and fun – thank you.

Milton Parochial Primary, Years 5/6

Children found it fascinating and were fully engaged throughout.  Many thanks.

 St. Mary’s CE Primary, Burton Latimer, Year 5

Thank you for a fantastic hour of information and great fun, from all children and adults. 

Kingsthorpe Grove Primary, Year 5

Amazing amount of information and the kids (and me) found it a great time.  Very innovative quiz.

Delapre Primary, Year 6

Thank you, the children were fascinated and had so many more questions.

 Woodland View Primary, Year 5

Lots of information for the children to take in but all engrossed! Learnt far more than they do in an hour in school (as did the adults).  

Delapre Primary, Year 5