We have had the privilege this year of evangelizing at Auburn University, Brigham Young University, and Snow College. Our goal was to witness to others while also experiencing the joy of talking to new people, sharing about our faith, and spreading the Gospel. Personally, I have seen the Lord’s heart through these experiences.
“But God shows his love for us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
This verse conveys that God gave up His son even while we were his enemies. He proclaimed His love for us before we showed any interest in Him. That is true love. When I see the lost, I see the Lord’s love. The Lord loves the lost and desires for them to know Him personally.
Stepping into conversations with people who believe differently from me was at first nerve-racking, but I began to gain confidence in the Lord. I was reminded to see them as God sees them, which is loved and cherished. We were taught to use the burden of proof, meaning when someone makes a claim, ask questions and allow them to defend it, instead of directly arguing against their claim. This allowed us to really get to know other people’s beliefs and worldviews, which was key to knowing how to best share the gospel with them. I loved listening to their hearts because, despite people’s differences, they all have the same need for Jesus.
These experiences challenged my faith, grew my compassion for the lost, and deepened my dependence on the Holy Spirit. It challenged my faith because many people had believable points, new ideas, or twisted truths that were very thought-provoking. While it grew my thoughts about my faith, it also grew my compassion for the lost. Talking to them made me realize how much some people truly do want to know the truth. Speaking to new people is often intimidating because there are many unknowns, but I have to lean on the one thing that I know: the Holy Spirit is with me always.
Throughout our many different experiences evangelizing on college campuses, the Lord worked in amazing ways. We went to Auburn University first, and this is where my love for people grew even more, especially for the lost. My partner and I sat down with several people for over an hour, listening to them speak about their personal worldview. My heart broke to hear that their hope and purpose for life was not rooted in Christ. My trip to Utah consisted of many similar conversations, mostly with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). One conversation that stood out was with an LDS member who brought up some good points, challenging both my partner’s and my faith. This conversation and others during my time in Utah caused me to dig into my own faith and truly think about why I believe what I believe. It was very life-changing, and my love and compassion grew for the LDS church. They are so kind and truly think they believe the truth, but it is not the truth of the gospel. I can choose to let this encourage me to share the Gospel with zeal.
This experience has shaped the way I will share the Gospel moving forward, by getting to know the person and their worldview first. Do not be ashamed of sharing the Gospel; It is the most powerful thing you can share, therefore share it in love and boldness.
Bella Ray – Class XX