We're in Wildwood!

Hello folks!

Isaiah and I are officially in New Jersey! This is the "first leg," I guess you could say, of our missions journey. We will be here from now until September. Though some leave earlier, we'll likely be some of the last to leave since we don't have much of a plan after this, and we want to serve here as long as possible.

We are both working for The Boardwalk Chapel which is located in Wildwood, New Jersey. It's a ministry that's been here for 71 years. It's an open air chapel smack dab in the middle of the boardwalk where folks can stop the busyness of their day and walk in to talk about Jesus. There's a Heaven&Hell machine that often draws folks in, in order to encourage conversation about Jesus and the Word. The machine has about 7 questions, and if someone answers even one wrong, the machine says they're destined for hell; if all are right, heaven lights up. Now, at first, I wasn't such a fan of this. But honestly, it's great because, here at the Boardwalk, it isn't a stand alone item. People have chapel duty, so someone on staff is always there to converse when the Heaven&Hell machine is out, should people choose to play. It's not about the questions or the verdict on the machine; it's about the conversation that happens afterwards between the person on staff and the visitor. The machine is a means to an end; the end being the ability to openly share the gospel with someone who is interested.

So, there is evangelism via the Heaven&Hell machine during the day. This is also the period of time when people on staff practice for the night programs, which happen around 8:30pm. The programs consist of drama skits, music, a sermon, and a personal testimony. Since the chapel is where everyone can see it, folks simply walk in to enjoy some entertainment & leave having heard pieces of the gospel. It's pretty amazing, and I am pumped to be a part of this!

After the night programs, it's time for the New Testament version of evangelism. In the Old Testament, people came to Israel to hear the Word just as people on the Boardwalk come to play the Heaven&Hell machine or to watch the night programs. In the New Testament, there is a sending out; the disciples & apostles go to the ends of the world to share the good news. Likewise, after the night programs, after the crowds have dispersed and more conversations at the chapel happen, we go out in teams of two to talk to people on the boardwalk about Jesus. Not everyone is receptive. In fact, some people, from what I've heard, are rather hostile, but we go & share anyway. I am praying that God will use me greatly in this though I am very scared. It has not been very often that my extroverted & crazy self is afraid, but sharing the gospel well is a tall order. I will simple need a huge dose of Holy Spirit & boldness.

So, here we are in Jersey hanging out with Elizabeth Horst (staff member) & James (who works on construction and lighting for the Boardwalk). Elizabeth & I are doing media updates while Isaiah & James work on shelving (at least I think that's what they're doing). The staff will be arriving throughout this week, and we will start staff training in evangelism soon. Then, the Boardwalk Chapel will be up & running June 13th!

Be praying for our first couple of weeks here. Pray that God would enrich our lives & our love for Him & hence our Boldness for Him.

The "first leg" of our missions journey is starting to take off.

Japan is on the horizon, somewhere in the distance (hopefully near future). But for now, here we are.

Open palmed. Face to the sky. Ready to Share the Good Word.