Last Sunday (Father's Day), I had the opportunity to preach at our church. I spoke on a verse (1 Thessalonians 2:8) that both Jen and I had studied over the years with the Navigators. We also use it during our support-raising presentations when describing what a one-on-one discipleship relationship is like.

When we share the gospel with nonChristians, there has to be some context for it. In cold-turkey evangelism, we create the context in 10 seconds, whether by questionnaire, tract, or some other method. But there is another way that is more personal and easily doable by all: lifestyle evangelism.

Lifestyle evangelism is not converting someone merely with your good works, it's a method of sharing the gospel through relationships that have built over time. It is the integration of evangelism as a process in your life as opposed to an activity you schedule on your calendar. Addtionally, the context in which you share the gospel is the relationship you have built with a nonChristian.

The gospel itself is a real solution to a real problem, and those real problems can only be assessed within a deep relationship. Sin is ugly, and mankind's natural tendency is to hide it. The gospel is the light of Christ that exposes our sin, and it's designed to do it no matter how deep it is buried.

It's nearly impossible to share the gospel at a surface, chit-chat level, mainly because the gospel is not about surface chit-chat, level things. It is about the deep brokeness that we all have.

Pray everyday that God would help you to deepen all of your relationships at work, school, and the neighborhood. He will bring you to a point with your friends and family where you can then say you were "well pleased" to share the gospel.

Host your own Australia Day party with the Dwyers!

Invite your fiends and family to learn more about Australia and World Missions.

As the Dwyers continue to raise support for their missions-move to Australia, getting the word out is essential! Can you help?

You provide the snack/dessert and the house.

We provide the information.

Contact us if you're interested in hosting an Australia Day party with the Dwyers at your home!

Well, I finally got the edited version of our radio debut on Abounding Grace. Amy Henry and Pastor Reddit Andrews interviewed Jen and me in studio about our missions vision for Australia. It aired the following week during drive-time on Wednesday in the Sacramento area on KFIA.

Though it was a nervous experience, we are glad we did it and are praying that God will have used it to expand listeners' understanding of world missions. Click here to give it a listen.

Update on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 11:45AM by Chris

I've updated the link to the audio file. There was a pesky ampersand in the filename. It should work OK now. :-)

Since our radio interview (which I will post here in the next couple of days, once we get the edited version) we've made a trip to Paso Robles and Atascadero. We were the overnight guests of a gracious couple form the church we visited (Covenant Presbyterian Church of Paso Robles). Naomi had a great time, as always.

I was able to share after the church service with some of the congregation about our vision for collegiate ministry in Sydney, Australia, and I, of course, demonsrated my didgeridoo.

Last Sunday, I was given the opportunity to preach at Sanctuary of Praise in Vallejo. This PCA church plant has a passion for missions and won't let its size get in the way of making an impact for God's kingdom overseas. They are also a supporting church of the Pettengills in Honduras.

I actually preached the sermon twice - the second time being that evening at Soaring Oaks Church. I spoke on Matthew 4:19, about discipleship and God's vision for world missions. Click here if you would like to hear it.

This week we will be driving down to southern California for a group presentation. Thanks for your prayers and support!

This week was the week of interviews. The first was with the author of the church newsletter at First Baptist Church of Sacramento. Two weeks prior, Jen, Naomi, and I visited this church and got to share our missions vision and need with the congregation. We were warmly welcomed and also enjoyed a church luncheon afterwards. I'll post the newsletter article here once it is written.

The second interview was this morning at the KFIA (710 AM) in Sacramento. Though it was recorded, we were still a little nervous. Afterwards, however, all agreed that we had recorded a successfull 23 minutes for airing next week. It should play Wednesday, 4/22 at 4 pm and Saturday, 4/25 at 7 am and 10 pm. You can listen online as it airs at KFIA's website or just wait for me to post it.

We will be traveling to Paso Robles this weekend for a church visit. Please pray for us as we travel and present to the congregation there.