Last year, participating in ARISE for the first time was a huge challenge that needed a lot of courage for me as someone shy and introverted. Would I be able to handle this ministry well? Fear overshadowed me due to the burden of evangelism, but it was a time when the Lord refined me, and the power of the gospel, which I had known from my brain, touched my heart deeply.
Just like the message in Hebrews 4:12, “the word of God is alive and active”, I clearly felt the Lord’s work when His word touched the hearts of souls. People passing by stopped and listened when I boldly shared the gospel.
Above all, through many conversations I had with people I met by knocking on doors, I found myself holding more compassion towards the souls around me. Seeing my family, colleagues at work, and friends, I realised once again that each soul is precious and valuable. Even if they were simply acquaintances, I did my best in every moment of meeting them, looking at them with the love and gaze of the Lord. It was a time when I learned even more about the unconditional, great love of our Lord towards us.
After participating in ARISE, my daily life has undergone many changes. I began serving on the evangelism team, travelling to Central London every Saturday morning to greet many people with greetings like ‘Morning’ and ‘Jesus loves you’ as I share gospel leaflets. My closest friends who know me well ask, “You are on the evangelism team?” It’s truly a remarkable change and a miracle for someone as shy as me to go out every week into the field of evangelism, giving out gospel leaflets to complete strangers. In the past, I avoided and stayed far away from serving in evangelism because I thought it did not suit my personality. However, now I am moving forward with the joy of evangelism and learning to anticipate what the Lord will accomplish through the ‘good news of the gospel’, not by my own abilities or strength. Sometimes, to the question ‘Jesus is still alive?’, I become wordless and only respond with a discomfiting smile. Although I need much courage and boldness each day, if the Lord is by my side, I believe He will fulfil His good intentions and make everything possible at His right timing.
Every time I engage in evangelism, I deeply feel that the field of evangelism delights God. Here in rainy London, the rain stops remarkably whenever it is time for evangelism. Even in the cold winter, where we sing praises in Leicester Sqaure is bathed in warm sunlight. Though the field of evangelism may be bustling and crowded with many people, God provides time and space for evangelism and provides strength and courage to welcome prepared souls with boldness.
The week of ARISE last year was not a period of termination but rather a starting point for the work the Lord will continue to do in the future. Our efforts and diligence for the Lord may seem to yield no immediate results, but endurance for the Lord is never in vain. Each day has become a reassurance that the Lord is still at work and that He never rests.
Through the joyful news of the gospel, I pray and hope that every soul we encountered will enjoy life as beloved children of the Lord, dwelling in His house and bearing abundant fruit.