Why I Evangelize
Author: Sean Kennedy
I don’t necessarily think to myself that I need to evangelize, but that I want to share what Jesus gave me. It does say in Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus tells his followers, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” While certainly Jesus is directing us to share the faith, I think why wouldn’t I want to share this awesome gift of everlasting life.
I remember before I was saved, I was a shy guy and not outgoing at all. I didn’t like being around people and only cared about myself. I didn’t even like my life and always felt like there was something bigger than living for myself. I was miserable. I grew up in the Presbyterian church and I knew there was a God but didn’t have a relationship with him. I would sometimes pray if I was in trouble or needed something but didn’t know if He was listening to me. Once I graduated High School, I joined the Air Force and got stationed in Great Falls, Montana.
I enjoyed the Air Force, but quickly diverted to drinking and partying. I did whatever made me happy. We had a guy in our shop that always brought his Bible in and told us that he would pray for us. He and I would have to go on long dispatches out to work on missiles and Fred would always ask if we could talk about God. I really wasn’t interested but it did pass the time on long drives. Fred always seemed happy and always wanted to talk about Jesus.
One night I decided to go to church. Fred always invited me to church. The kids at church had just come back from church camp and were talking about what Jesus did and some kids said they were healed. I had never heard this before, and I went home with my chest feeling like it was on fire. I called Fred up that night and told him we needed to talk. He shared his testimony and the scripture Romans 10:10. I prayed and received Jesus in my heart that night. It was like a burden was lifted. I literally felt like a new man.
My personality changed and I now loved life and wanted to share what Jesus did for me. He forgave me of my sins, and I wanted to share what Jesus could do for my friends. I began inviting everyone to church and told them what Jesus did for me. They were not as excited as I was but that didn’t stop me from loving them. I suddenly had a love for people and wanted to help others, including my family. When I went home from leave, I would listen to worship music and give out Bibles. My family did not share my excitement, but after 30 years I can say that God has spoken to them, and they have seen His faithfulness in my life and my family.
I continue to love people and have a heart for the lost. Sometimes I invite people to church, other times I tell them my testimony, but most importantly I just love them and reach out to befriend people. He came to seek and save the lost, we don’t have much time here on earth as the Bible says we are only a vapor. Sometimes it’s as simple as saying “can I pray for you?”; I can guarantee that 99.99% of the time they will say yes. How did you get to know Jesus, did someone tell you?
