Evangelism in a time of terror

By Joseph Tkach

Some time ago, an initiative was launched by Christians to organize prayer for our President. Originally planned for starting in November, the need for this grass roots prayer effort was accelerated by the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11.

The Presidential Prayer Team is experiencing phenomenal response from around the world. So far, more than 100,000 Americans have already registered to pray daily for the President, his cabinet and the nation. That number is now rising by more than 2,000 new members per hour. It is easy to join the prayer team by accessing the website: www.presidentialprayerteam.org. For more information, you can call 1-800-295-1235.

The Lighthouse Newsletter offers information and some resources for evangelism as an appropriate strategy in response to people’s questions and concerns about terrorism. They write: "How do our neighbors and friends who don’t know Jesus respond? And, how can we point them to Jesus in the midst of this situation?

"We can pray for them. And, through our own personal conversations with them ... we can reflect on where our own personal stability lies. We can also use tools that many ministries are providing to help put the attacks into perspective.

"One of those resources is a new web site that has been developed to help Americans deal with their personal feelings and grief following the attacks. The web site—www. 911recovery.com—is a joint effort of Here’s Life, Inner City and The King’s College, in collaboration with hundreds of churches. The site offers the following options:

l Respond—By sending a note of thanks to firefighters, police officers and rescue workers in New York City.

l React—Words to help us heal.

l Reflect—Is there a God?

lRenew—Beginning or refreshing a relationship with God.

"In every area, the reader is pointed toward God and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Consider making others—particularly non-believers—aware of this web site. It offers a non-threatening approach in sharing the gospel."

The Lighthouse Newsletter suggested sharing the web site at www.911recovery.com with your e-mail list and encouraging them to visit the site. Follow up in a week or so asking for any comments or reflections. This lets your friends know you care about them and want to help.

"Also, go to www.evangelismtoolbox.com for resources in how to share your faith. On the left-hand side of the Evangelism Toolbox home page is a list of resources to encourage and equip you. Those resources also include materials to reach Muslims. Now is a wonderful time to reach out to those who are Muslim or of Arab descent in your workplace, neighborhood or community—showing them love and concern. Seek ways to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ to them through acts of kindness, friendship and offers of help.

"Another good resource is The American Tract Society—www. gospelcom.net/ats. ATS has developed a number of new gospel tracts based on the tragedy. On their web site home page, click on Crisis Resources."

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