.shockwave challenge - day 94

We drove to Greenville this evening to get geared up for all of our Thanksgiving festivities this week. I was a little hesitant about doing my shockwave challenge while we're here because my tried and true invitation method wasn't going to work. I knew I would have to get creative in order to drop the million dollar question bomb on people. I prayed during some silent moments on our drive and asked God for creative ideas and for people to come across my path that were open and receptive.

We went to Walmart when we got here to pick up a few choice snacks for Karis, so I immediately left Kristen in the health and beauty aisle and went on my search for my next shockwave victim. Just a few moments later, I was walking down a main aisle and a woman and her son walked past me and then turned around and asked if I knew where the shower curtains were. I didn't, but I knew I could find them. I led her right to them and then said, "Since you asked me a question, now I get to ask you one!" I asked them the question and they both said they knew for sure they would go to heaven because they had a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

I overheard the mom say to the son as they walked away, "That was a good question, huh?" I was amazed at how easy God made it for me tonight. I have a new sense of confidence about shockwaving in another city this week. I know it's going to be challenging, but I believe I'm up for it! Who knows? Maybe I'll get some of my family in on the action!

Perhaps you'll be out of town this week in a new environment without any invitation cards to open the door for you to talk to someone about Christ. Be prepared for God to set you up and then seize the moment!

.shockwave challenge - day 91

We had a great time in Atlanta today hanging out with my bro and going to the Georgia Aquarium. We were by the fountain in Centennial Park taking a few pictures with the self timer on our camera when a guy walked up and asked if we wanted him to take a few. We agreed and then I returned the favor for his family. After they walked away, Gregg busted me. He said, "I thought you were about to shockwave those people and I'd get to see you in action." I told him that sometimes I miss 'em and sometimes I don't. I knew I should have shared the gospel with them after I let them get away. It's just another reminder that opportunities are coming toward us or past us everyday. I was certain I wouldn't let another one pass by today, so after we ate dinner, I asked our waitress if she needed prayer. She said she could use a prayer for health and strength. I said we could take care of that and then I asked her the big money question. She told me she hoped she would go to heaven and I asked her what would qualify her to get in. She answered that she tried to do everything right and live up to the Bible. I shared the gospel with her and learned that she had accepted Christ when she was younger but didn't get to church that often now because of her job. I assured her of her salvation and told her that getting into heaven isn't based on what she does, but receiving what Christ had already done. We prayed for strength and healing and then she said, "Thanks! That made my night!"

On our way back to the car, Gregg and I had a great chat about evangelism triumphs and tips. It's really cool to see how God is working in his church to reach the lost in Colorado. It reminds me of 1 Timothy 2:4 - "He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we've learned." God desires all people everywhere to be saved and the only way that's going to happen is if His people everywhere share the gospel everyday.

What are you going to do about it?

.shockwave challenge - day 90

It's been 90 days of shockwave in my life! I've had the privilege of leading 72 people to Christ and praying with even more people about their lives, bodies and relationships with God. I've seen miracles and lives changed right in front of me. I've done a number of other challenges in my life (including a 90 day fitness challenge), but none have been more fulfilling than this. Praise God!

Today we went to Atlanta to hang out with my bro. After we had lunch together, my crew had to go to the store for a few things and I met a young guy who didn't know if he'd go to heaven when he died. After I shared the gospel with him and told him about Romans 10:9, he told me he'd already prayed that prayer. I assured him of his salvation and encouraged him that it wasn't about what he had done in his life, but receiving what Christ had already done for him.

Later we were at Centennial Park downtown and Karis met another little girl and began playing together. I talked with her parents and found out that the dad was a PK (preacher's kid) and had accepted Christ when he was young. We prayed together for his family and asked God to help them fulfill His plan for their lives.

Are you taking the challenge? Commit to taking time on purpose to share your faith each day. God will bring people across your path who need Him. Do your job and point the way to Christ!

.shockwave challenge - day 87

Kristen and I went to Target tonight to do a little shopping before a meeting we had. While we were in the toy section, we ran into a young woman with a one-year-old daughter. We approached her and invited her to church. She thanked us and then we started talking about her daughter a little bit. I then asked her if we could pray for her about anything. She said no, so I asked her the million dollar question. She said she didn't know whether she would go to heaven or not. I shared the gospel with her and prayed with her to be saved. Kristen talked with her further and before we walked away, I felt led to give her some money. I handed her a twenty and told her God loves her. I'm learning to be more and more obedient and sensitive to the Holy Spirit than ever before. I remember about a year ago I sensed God leading me to give a stranger in the grocery store some money to help with her groceries and I didn't do it. I hate that feeling of remorse you get after you don't do something you know you should. I'm ready for that emotion to be a thing of the past. With every obedient action, it fades away into the distance more and more.

Perhaps God has urged you to share the gospel with someone and you didn't. Don't let it happen again. Remember that feeling of remorse and act in a way to banish it forever. Start today!

.shockwave challenge - day 82

Yesterday I left you with a cliffhanger. After I texted my cousin, two hours passed before I received an acknowledgement that she had gotten my message. She responded by saying she didn't know for sure if she would go to heaven. I was half hoping she would say she knew for sure. I didn't quite know how to share the gospel via text so I texted her back asking if she could call me and I would explain to her how she could know for sure.

She said she was about to go to bed but could call today. We set up a time to talk and I called her on my way home. We took some time to catch up on life in general and then I shared the gospel with her. She told me she believed in Jesus and I got to lead her in the prayer of salvation! It was a great experience! I encouraged her to find a good church and continue to grow in her faith. I'm committed to staying connected via Facebook and help her get plugged in somewhere.

How about you? Do you have any family members you could reconnect with and share the gospel with them? Give them a buzz and make it happen! It's good to be family by blood, but even better when you become family in Christ!

.shockwave challenge - day 80

We went to lunch with some of the gang from church at Buffalo Wild Wings today. After doing the Blazing Challenge, I was even more immensely aware of how hot hell could be. I completed the challenge in 3 and a half minutes with just a little sweat and tears. Those wings were hot though!

Before we left, Karis got one of the waitresses attention and she started talking to her. After a couple of minutes I handed Karis an invitation card and she invited the waitress to church. It turns out that she had visited our church once a few years ago. I asked her if she needed prayer and then asked her the million dollar question. She laughed when I did and told me someone from her doctor's office asked her the same question a couple of years ago and she prayed with her to be saved. I encouraged her to come to church soon and get plugged in.

It's so good to know that there are other people sharing the gospel consistently. If you aren't yet, what's stopping you? Get out there and spread the good news about Christ!

.shockwave challenge - day 78

We went to the Big Mo tonight to see Puss in Boots. While we were there, we saw one of the concession workers outside sweeping. We talked for a minute about the drive-in and how much longer the season will go then we offered to pray with her about anything. She told us of a few requests and I told her we'd pray right after I asked her a question. I asked her the million dollar question and she told us she believed in Christ and had confessed him as her savior. We prayed for her requests and told her more about the church.

Whatever you're doing, don't forget about the challenge. You can encourage someone. You can share the gospel. You can change a life!

.shockwave challenge - day 77

We were on our way out to Kackleberry Farm today for a family adventure and we stopped for lunch. After we ate, I noticed a lady sitting alone, so we approached her and invited her to church and offered prayer. She told us she was getting ready to move and needed some more money for her deposit. Before we prayed, I asked her the million dollar question and she told us she would go
to heaven because she was a good person and hadn't sinned all that much. I shared the gospel with her and found out she had already confessed Jesus as Lord.

Make sure that no matter where you go, God's number one priority is at the top of your to-do list. Shockwave is all about every believer, everywhere sharing the good news everyday.

.shockwave challenge - day 72

We had our annual Trunk or Treat at church tonight and so many people worked together to create an environment where lives could be changed. As a result of people doing trunks, donating candy, running concessions, getting people registered, doing security, hosting, praying, playing music, doing sets and lights and acting for the gospel hayride, and setting up and tearing down, thirty-nine people called upon the name of Jesus to be saved.

I actually did my shockwave challenge during the event as well. I saw a woman with a cane and was drawn to talk to her and her family. I introduced myself and talked to them about the event for a moment and asked if they had ridden the hayride. They hadn't and were actually about to leave because of the cold weather. I asked what happened to her leg and found out she was injured during her military service and it affected her gait. I asked if I could pray for her. She agreed and I told her to expect a difference after we prayed. She wasn't in any pain, so I told her to continue acting in faith. I asked her and her husband the million dollar question and neither of them knew for sure that they would go to heaven. I shared the gospel with them and asked if they believed that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave. The husband did but the wife had some doubts. She didn't understand why God would punish His son like that. I shared with her further how Jesus was the perfect sacrifice because he hadn't sinned and he willingly took on the punishment in order to save us...much like a soldier sacrifices him or herself to save others. She understood more then and I prayed with both of them to be saved.

I'm so thankful for all the people who helped with the Trunk or Treat and did their part to see lives changed. What about you? Are you doing your part? Share the gospel with someone today and make a difference in someone's life!

.shockwave challenge - day 71

We took Karis to a Trunk or Treat at another church tonight and while we were in line, I saw a large group of people sitting on the curb. I walked over to them and invited them to our event tomorrow night. I offered to pray with them and then asked the million dollar question. A number of them were unsure about their eternal destination, so I shared the gospel and prayed with 6 of them to be saved. Before we prayed, I looked down and saw one lady had a brace on her foot.
I told her we would take care of that in a moment. After we said amen, I shared the truth about healing with her and prayed for her foot because she had broken two of her toes. I grabbed her by the hand and pulled her onto her feet and told her to walk in the name of Jesus. She did and said it was much better. I commanded the pain to go again and told her to stomp her foot. When she did, she was completely healed.

She told me she recognized me and asked if I had been to River Glen. I told her I had and she said she remembered me praying for her mother who had lung cancer and she was healed. I asked how she was doing and she said, "Oh, she's fine! She's in the line gettin' candy!" I laughed and said I would go find her. When i tracked her down, she told me she was feeling great and the cancer had been gone since I prayed for her. She told me she was exercising every day and felt awesome. I hugged her and told her how great it was to hear what God had been doing in her body.

What about you? Have you ever seen someone with crutches or a brace and felt like you should pray for them, but didn't? What's holding you back? You have just the thing they need. Read John 14:12 and Mark 16:18 and start doing what you were meant to do! Do it with fearless confidence!

.shokwave challenge - day 70

Today marks 10 weeks of the shockwave challenge. I went to the library with Karis and on the way out, I saw a gentleman sitting on a bench. I approached him and invited him to church. I offered to pray with him and then asked the big money question. He said he thought he'd go to heaven because he was living right. So many people have this mindset!

He then told me he read his Bible and prayed as well. I had a feeling that he might have already accepted Christ as his savior, but I asked to make sure. I told him that Jesus is the way to heaven and it's got nothing to do with his right living. He can live right without Jesus and still die and go to hell. But Jesus is the only one who lived a perfect life and took our punishment on himself so we would have a way into heaven.

Have you taken the challenge yet? Go out and share the gospel with at least one person a day and watch what God can do through you! Happy shockwaving!

.shockwave challenge - day 67

I talked briefly with the copier technician today about his relationship with God, but that didn't count as my challenge for today because I didn't get to ask him the question, he volunteered the info that he was saved because we were at the church talking ABOUT church.

I didn't see anybody else today, so we went out to eat after church and I asked the cashier the million dollar question after she took our order. She immediately told us she had accepted Christ when she was 9 years old and that she was a preacher's kid.

Make a commitment that you won't let your head hit the pillow until you've shared the gospel with someone today!

.shockwave challenge - day 66

The pest control guy came to the church today to do the usual treatment.  After he did his job, I asked him if he needed prayer for anything.  He told me about his family and how his grandmother had passed away a month ago and they could use some prayer for that.  I offered my condolences and shared a little about God's comfort and peace.  Then I asked if he knew for sure he would go to heaven when he died.  He said he believed he would and I asked him why.  He told me he was a pretty good person and even though he had made some mistakes when he was younger, he's gotten his life straightened out since he has become a father.  I acknowledged how noble that was and I shared with him what the Bible had to say about how to get to heaven.  I told him that no good deed made him good enough to get into heaven and that Jesus was the only way.  After I presented the gospel and told him about Romans 10:9, I asked if he had ever said a prayer to make Jesus his Lord.  He nodded his head emphatically and said, "Oh, yeah."  I encouraged him to attend church regularly because it would help him grow in his faith and develop relationships with other believers.  Before he left, I prayed with him for his family and believe that the Holy Spirit is comforting them in their time of loss.

Maybe you'll have an expected or unexpected visitor today and I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity and share the gospel with him or her.  Don't let that moment slip away!  Capitalize on it by offering prayer, inviting them to church, or in some other way, get to that important question about their eternity.   You'll never what kind of difference you can make!  Go give life!

.shockwave challenge - day 65

Kari's and I headed out in our pjs this morning to grab some doughnuts at Krispy Kreme. We ordered up our delicious delights and then saw a young woman filling out an application. She commented on how adorable Karis is and so I struck up a conversation with her. I invited her to the Trunk or Treat and asked her the million dollar question. She was already saved so I encouraged her about the job she needed and we were on our way.

You just can't beat a Krispy Kreme and a shockwave for breakfast! Head out today and share the gospel with someone you meet!

.shockwave challenge - day 64

After church today, we went to lunch and I invited our server to church while I handed her a generous tip. (A little note of exhortation here: you never represent God well while being stingy. Don't attempt to lead your waitress to Jesus with anything less than 20%.)

I cornered her by the drink stand, thanked her for her service, then gave her the tip and an invitation card. I offered to pray with her and she immediately told me she had recently been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I said I would pray for her and she continued to fill up her drinks. I told her we would pray right then. So she immediately grabbed my hands. I told her about John 14:12 and Mark 16 then I commanded the cancer to be gone in Jesus name.

After we prayed, she thanked me and tried to get back to work, but my job wasn't done yet! I asked her the million dollar question and she said she would go to heaven because she hadn't really done anything bad. I shared the gospel with her and found out she was raised Jehovah's Witness but wasn't practicing. I told her about Romans 10:9 and asked if I could lead her in the prayer of salvation. She agreed and I led her to Christ right there.

Are you planning on eating out somewhere in the next few days? Leave your waiter or waitress a generous tip and then give them the best tip of all: the gospel! Be bold and let God use you!

.shockwave challenge - day 63

Nine weeks ago, I started an incredible journey with the intention of sharing the gospel with at least one person a day for a week. I didn't know I could do it, and I definitely didn't foresee the results of how it would change me. I've prayed with 59 people to be saved, 3 people have been miraculously healed and many more have been impacted by God's amazing love. It's been an incredible ride and I feel like I'm still barely scratching the surface of what God's going to do through the shockwave movement.

Today we went to the fair and had a great time. While Karis was riding the swings, I struck up a conversation with another dad who was watching his kid. We talked about the fair briefly and then I dropped it on him - the million dollar question, that is. He said he believed he would go to heaven and when I asked him why, he said what many others have said: "Because I've been a good person."

I told him that wasn't good enough as I shared the gospel. After I went through our script with him, I asked if I could lead him in a prayer to make Jesus his Lord. Then he said he'd already said a prayer like that before. I encouraged him that Jesus was the only way and his good deeds had absolutely nothing to do with it.

Will you take my challenge? Join me on an adventure like no other and watch as God changes your life in incredible ways!

.shockwave challenge - day 62

We were all over town today and I didn't create any opportunities to share the gospel at all. There weren't any opportunities that were blaring, but I didn't make any either. I did talk with a personal banker about church and found out she was already saved, but I knew that didn't count as my shockwave challenge today.

As we got home tonight around 10, I kept thinking about my day and how I had completely missed it. I also knew that the day wasn't over and I still had time to get my challenge completed. I began thinking about family members or friends of friends that I could call with the purpose of sharing the gospel. So I texted my mom to get her stepson's phone number. I knew from conversations we've had previously that he really needed to hear the truth about God's love and grace. I had already been praying for him, but I said another quick prayer before I gave him a call and asked God for just the right words to say and that his heart would be open and receptive.

I called and we talked for a few minutes and then he asked me to hold on for a minute. I prayed in the Spirit while I was on hold. He said he had to go help his aunt move some furniture. I almost let him go and then I stopped him to ask the million dollar question. I told him how important it was and that I would regret not asking him. He said he knew he would go to heaven because he believed. He talked about how his mom and dad had raised him and then I asked what he believed about how a person gets to heaven. He said he wasn't really sure. I shared the gospel with him and found out that he had prayed the prayer of salvation when he was younger. I knew he had to go, but I assured him of his salvation and told him to call anytime with any questions.

Who is it in your life that you know needs to hear the truth about God's love and grace? Why not give them a call tonight or in the next few days and tell them how much you care and how much more God cares about them? Ask them the million dollar question and make sure they know they would go to heaven when they die. That's the most important thing you can do for someone. Why would you hesitate when it comes to those you care about?

.shockwave challenge - day 61

I met up with someone who wanted to buy something I had on craigslist and after we made a deal, I invited him and his girlfriend to church. I offered to pray with them and he shared a request for a friend with a drug problem. I then asked if they knew they would go to heaven. The man said yes and that he was raised Christian and the woman said she didn't know. She said she had never been to church but was raised in the Kingdom Hall. She was a Jehovah's Witness. I shared the gospel with them and she prayed the prayer of salvation with me! She told me that no one had ever asked her a question like that before...not even her boyfriend. I wasn't shocked at all. The stats are astounding. Only 2% of Christians regularly share their faith. Are YOU sharing?

Keep your eyes peeled and your heart open for opportunities to share the gospel. You'll never know what kind of impact you'll have on someone unless you step out in faith to share Jesus.

.shockwave challenge - day 56

Karis and I went to Wal-Mart to get a "shockwave sandwich" as she calls the shockwave challenge.  We went in armed with 7 invitations and were determined to leave without any left.  While we were doing our shopping for a few items, we were on the prowl for people who needed Jesus!  At one point, we were following a couple up and down several aisles looking for the perfect opportunity to approach them.  We invited 7 people to church and prayed with all of them for various needs.  One grandmother asked her grandson if he wanted us to pray for his school, so we did. They were already saved.

Another couple we met said they knew they would go to heaven because they were good.  Like many people we've met, we found out later that they had already accepted Christ as their Savior.  They said, "We haven't ever had anyone ask us that in a store before."  I laughed aloud, but cringed inside.  Isn't it sad that so few believers are doing our part?

While we were finishing up our shopping, I noticed a lady with a cane shopping with her family.  I told Karis that we were going to invite them to church.  The approach was a little awkward because Karis said, "Excuse me" when we walked up to them and they tried to move as if we were asking them to get out of the way.  I jumped in and said that she wanted to invite them to church.  There was a little girl there that was the same age as Karis, so she wanted to get out of the cart and personally hand the card to her.  She handed out a card to each person in the family and we told them about our Trunk or Treat event.  I asked them if they needed prayer, and immediately the lady with the cane said she had some serious health issues.  I inquired further about her health condition and found out that she had been diagnosed with quite a number of things from high blood pressure to blood clots and back problems and other things I couldn't remember.  I began telling her how Jesus healed the blind, lame, deaf and mute and that her problems were nothing for Him. I shared with her from John 14:12 and Mark 16 about how Jesus had given believers the commission to lay hands on the sick and we could do the same works and even greater works than He had.  I shared the testimony of the lady with the broken thumb, whom I prayed for last week, and told her God's power would work the same way for her.  Then, with her permission, I laid hands on her and commanded her body to be made whole.  After we prayed, I asked if there was any difference.  She looked at me, wide-eyed, and speechless.  I said, "Your back's warm, isn't it?"  She said, "Why, yes!  This is weird. I could hardly stand up in here shopping before, but I feel better now!"  I explained about the power of God working in her body to bring about a healing and a cure for her condition and then shared the gospel with her and her daughter.  The two of them prayed the prayer of salvation with me!  They were both so thankful that I had approached them because they needed what I had to offer.

And, if you're a believer, you have something to offer, too!  Get out there and give life to someone today.  Don't let another opportunity to minister healing or salvation to someone slip away.  Seize the moment and you won't have any regrets!

.shockwave challenge - day 55

We were at the Montclair park today and while Karis was playing, I saw the tennis instructor who is always at one of the parks giving lessons. He walked to his car during a break and as he walked back to the tennis court, I approached him and said, "Another great day at the office, huh?" He agreed and we talked for a bit. Before I walked away, I invited him to church and asked him the million dollar question. He said that he should go to heaven and didn't see any reason why not. I asked him why and he said because of doing good things and not doing anything really bad like killing someone. I shared the gospel with him and found out that he believed in the resurrection. I asked if he had ever prayed a prayer according to Romans 10:9 and he said, "a bunch of times!" I assured him that he was saved according to the Bible and it only took one time. He said he was raised in the "holiness" denomination, but wasn't attending church now because he works 7 days a week. I told him to come to church the next time he gets a break.

Religion is rampant in the church today! Christians are convinced that their good works or own holiness makes them right with God. But according to the Bible, Jesus is the ONLY mediator who can make us right with God. (1 Tim. 2:5) Let's make sure people know that Jesus is the only ticket to heaven and he promised us an abundant life!

Later, two high school girls came down to the swings, so Karis went over and invited them to church. They were both believers and attended church and also went to a Christian school. Kristen told them about our outreaches and invited them to join us in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.

You should join us, too. Wherever you are, take the shockwave challenge and share the gospel with at least one person a day!