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Missions and any kind of ministry involves the development of close relationships with others. While this obviously doesn’t happen overnight, there is usually a moment that started moving the relationship from “acquaintance” to “friend.”

Unfortunately we find ourselves often over-thinking this connection moment, making it a lot more complicated than necessary.

It’s easy to forget that in the end connection doesn’t come from a program, book, or series of lessons.

It comes from random acts of kindness

Last Saturday I finished a ten-mile run with some training partners, and to be honest wasn’t feeling too good [1]. While walking up to the area were we sign in and out of training I noticed free coffee, donuts, and bagels sitting on a table.

Five minutes later I was devouring a cinnamon crunch bagel from Panera..and as you could imagine my legs didn’t hurt that much anymore.

My favorite part of the morning was watching the expression on runners faces the first moment they noticed the table with free food; it isn’t every day you see someone go from exhaustion to excitement that quickly.

The goodies actually came from a sales representative who was allowing us to try out a companies running watch that morning. But something tells me we will remember her act of kindness a lot longer than the product she was selling.

There are many people in the world who are struggling with things much more serious than physical exhaustion. And it’s those people who desperately need a random act of kindness.

1. An encouraging word
2. A listening ear
3. Being surprised with their favorite snack
4. Someone who will defend and fight for them
5. Someone who asks “seriously how are you doing?”

It’s acts like this that go far deeper than a cinnamon crunch bagel, and meet the greater need.

because deep down we all just want to be loved.

February 6 Update from John Wilburn on Vimeo.

Then Gospel Still Works from John Wilburn on Vimeo.

On Wednesday I met with a group about the possibility of volunteering with their prison based literacy program. As usual one of the first questions asked was “what do you do for a living?” and I explained my calling as a Missionary to Australia.

After discussing their goals (and how that would fit with me) one of them asked how my religious background would affect this ministry.

I am actually very glad they asked this question (and bring up the subject myself if they don’t) because it’s important they understand how the Gospel will be shared [1]

Actually explaining this to the organization is the easy part…the hard part is actually starting those gospel conversations.

For that you need to become a Gospel Ninja

A gospel ninja is someone who is constantly looking for opportunities to share a truth of Scripture [2] in a relaxed way that isn’t confrontational (the person initiates, or God just opens a door for the truth to be shared, the message of course will be confrontational)

My number one rule for being a gospel ninja is I will only answer questions that people ask me about religion

Sadly in todays culture openly sharing the gospel in places like work or school can get a person into trouble. However if we are simply answering a question then there will be little or no consequences.

“Okay” you may be thinking, “how do I get them to ask the questions?.” While nothing works all of the time, here are some lessons I’ve learned about becoming a gospel ninja.

1.  Make sure they know your a Christian: This isn’t done in an arrogant way, you simply make Christianity your identity so that everyone realizes your a follower of Christ.

2.  Live a Godly testimony: Unfortunately many of the unsaved have met Christians who don’t live for Christ at all so they are going to be watching you very closely [3]. Living a consistent testimony in front of them is one of the gospel ninja’s most powerful weapons 

3.  Get involved in Conversations: Conversations where others are sharing their views on a subject are great opportunities to be a gospel ninja. While this isn’t answering questions, since everyone is sharing their own views it’s unlikely giving a Christian perspective will create issues.

4.  Offer to Explain Your Views: I like to tell individuals if they ever want to learn more about Christianity I would be happy to explain it to them. This is especially useful after you’ve gained thier trust with a Godly testimony

(“I live this way because I’m a Christian, if you ever want to understand what that means then let me know”)

5.  Show Genuine Concern: We all have bad days (or crisis situations) and this is a great opportunity to show them the love of Christ. It also allows a Christian to give a personal testimony of how the Lord helped them in that kind of situation [4].

6.  Be Patient: The most difficult part of being a gospel ninja is waiting for God to open a door instead of forcing it open ourselves. While waiting for that opening fill your time with prayer, relationship development, and Scripture.

It truly breaks my heart that we live in a culture where sharing the Gospel openly can lead to a reprimand. The good news is with some work and patience we can be an awesome witness for Christ.

And of course the best news is the Gospel always works.