Dear Praying Friends,                                                                                                          December 2009

“We really needed that message.  I think we have become apathetic about (the lost) around us.”  Two individuals made this comment after I preached recently.  The problem with the soul harvest today is not found in the quality of the seed (God’s Word), nor in the quality of the soil (men’s hearts).  God did promise a bountiful harvest.  The problem with the soul harvest is found in the lack of labourers.  Many labourers become apathetic and make half-hearted attempts or no attempt at all to reach the lost.  God has given us a toolbox full of soulwinning methods, but all too often we use only one tool and become discouraged that our witness has not produced results.  A few weeks ago, I witnessed to a Mormon (John) for an hour in Kansas but seemingly to no avail.  However, I thought upon the conversation and realized that John was speechless many times.  God was pursuing this man’s soul—why should I give up?  May I suggest a few tools that we have used to minister to others, especially the lost?

> Invite them for a meal

> Rake their leaves

> Snow-shovel their steps

> Bake them cookies

> Comment on their lawn

> Buy them Christmas dinner from the grocery store

> Paint their front shutters

We were out to eat with the Jones’ (our missionary friends to England) when we asked our waitress, Ashley, if she had a prayer request we could mention as we prayed for our meal.  Her eyes grew wide as she said, “You don’t hear people do that anymore!”  Ashley eagerly gave us a request for her stroke-ridden grandmother.  At the end, we left a gospel tract and a good tip for her.  Do you think she would read a gospel tract after an experience like that?  Probably!

Lately, we have seen several making decisions at the altar.  How encouraging to see the power of God actively at work after we prayed fervently in preparation for the upcoming services.  We stand in awe of God’s desire to use us for His work.

Wishing you a Christ-centered Christmas,

Joshua and Melissa Booth