Being Brave

From time to time we do smaller outreaches at local festivals. We would like to do more, but simply do not have time and resources. Here's a reflection of a "newbie" team member who joined us for a local outreach.

The night of the Full Moon festival, I felt like I had crash landed on Mars. I tried to play it cool, but I was nervous! I went to one club (closest experience I’ve had to a rave) in college and had such a truly terrible time that I never returned. I’m not a flashy dresser, I’m not great with modern day vernacular (I was raised by older people), and my idea of a great evening is a small get together.

So what was I doing in a parking lot, wearing a pink cowgirl hat and a black, sparkly tutu? Well, I read a book called Words that Work by Cindy McGill during a mission training that marked my life. It spoke to this desire I have as a Jesus follower to go instead of asking others to come. And to use all kinds of words and stories to point others to Jesus—just like Jesus did in His day and time.

Lily graciously allowed me—a new friend—to join her team and dive into this new river of understanding with them. Not gonna lie…it was scary. I didn’t always know what to say or do at the festival. I showed up and tried my best. I pushed through my discomfort and asked a lot of questions to my new friends in the Chai Lounge. I told them it was my first festival. I told them that I was checking out the vibe (I used the word vibe and energy more that night than at any other time in my life!)

Honestly, I didn’t pray with anyone .... I just had a lot of awesome conversations, I practiced active listening with the Holy Spirit, and I came to see seekers as humans made in the Creator’s image. My whole life I was told to avoid this crowd. That I would be led away from Jesus. That information was wrong. In fact, I felt His presence so strongly.

During an outreach, you can feel pressured to measure success by the rate of baptisms, conversions, etc. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this practice—it has a place—but it can also keep you from saying yes to new faith adventures. What if “nothing” happens? What will I tell people?

I prayed about it and asked Father, “What do you say about tonight?” What I heard was the following, “I’m proud of you. You showing up made it a win in my books.” And His words helped me. Because I needed to move from the river bank to the river, which requires getting wet. Next time, I fully expect to go farther in my conversations, to see more God moments unfold.

About the Author: Nova worked inside church walls, evangelizing and building programs for those in the pews, for 12 years. In 2022, she followed Jesus into the nucleus of the New Age people group. She realized they are seeking Jesus and understood His great love for them. She is now developing a ministry to the New Age.

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Nova is a pseudonym that signifies a new, bright star. If you would like to be invited to the private blog, see pictures from the field, and hear more stories, please fill out this short form.

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