With all the technology in our world today, and a great desire for social media, face to face communication is becoming less frequent. It is one thing to read the Gospel message sitting in front of a computer screen, but it is quite another to hear it from the mouth of a believer.
The joy that can be heard through the hearts of God’s people is truly impactful. Whether through conversation or through the lifting of voices in song, peace and comfort come from hearing the good news of Christ. Sometimes it is easier to sit behind a computer screen or deliver a message by text, but to look into the eyes of an unbeliever hearing the message of Christ for the first time, can be so beautiful.
We may not ever know what they take away from a conversation, but the blessing we receive as we proclaim the love of Christ impacts our hearts as well. “Some conversations end in prayer, while others remain brief exchanges of thoughts, but each encounter is a step toward proclaiming God’s love.” Please pray for the many churches that are shepherded by SGA-supported missionary pastors, that they will have the courage and boldness to speak truth into their communities.
Every few weeks, on a Saturday afternoon, Christian songs resonate in front of the main railway station in Gdynia (northern Poland on the coast of the Baltic Sea). It is the members of the Ukrainian church, which is pastored by Ilia, a missionary supported by SGA. These men and women take to the streets to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with Poles, Ukrainians, and anyone else willing to stop, listen and talk. They sing in both Polish and Ukrainian, drawing the attention of passersby with their joy and enthusiasm.
On one of the tables set up in front of the singing group, there are New Testaments and other free Christian materials. Anyone who wishes can take a copy of the Holy Scriptures or a leaflet explaining the fundamental truths of the Christian faith. Volunteers warmly invite people to talk, smiling at passersby and offering them literature and warm conversation. Although the form of evangelism chosen by the members of this church may seem somewhat old-fashioned in today’s world dominated by social media, it still proves to be highly effective. The music and the genuine joy in their voices attract the attention not only of believers, but also of those who have never encountered the message of the Gospel before. Some pause for a moment, listening to the words of the songs, while others approach the table and eagerly engage in conversation.
For many participants, this evangelism effort is also an opportunity to break barriers and gain confidence in sharing their faith. Initial fears and shyness give way to joy and assurance as they see how their words and gestures can touch the hearts of others. With each successive gathering, they speak about Jesus with increasing determination and willingness, testifying to the transforming power of the Gospel.
Many of those who receive the literature leave deep in thought, while some ask for more details, interested in learning more about God. Some conversations end in prayer, while others remain brief exchanges of thoughts, but each encounter is a step toward proclaiming God’s love.
The street evangelism carried out in Gdynia is a testimony that there are still people willing to devote their time to sharing the Good News in a direct and personal way. Although the world is changing, God’s Word remains unchanging and has the power to reach every heart—even on the streets, amid the noise of everyday life.
Please pray for the church in Gdynia, and Pastor Ilia. Pray for fruits of their bold evangelism. May God be glorified in their ministry.
