The River Church Community

Christ' thoughts continued...(see previous entry)

Chris on church growth and evangelism

“One of the most interesting things we heard was about evangelism in Liberia. Sheppard told me that Liberians have "itchy ears" for the Gospel. (I love this imagery!!) Lots of Liberians told us about sharing the Gospel with total strangers, but the most amazing idea was actually sparked by something we saw by the side of the road. We asked there was such a large group of people along the side of the road, circled up. One of the possibilities.....someone preaching the Gospel, for whoever would listen. Later we asked someone about, and their reaction was fairly calm, as if the idea is commonplace. I am still flabbergasted by the thought of going out, and just standing on the corner, preaching boldly. As we were talking about, we realized that in most places in the U.S. such an attempt would result in mocking at least, and a lawsuit at most, not conversion of by-passers.”

“One of the most exciting things that we saw was the growth of the church. The church we were at, New Life Bible Church, Jacobtown, was started in a house. It grew very quickly, and is now meeting in a regular building. Following that same model of housechurch to meeting in a public building, NLBC now has 5 other branches, and our team got the chance to go visit all but one of those branch churches as well. Very inspiring. One of the congregations was meeting in a schoolhouse, at least 15 yards away from any kind of road. Really IN the community. To get to it, we walked past a huge mango tree, which had a guy lounging underneath in his lawn chair. It was so interesting. Another church is growing, and recently had some land donated where they will be able to build a building. A much needed building, as currently they are meeting in a breezeway between two houses. Swelteringly hot. Really made stark how blessed our church is.”