Monday, October 31, 2011 - Putting the "Hallow" back in the evening

"Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always even to the end of the age."

Matthew 28:19 (The Message) 

"Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. . . . 

work at bringing others to Christ." 

2 Timothy 4: 2 and 5 (The Message)

    Two years ago I decided to use Halloween as an outreach event in our driveway.  Our kids weren't interested in trick or treating so for years we had simply turned off the light and turned in early. That was before I went for my usual evening walk on Halloween night three years ago and complete strangers smiled and called out greetings. Children I'd never seen ran up and told me about their costumes.  Something clicked in my brain that said, "This night has tremendous God-potential. People come to your door and accept what you give them."
    So, two years ago, we invited friends to join us, set up a table, a couple of easy games, a cooler of juice boxes and of course, a huge bowl of candy on a table in the driveway, and guess what? Complete families showed up at our driveway and hung out a bit so we could get to know them.  When they asked Tom where he worked, we used the opportunity to put a business card or church flyer in their hands and invite them to church.  Some showed up and a family eventually joined because of this simple "you're doing it anyway why not let God use it" evening.  And those who didn't respond still knew us, knew where we lived and felt free to call when they needed help. Tonight doesn't have to be all about the candy and costumes. Families will come to your door and want you to give them something. What if you gave them more than they were asking for?