My pansies in a blue pot!

Practising Pagan or a “New-Lifer”?!

By Helen Jesze, 18^th March 2022

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 1:8 ESV

Sometimes, as Christians, we find it difficult to talk to other people about Jesus – to evangelise. One way that helps me, is by ordering a number of the Christian paper New Life, and giving them to people who come to the house or that I meet, as the Lord guides me. A few weeks ago I had a hospital appointment with a physiotherapist. When I was finished, I took a New Life out of my bag and offered it to her, saying, “I have something here for you, a Christian newspaper, where people tell what God has done in their lives.”

Tucking it into my bag again, she said, “I’m a practising pagan, I’m not interested.” As I went out, I said with a smile, “Thank you for your honesty, but if you’re not interested in him, God is still interested in you! ”

But usually I have positive reactions. Recently a young man brought a delivery to my house, and before he went, I said, “Just a minute, I have something for you,” and handed a N.L. to him. “Do you know this Christian newspaper, where people tell how they have found Jesus as their Saviour?” He looked at it with interest and said, “Oh, I’ll read this. Are you a Christian? My parents are, but I have not been going to church for a while.” “What country do you come from?” I asked, and he named an African country. We went on to have a short but lively conversation, and I sensed that his heart was opening to the Lord, so I said, “I won’t keep you long, but may I pray for you?” He looked up with a big smile, then reverently taking off his cap, said, “Yes, please!” The Holy Spirit was working as we prayed together at the door-step. He brought me a delivery and I was able to deliver him something too!

Last week, in a large supermarket, I chose some pots of Spring flowers. When I put my basket on the counter to pay, the shop assisistant took out the first pot with its bright colours and exclaimed, “Aren’t they beautiful?! They make you think of new life!” “Yes, you’re right!” I said and then went on, “Would you like a new life?” He looked at me questioningly, as though to say, what do you mean – a new life? ! I laughed and handed him my last N.L., saying, “Here, this New Life can tell you how to find a new life in Jesus!” “Well, what a coincidence, you having this paper when I said that!” the man looked astonished. “Could be,” I replied, “but I think God arranged that I bring that with me today. It’s my last one, just for you!” He shook his head, this was a new thought, and said he would certainly read it.

When carers used to come to my husband, I would often give them a N.L. and it opened the way for some very interesting conversations. One of them asked, “Have you got any more of those papers? I read it and it was very interesting.” “Yes, the new ones have come for this month, here you are!” “Oh good, I’ll read it in my lunch-hour,” and off she went.

At Christmas or Easter time I often ordered enough papers for the whole of my street, plus some extra copies to give to people personally. Rolled up neatly with shiny coloured ribbon, and the words written in the margin: “From George and Helen at number 16, Happy Christmas”, they were popped through each letter-box with a prayer for the Holy Spirit to use it to bless the readers and cause them to turn to Jesus. We only knew a few families on our street, but this paper would make an introduction.

Something very simple, but a paper or an attractive Gospel tract can often do the work, say the words which we might find difficult, be a conversation-starter. I would encourage you to try it if you haven’t already!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give us creative, God-inspired ideas how to reach others with your Word, how to tell them of your goodness and Plan of Salvation. In these turbulent days, and when people are not knowing which way to turn, shine your love out of our smile, our handshake. Warm numb deadened hearts to Life again, save and deliver, let backsliders be restored, and use us for your glory. In Jesus precious Name, we ask it, Amen.