Lafayette, Louisiana 2013
This week started out with a bang! Wait not that kind of Bang. The first person that I spoke with in Lafayette told me about a two day Evangelism Conference Sponsored by the Louisiana Baptist Convention and that it started in about 45 minutes! I jumped into the truck and straightway went to First Baptist Church of Lafayette. I arrived just in time to hear the first speaker and the house was packed. I think I was beside myself! But since I don’t know exactly what that term means, I was excited! Over the course of two days and evenings I heard many speakers from around the country and I enjoyed the entertainment of a few well-known artists. What’s more I met some very dear Christians with whom the fellowship was sweet. And a couple of contacts were made that I believe will bear fruit next week.
Louisiana Baptist Convention Evangelism Conference 2013 in Lafayette, at First Baptist Lafayette
On Wednesday, I had time to catch my breath and begin preparing for the week here in Lafayette. First thing was to write about the week in Baton Rouge and then go spy out the land for ministry.
Thursday I began the day by going to The Mall of Acadiana. There was a man in uniform waiting to speak with me when I got out of the truck. He said I want you to know that you are welcome here! I thought wow really? My reply, I appreciate hearing that because that’s not usually the case. He said I know and I’ve wondered for a while why I’m here. Then he said again, you are welcome here and I do not want you to be surprised when you have others come up to you and say the same thing as you travel. God has people everywhere that you will go. Then he asked, you know persecution will come along the way? I replied, Yes the Lord said it would be that way and I believe God has prepared me and will keep me. He said very well, smiled and walked away.
I spent the rest of the day there sharing the gospel inside and out in the parking lot. I believe this was the most productive time of ministry at a Mall to date. I cannot recall a single time that I was not acutely conscious of every move I made. Most of which was because I usually park up front near the main entrance of the mall and I have seen the impact the Cross and Graphics have on those who pass by.
That night I was reflecting on the day’s events and then especially on the words the security officer had spoken. I mean He delivered the message without what I call any fanfare before during or after. He was clear, concise and warranted confirmation that I both heard and understood what was said. Oddly enough I did not see him again that day, all day Friday nor the short visits I made Saturday and Sunday.
Friday I went back to the place where I was welcome. One reason was to see if I might enjoy the same freedom in sharing the gospel there like the day before. Wow, throughout the entire day the witness of Jesus Christ went fourth unimpeded. When leaving I felt that I knew something of what it means to be spent (worn out) for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ. While driving home I noticed a Christian Bookstore and decided to stop (Thinking that I would just take a quick look and go because I was so tired). But within a few minutes things would dramatically change. There I met a dear brother and his three children and then a husband and wife all of which were attracted by the Cross on The Jesus Truck. Their love for Jesus was so evident that everyone throughout the store could see and hear. The Joy of the Lord was issuing forth out and through them, being expressed in the shedding of tears, testimonies, praises, words of encouragement and speaking the Word. This happened in the middle of the store and then moved into the parking lot. The looks on the faces of onlookers seemed to be of curiosity. It reminds me when Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” (John 13:35)
As for me there are a few occasions when I have no consciousness of time. It happens during events like the above, when engaged in pure worship and when I may be fully engaged in direct prayer with God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. When I finally arrived home the last two lines I wrote about today was; “Much more than I write tonight, the Lord has blessed me abundantly this day!”
Saturday I noted, while at Chick Fila the hood graphic drew four young men. One of them objected saying it looked like I was being critical. But after a few minutes of conversation He apologized saying I want to follow Jesus but do not want to be called Christian based on what I’ve seen of others. Ouch! (A sad and most probable, true story). Let us be all the more diligent to live beyond reproach. Amen. I gave this young man a cd of the gospel and praise & worship cd. He hugged and thanked me. (The one who came critical left a friend) The Spirit of the Lord was there! Praise God!
Now, Saturday evening there was a Mardi gras parade downtown from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. I made the Jesus Truck parade ready hoping to find a way to join in. Soon I found that would not be the case and later I understood why it was best that I didn’t get in. Then on to plan B which entailed parking two blocks away in the restaurant and bar district. After having enjoyed red beans and sausage I walked to catch a glimpse of the parade. I was stunned at what I saw! Both sides of the street were lined with people who were reaching up, cheering, begging hysterically. These actions were directed to men and woman who had exalted themselves as marked by crowns and other adornments to suggest deity. The whole thing was blasphemous. Again both sides of the street were lined with people who were reaching up, cheering, begging hysterically and for what a string of beads or a plastic cup! All of which depended on the mercy and sovereignty of those passing above them. I tell you that I was shocked by the idolatry, wickedness and blasphemy.
What about Psalm 81:10 Where God says, I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide and I will fill it.
So I went to the truck, hoisted a prop in the back, lite it up and waited. When the parade was over I spoke with a few people that came my way and closed for the day.
Christians Engage! Hell’s taking prisoners!
Earlier in the week I met a young man who invited me to come to the church he attended. Sunday morning I went there and it was difficult for me to stay until it was over. The events of the past 18 hours had taken a toll and I was ready for rest and to renew my mind.
What a roller coaster ride it was during the week in Lafayette. There was so much I Praise God for! But as for the stain of sin leaving it’s ugly mark I pray Lord Jesus Come, but Lord not my will rather Your will be done. Amen
I close this week’s post a little different than normal. I find that in the process of writing I bear some of the associated emotions and this can be tiring. But please know that it is not a burden to me to do this but rather it is a labor of Love that you may in some measure be encouraged.
I thank God and you all for every encouragement you have been and continue to be for me. Until next week God willing, I may finish in the State of Louisiana and write to you again.
Agape, David