Around this time last year when I first came to GVC, I was deeply moved by the testimonies from the 2022 ARISE event. It sparked a small hope within me, wondering if I could participate in ARISE someday. Then, when I heard that ARISE would be happening again this year, I mustered the courage to participate part-time. I had concerns about my English skills and whether I would be able to effectively share the message of Jesus. However, during the preparation process for ARISE, I had the opportunity to prayerfully prepare for and learn about how to answer some of the challenging questions from non-believers, how to evangelise to Muslims, understand the local community and organize appropriate communal events.
The day to attend ARISE approached before I knew it. I couldn’t help but feel unprepared and worried. However, when I heard from my fellow participants that we could rely on prayer for preparation, I sought to be filled with the Holy Spirit and prayed for the souls that God wanted to call through ARISE. Due to health issues, I could only attend for one day, but thankfully, I was told that there would be time for door-to-door evangelism on Saturday. “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” (Acts 4:29). Before the evangelism, while meditating together with Flowing Rivers Church, I realized once again that even if we lack boldness, we could ask and receive from God, who is gracious to give.
Together with my partner, we set out to knock on the doors of residents in Dagenham area. It was challenging at first, but as I followed my partner’s guidance, I gained confidence and found it enjoyable. Some residents showed resistance, but their reactions didn’t bother us as much as we had expected. Instead, we were encouraged by those who warmly welcomed us and listened to our stories. The most memorable encounter was with a Muslim individual. He told us that he did not believe in Jesus as the Saviour and was uncertain about going to heaven if he was to die today. He hoped he could go to heaven, but he wasn’t unsure. We shared with him that because God loves us so much, He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross, and those who believe in Him have already received the blessings of salvation and freedom from sin and judgment. We invited him to God’s kingdom with unwavering conviction. Our role ended there, but we hope that the seed of the Gospel will grow within him with the help of the Holy Spirit.
In the evening, a Music Night event was held, and it was a grateful time where local residents and church members gathered to enjoy Andy Kim’s cello performance and the praise from Flowing Rivers Church members. It was a festive occasion filled with joy and giving glory to God. Seeing all the fellow workers gathered together to serve God was beautiful. I could feel the love and devotion in everyone’s hearts towards God, which deeply touched me. I felt that God would also be very pleased and delighted.
Although my participation in ARISE was short, it was a precious time where I could evangelise in the UK, which I had previously thought of as challenging, and gain valuable experiences. Throughout the process of evangelism, I felt God’s presence and guidance, and His grace was evident. I realized how joyful and grateful it is to be used by God to proclaim and share His love with others. This experience has motivated me to grow as a Christian and be used by God for His Kingdom in the future. Sharing the Gospel feels like the most loving thing to do for God and my neighbours. In my everyday life, I want to focus more on evangelism and consider it as my mission to boldly spread the Gospel to many souls in London.
