Matt Reagan

Evangelism Training

As I mentioned in a previous blog, we have several trainings each week here at Summer Training Project.

One training that is particularly sweet is Evangelism Training.

It’s a unique opportunity to have a training each week on the Biblical whys and hows regarding evangelism. Before STP, I don’t recall anyone ever truly explaining evangelism to me. I knew Christians were supposed to live out their faith and be a light to the world, but it’s hard to wrap one’s mind around that. It’s certainly true, but it’s vague. What does that mean? How do I do that?

This summer, Matt Reagan and Paul Poteat are the staff members giving the Evangelism Training talks. Once staff leaves this weekend, Brent Cramer, a student from Bethel and a team leader this year, will be giving the remaining talks.

During this training, we learn more about the gospel, the state of this broken and fallen world, heaven and hell, and the Biblical reasons to explicitly share our faith with people.

“I like Evangelism Training because it’s been giving me convictions about sharing my faith. I’ve always been too scared to talk to people about it, but my heart is starting to break for the lost. God uses people to spread the good news of the gospel to all nations, and he uses all believers to do so, not just a few believers with some sort of exceptional confidence,” explained one student.

After the training, the students break out in pairs and head for the beach. We simply walk around and strike up conversations with people about Jesus. Reactions certainly vary, from blatant rejection to awkward hesitancy to enthusiastic excitement about the Lord. Because we are in the ‘Bible Belt,’ people are usually willing to talk about spiritual things even if they themselves are not interested in the subject.

After spending about 45 minutes on the beach, the students meander back to Project. We break off into teams to share stories and pray for the people we encountered on the beach. Some stories are encouraging tales about meeting fellow believers and having mutually encouraging conversations about Jesus, while others are heartbreaking stories about pain, brokenness, abandonment, and complete distrust or distaste for God. It is amazing what complete strangers are willing to disclose about themselves.

Although some think evangelism on the beach is controversial, and we students can attest to the uncomfortable awkwardness, God has definitely worked through the years during beach evangelism. In fact, there have been several people who have become believers through it. Last year, a pair of students shared that they had talked to a middle-aged woman, and when they explained who they were and where they were from, her face lit up as she exclaimed, “Campus Outreach in Minnesota?! We met some of you guys last year!! Wait right here, I have to go get my husband – he became a believer after some of your group shared with him on the beach!”

What a glorious reminder that the Lord is faithful to his people and works in wonderful ways. We may never see the fruit, but God could very well be using us to plant or water (1 Corinthians 3:6).

Guacamole Night

Yesterday, Colby Williamson spoke for a second time at Evangelism training. He emphasized that God is loving, but also just. Students are beginning to be more confident sharing their faith.This is not because of the weekly experience, but rather, they have been able to see that God is the one who is working through them. Moreover, late afternoon the project was divided into girls and boys. It was a special bonding time for both of the groups. The guys played ultimate  while the girls had chocolate fondue.

As for today, the staff is leaving to different directions for the next four weeks. Pray for the staff as they go around the south raising support for their ministries.

Tonight is also Social Night, or as we are calling it, GUACAMOLE Night! The Josh Schrock's team, Boom Boom Pow, is in charge of the spicy night out.

A few pictures from the staff send-off last night. (a clip of this glorious night is also coming soon)

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Matt Reagan trying to catch whipped cream in his mouth...

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Paul Poteat's second try...

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Jon Saunders on his third try.

Theme Night - Gospel for Exiles

Matt Reagan shared with us on Monday night about the gospel of grace.  The gospel is a celebration, but we are unwilling to celebrate (Isaiah 30:15) because of our deceitful hearts.  We want to work for our salvation, but Jesus says in John 6:29 "this is the work of God, that you believe in the One He has sent" [display_podcast]