Restaurant evangelism

I am supposed to be on vacation from my part-time job.  So, today Jim and I went out for a day trip.  We decided to head south to a restaurant known for great biscuits and gravy.  The busy freeway offers many truck-stop restaurants each with their own signature décor and food offerings.  Our restaurant of choice had stopped serving their breakfast biscuits by the time we arrived, so we opted for lunch.

What I find unique about this restaurant, and usually not found in most places of business, is the message of the love of God.  A reader board in the foyer read “Repentance means hating sin enough to turn from it” with a scripture reference to Hosea 6:1-6.  Just inside the front door, in front of the pie rack so you cannot miss it, was a revolving bookrack stuffed with books of inspiration, devotional materials, how to books on finances and even some Bible trivia.  Also, on our table a flyer proclaimed the message of good news for your day.

I know it is rare to find these good news messages in the typical restaurant or any business.  It seems the norm is for owners to be politically correct so as not to offend anyone who may want to shop or eat at their business.  However safe that is, the alternative has eternal consequences.

 The meaning of “good news” or “gospel” is from the translated Greek word for “evangelism.”  In Local Church in Evangelism (p.27), the end objective of evangelism is a disciple–a committed and faithful follower of Christ. 

 We proclaim him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ.  Colossians 1:28

 As a believer it is not our responsibility to convince someone to make a decision for Christ; all we need do is “proclaim” the message that Jesus is the answer–He changes lives.  I am finding the simplest way to share is to just tell what Christ has done in my life.  Trying to come up with just the right scripture or defend a “truth” someone wants to pursue, just causes distraction from the real purpose – to share Jesus.  Being an effective witness does not necessarily depend on how long a person has followed Christ or even how spiritually mature he or she is.  (Evangelism, p.29)  

The restaurant we were in today is using the opportunity of providing food to share the good news with customers.  Our opportunities may come entirely different as we work or play with our friends and family. 

I am Learning – In His Time – He will lead me