Day 22 : Witnessing At The Mall

Yesterday I mentioned how the security at the campus of AUM, Auburn University of Montgomery discussed with me the rules and regulations of free speech on campus after someone reported me preaching. Well today, another run in with the law, but at the local mall in town.

For some time, well over a year, I have been standing around at intersections in town with witnessing signs that tell people to be "sanctified or french fried." Just kidding... "Where will you spend eternity? Repent & Believe the Gospel is what it actually says.

Since I began doing this type of evangelism, I haven't had many issues with the law or owners of properties except when I first began, the owner of a jewelry store across the street from the mall said I could not stand at the intersection in front of his store, for the reason that if he let me, he would have to let skinheads, crazy people, and so on stand there. So I moved across the street in front of the mall. I can say too, I haven't seen any skinheads, crazy people or any other group come and stand on a corner as I did, thankfully I moved...

Well today, I made my way out to Eastdale Mall with my sign. Within minutes, mall security showed up informing that the corner was mall property and I would have to move along. "No problem," I said, as I made the point that for over a year, I have been doing this and no one has said a thing. "We have a new mall manager and he is cracking down on things", he replied.


As we walked toward my car and his vehicle, I tried to witnessed with him, giving him a gospel tract and quickly explaining it to him. He gladly took the tract and told me where I could stand that was a good spot down the road that was a good intersection and off of mall property. I shook his hand and thanked him.

If you have done any evangelism, mostly likely you have tried the mall. There are lots of people and it is temperature controlled. A great fishing spot. If you have witnessed there, you probably have had run-ins with the mall security and told you could not pass out tracts. I posted a link on yesterday's journal post on dealing with the police, witnessing at malls, and dealing with security somewhat falls in the same category but the mall has a few more things than just dealing with security.

I found a few more links I would like to share. I hope it helps you if you witness at mall or if you have been kicked out. Thank you for your time and I hope you were encouraged to share your faith as I am sharing mine.. By the way, the picture of the man and young girl holding signs, aren't of me, but or Roger who makes my signs for me. If you desire your own sign, check him out at WatchmanGospelSigns.com

http://www.chick.com/bc/1997/smalltable.asp

http://thelawmanchronicles.blogspot.com/2008/06/now-thats-great-question_06.html

http://thelawmanchronicles.blogspot.com/2010/08/great-news-for-evangelism-in-california.html

Light the darkness
David
EvangelizeYourCity.org

Day 17: We Fight Not Against Flesh & Blood

Today started out just as I had planned for the most part. I made my way out near Eastchase Mall to stand at the busy intersection with one of my witnessing signs. The weather was fine, not to hot with a cool breeze. I had been out there for about thirty minutes when I began to fill trapped in the middle of the intersection between on coming traffic.

I found myself hard to breath and a bit nervous. I drank some water and continued praying. For the first time in my life, I felt as if I was having an anxiety attack of some sort. As I prayed, I felt as if it was just a mind thing and I kept telling myself that over and over. As quick as it came on me, it left.

As traffic slowed down, I made my way across the street back to my vehicle, where I relaxed and prayed. I felt as if this was more than just a simple anxiety attack.

Later in the day, I prepared to go back out to the Troy Montgomery and do some witnessing in the campus, when just the thought of it, I felt a type of fear, much like earlier in the day besiege me.

I knew that I was fighting more that nerves and fear, but the enemy. I figured I must have done something to get him on my tail. I called a few buddies and voiced my concern to some online friends to pray for me as I still prepared to go out witnessing.

My fears subsided once I made my way downtown. I continued to pray and thank our Lord for the opportunity to share His word and prayed that he would speak through me.

I was not able to preach as I had planned, but was blessed to have met and spoke with many people, one who said he was an agnostic. After speaking with him, he had been searching and was very open minded to a point. He knew there had to be something out there but figured if he just lived a good life, then God would understand.

Others that I met was Freda, an older lady who lost her job and decided to go back to school to finish her Masters. She actually encouraged me on a few things since I recently lot my job.

There was more people I had the privilege to talk and hand a tract to, including some Christians who asked for extra tracts to hand out.

I wonder who was so important that the enemy would have to try to discourage me from going out? The answer to that is simple, everyone. The Everyone is important as everyone needs a Savior.

Ephesians 6:12 tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

I once heard an evangelist speak about when we begin to share our faith, we make in onto Satan's top ten list. We can often forget when we share our faith, that he is very displeased. He is very happy if we remain fearful and never share our faith. If we never step out of our comfort zones to tell others of the hope that is within us.

I am not worried about more attacks, my trust is in the Creator God, the Almighty King. He is my refuge, My God.

Please pray for those I met today and for more opportunities to continue sharing my faith as I am able to. My prayer is that God would use this journal to glorify His name and encourages you and others to go out and share the gospel with all you can.

Light the darkness
David
www.EvangelizeYourCity.org