One of the regularly busiest places in Fredericton is the market every Saturday morning.Starting this Saturday, a few Christian friends and I are going to preach there, and plan on going consistently every week. Asking for you prayers, that the Lord would empower us to preach and that people would be saved! In Jesus name, Amen.
Brother that is tremendous, I do pray and hope the Lord annoints you for this preaching. Do get your strength and sufficiency from Him.I would love to hear some praise reports and experiences good or bad of how it is to do this and step out in faith. I am sure it would encourage many and maybe even be a catylst for others to go out and do the same thing in their area.
Absolutely
Eli,Are you setting a time (or the time of the market), on which we can focus our prayer? It would help me to see this in GMT, or, your timezone specifically, so I can work out when you will be ministering. Thanks.
Umm, I'm not great with figuring out time zones.I live in New Brunswick (eastern Canada) and we'll be out there preaching every Saturday from about 9:00 - 12:00 am.Thank you!-Eli
This could be an trend the Holy Spirit is doing. Brother Josh Olson preaches in the park here from about 7am-9am (pacific standard time) on saturdays. Which is about 10am-1pm (eastern standard time).
Eli,That is incredible. Maybe one of these days I'll get bold enought to do the same. Reminds me of Wesley! Please let us know of any positive results.
I thought it worth finding a link with a map to help us work out the time differences between us all. I like to pray at the time something is happening, if at all possible. That's easier for me (being ahead) - but not so easy if you really should be asleep. At present in the UK we have British Summer Time (BST) which is one hour ahead of GMT and 5 hours ahead of EDT, where I think you are, Eli.The Greenwich meridian, (line from north to south pole), zero degrees, crosses London (UK). Usually the other lines on a globe are 15 degrees apart, which gives 24 lines in all - 24 hours. (Yes, this means the earth rotates - west to east - one degree every 4 minutes.)http://www.worldtimezone.com/
We spent the entire morning doing evangelism at the market. Early in the morning people were flocking to the market, heading right in to do their buying. We handed out tracks and my friend did presentations using a paintboard. We weren't allowed in the market, so there were no crowds but tons of people walking into the marketplace.In the meantime, I left the area looking for a crowd elsewhere. I found a large line of people waiting to buy tickets for a music festival coming to town sometime later. This is where I first preached. I set up my soapbox right next to the line and began from John 3:36. Some people turned their backs right to me. Another shouted, "Stone him!" but everyone in the line heard the message and it was effective.Nearing the afternoon is when people began lounging all around the market. This is when we hit hard. There were crowds all over the green and the sidewalks, so I set up the box in the green and preached. After that, a friend and I moved to a sidewalk and sang a hymn, then I preached to those who were there. Many people were listening intently.It was encouraging when a few Christians came over after and talked to us. We got to talk to a few non-believers after as well about the Lord.It was a successful morning and I'm looking forward to next week. Thank you for your prayers, and let's keep it up until we see the salvation of our God and souls changed for glory!In Christ,-Eli
This is truly encouraging! Thank you for this detailed report. Singing a hymn with just one other person sounds brave but is a great way to get attention and encourage some people to listen longer and take something away which has deeply touched them.
Eli, Just wanted to encourage you to continue showing up at the Marketplace you guys went to last weekend. Consistency has the ability to speak more loudly and show more concern to your hearers and will have a greater long term affect on the souls that come week after week to do their shopping. Brother Leonard Ravenhill refers to the effectiveness of this in the Interview video before he went to be with the Lord. May God continue to keep you broken and humble before Him. Stay teachable, brother.
May God continue to keep you broken and humble before Him. Stay teachable, brother.Amen.
ELi Barnabas:Your enthusiasm and courage are inspiring! May our Father lead you all the way, you have a willing heart.Bless you and your friends :-) W B
Eli,Keep it up, brother! If you keep raising the bar, my friend and I will have to bring the soapbox to the square one of these days. Reading Wesley's accounts of street preaching, it was never a "jolly" experience. The first time we hit our town square I thought one of us might get punched. All I could think of was "hated for the Word's sake."The next day, one of the guys that seemed the most offended by our message saw my witnessing buddy at the store, approached him and shook his hand, thanking him for what we had done. He even asked how the rest of the night went.We won't know the true impact we have made until "The Roll is Called Up Yonder."
Tomorrow we hit the streets again. I would appreciate your prayers.In Him we live,-Eli
How are things going, Eli? Praying for you...
Sorry about the late reply... I only have internet access at work and Monday was a holiday (New Brunswick Day, did you celeberate it? :-) )Yes, in the morning on Saturday we (four of us this time) began the mission once again. The early part of the morning was spend tracking and my friend Sam did his presentation with the paintboard. We were able to present the gospel to a group of children! Their parents wanted to go but the kids wanted to watch so they all heard it.We also got to speak with a young homeless man named Josh. For a while he kept saying: "God doesn't exist" but after, when he came up to us we were able to talk to him about it. He left encouraged but I would ask you all to pray for him. He has gruesome cuts all over his arm which I'm sure he inflicted on himself. Pray for Josh.Nearing the aftertoon is when I preached. The four of us went out on the green where people were lounging around and we sang "At Calvary". Then I preached on the text MENE MENE TEKEL UPHARSIN.We then crossed the road to the busiest section of the market and repeated what we had done on the green.Street preaching is a challenge, but we plan on persevering every Saturday and, O Lord, I hope and pray that souls would come to You. May Your Word not return empty!God bless, brothers and sisters,-Eli
Praise the Lord, Eli. It will be easy for me to remember to pray for Josh...he has a really great name...lol.Know that God is looking to show Himself by doing the impossible in and through you. Again, be reminded to stay humble before Him and allow Him to use you to the fullest. Pour out what He has been pouring in.
Last Saturday was much more powerful than the last two missions.I had prepared a sermon to preach but on the way to the market I was praying "Lord, you told us not to worry about what to say when we stand before men, and you promised to give us the words to say... Lord, keep that promise this morning!"When I reached the market I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to not preach the sermon I had ready (not that I use notes when I preach, but I had chosen my text). But I was drawn to Mark 12, the text: "Which is the greatest commandment?". So without any preparation or anything, I got up and just started by reading the Scripture.Well, I knew the Holy Ghost was behind me and he indeed put the words in my mouth. There was the anointing that morning, the unction, the power, it was Holy Ghost preaching! Glory to God for keeping His promise and glory to the Spirit for doing all the work! I say this to encourage us to trust in the Lord and not to rely on our own strength. That's how I want to preach!I was able to talk to some people after, and I'm excited for next week. Thank you Jesus!In Christ, and to encourage the brethren,-EliPS: Another note, I was all alone this time. No one came out to help... save the Lord!
Eli_Barnabas I have been reading your posting and all the threads. This is truly amazeing and this last Saturday you and the Holy Spirit together Amen. Keep on with your mission to save souls. In the Spirit the Holy Spirit. preach on eli. Amen.I pray God would fill you with boldness and truth. Amen.That is how people would have seen, my very youngest brother about 8yrs ago. Cuts on the arms as well as drugs, drink, despair, depression, dying. Our fervent prayers were answered truly a miracle.He came to the Lord and has been living and working at a christian church in Devon UK for the last 8years.b]The person you met his name being Josh[/b].Pray fervently everyone, lets see Joshin the kingdom, knowing the love of Jesus for him. Pray also for his protection against all that which surrounds him, for the brokeness and the darkness in his life. Amen.You see eli, a broken soul for us to pray for. Thankyou you Oh! God, for bringing this Josh to eli for us to pray for. Amen.In the love of the Lord.ellie
I love the way you call each Saturday a 'mission'. This is a good way to keep it fresh. Praise the Lord for His leadings in fresh ways. Good practise to preach without notes, too. ;-)
Dear friends,Tomorrow will be a very busy day for me as I am preaching in the morning at the market, then in the afternoon I'm going to give two lectures on evangelism in a neighboring city. So I'm speaking three times tomorrow and I ask that whoever would... please pray for me, for strength and wisdom, and most of all: the anointing of the Holy Ghost.Thank you, brothers and sisters-Eli
Hi Will be praying now and in my heart Saturday.Almighty God I give you praise for eli. I thank you, that you do lead him on in your work for your Kingdom.I ask that you would go before him and prepare the way for his venues.That even now, that you would pour the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon him. That all who hear the message of you at the three venues, would hear with their ears and with their hearts and recieve you as the truth.Amenellie
Dear brothers and sisters, let me fill you in on something wonderful that happened on Saturday:I went to the market with my mother this time, I was so appreciative that she came, she is an amazing woman of God! We found two other Christian friends there and the four of us sang a hymn before the crowd, "My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less."Well, I got up to preach and about a quarter way into my sermon something incredible happened... the Holy Spirit literally fell upon me and it was literally like I stopped preaching and someone else took over. This deep deep profound urgency and earnestness came over me and I began to preach so hard, practically crying, shouting my lung out, people all over started to stop in their tracks and listen with concern! It was remarkable, people who were walking by stopped dead and started listening intently!I can say that has never happened to me before that way, the Lord taking over a sermon like that! I pray He would do that everytime and put me out of the picture! It was wonderful! Powerful! It was like real Holy Ghost anointed preaching, felt like something Wesley or Finney would of felt, really an awesome session of preaching, saints! Thank you for all the prayers that have been sent my way, the Lord is doing something over here in eastern Canada, I know something is going to happen!Here's some more good news and another prayer request:Yesterday I was praying to the Lord, "Oh Lord, I want to serve You, I want to serve You, I want to be a bringer of Your Word, use me Oh Lord!" and all of a sudden, at that moment, the telephone rang and it was a man I met a long time ago... he was calling to ask me to come preach at the morning service AND evening service at their church on the 18th of September! I was thrilled by this gift from the Lord!"Delight yourselves in the Lord and He will give the desires of Your heart."Well let me tell you, one of my greatest desires (and I've never prayed for it) was to preach the Word of God in church, behind a pulpit, before I was 20 years old... and dear saints, the Lord knew it, because I turn 20 in November, so the Lord is good! The Lord is good! I'm just really excited, this is such an honor and priviledge for me, bless His Name!God bless, saints, please pray for the boldness and anointing for this next Saturday and for the 18th of September. May I indeed be a bringer of the Word of God and a faithful servant of our King!In Christ,-Eli
Well Eli,Saturday to Monday is a long time to wait for your reports, but this one sure was worth the waiting! Hallelujah! A wonderful description too.I'm sure I won't be the only one remembering the 18th September with you. For now, after such an experience on Saturday, be ware of your vulnerability and let nothing little separate you from the Lord. Wrest every resistance to His will, back under His control and stick to Him like a Brother.
Eli, this is tremendously encouraging news to hear of the mission outreaches - it is always a blessing to hear of others doing the street preaching, and witnessing. I would like to get in contact with you if possible, if you could email me, Ricky Earle, at repentcanada@gmail.com that would be appreciated. Bless the LORD!
Large crowd last Saturday (nearly everyone in the vicinity), it seemed like everyone in that entire area of the market was listening, I don't remember hearing a pin drop in the busy marketplace as I preached... it was like everything stopped, no one was moving and everyone was listening to the Word. Remarkable.
Now we know why you're having a tough time the rest of the week, as I thought you may....Will be praying you continue to fill yourself with good things from the Lord, and also, prepare for Him to come and work with you in even more tangible ways, on Saturdays. Do you have a plan for those who come through into Christ?
I am soon to start to go out to do some one-on-one evangelism at our local Rochester, NY Public Market...There are 1000's of people that come every Saturday morning. What made me think of going there is the JW are there passing out the Watchtower magazine to everybody as well.I will let you know how it goes. Pray for me. I will be taking some of my children along to pass out gospel tracts.In Christ,Doug Renz
A couple weeks ago there were some Jehovah Witnesses going around the marketplace talking to people. When I saw them getting near I started preaching (a bit earlier than usual, but I couldn't miss this chance!). Well, they got an earful and left the market with their tails between their legs. I suppose they thought they were doing a good service but once they heard the Word of God they turned their backs to me, never looked at me, and left in a stupor.Well, if the JW's will go around the market's sharing a false gospel, we Christians ought to get out there with the truth! Come on, Christians! Let the JW's at least be a motivater to get out there and work the fields!-Eli
Dorcas,Yes, I have been having a tough week... a tough life ever since I've started this. Please continue to pray for me. The devil is prodding me with all sorts of evil, I find myself questioning my own salvation at times. Help me Jesus!Well, I don't really have a plan for people if they get saved other than give them a Bible, point them to pray and leave them in the hands of God. The churches in Fredericton are rank with compromise and weakness. It's hard to know where to send people.-Eli
I think it's great you've got Bibles ready. I'm not the one to offer what you could advise more than you've stated, but I know usually, it is recommended people look for a church to attend, or at least, to testify to a Christian whom they know, or whom they find, now they are looking for someone to share with.Will be praying for fruit.
HI Eli,I am from Moncton and have some dear friends in Freddy. One of whom is a God gifted evangelist and would probably love to speak with you. This brother has done some music/preaching outreach in the downtown through the summers. If you want I can give you his contact info. Praise God that He has given you a zeal for souls and a gift of proclaiming His word. Maybe my family will come up to the market some Saturday and serve alongside with you :) May God bless you and keep you in His gracious arms brother. To know Him and love Him - ah sweet Jesus I surrender.
I preached myself hoarse last Saturday. I could literally say no more and stepped off the box, asking a friend of mine to finish. There was not much of a response this Saturday... not like last week.I will continue to preach: Lord Jesus, I can do nothing apart from You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and run the Sword through the hearts of all who hear Your voice. Oh God, may Your precious work of Calvary reach us here in Fredericton.Please continue to pray for this undertaking. All prayers are wholly appreciated.God bless, SI-Eli
This whole thread gets me excited. Makes me feel just peachy.. oh I mean preachy!
Eli,I'm sorry to hear it was tough but well done for persevering. I hope you are allowing yourself to press on in the word and praise and prayer, that the Lord may convert this disappointment into hope.Greg has posted a Devotional by O Chambers called THE MIRACLE OF BELIEF, which seems to be directed specifically at aspiring preachers. You may be blessed to take it in, when you can, here: https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=6951&forum=45&1I hope also, you take up the offer of the brother who posted above you here, to meet up and join in your work. Truly, SI is a wonderful venue! 8-) I will continue to pray for you.
Thank you Dorcas.Yes, I PM'ed him. :-)
I should definitly post this, it is wonderful:The Miracle of Belief"My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom..." (1 Corinthians 2:4)Paul was a scholar and an orator of the highest degree; he was not speaking here out of a deep sense of humility, but was saying that when he preached the gospel, he would veil the power of God if he impressed people with the excellency of his speech. Belief in Jesus is a miracle produced only by the effectiveness of redemption, not by impressive speech, nor by wooing and persuading, but only by the sheer unaided power of God. The creative power of redemption comes through the preaching of the gospel, but never because of the personality of the preachter.Real and effective fasting by a preacher is not fasting from food, but fasting from eloquence, from impressive diction, and from everything else that might hinder the gospel of God being presented. The preacher is there as the representative of God - "...as though God were pleading through us..." (2 Corinthians 5:20). He is there to present the gospel of God. If it is only because of my preaching that people desire to be better, they will never get close to Jesus Christ. Anything that flatters me in my preaching of the gospel will result in making me a traitor to Jesus, and I prevent the creative power of His redemption from doing its work."And I, if I am lifted up..., will draw all peoples to Myself" (John 12:32).[My Utmost for His Highest - July 17]
Amen Eli, thanks for posting bro, it's so true! Lord help me!..."inner purity results in outer power"
Greg has posted a Devotional by O Chambers called THE MIRACLE OF BELIEFWow...wonderful to be mistaken for Greg :-)I posted that one...haha...and I posted it because God spoke to my heart with that message, since I was going to distribute Gospels at my work (where I left) and wanted to share some of the Gospel with them.That went well by the way...but anyway...yes Eli and Linn...this is a wonderful truth! Not by might, nor by power...but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. Eli wrote:Yes, I PM'ed him.Eey...I didn't receive any :-PBless you all,In Him,Paul
Eey...I didn't receive anyThat's probably because I didn't PM you, but Servant2U, whom I was talking to Dorcas about! :-) God bless, Des-Eli
Wow...wonderful to be mistaken for Greg Bro,I'm so glad you pointed this out! I have a watch on 'sloppy thinking' but see, I need to pay more attention to my own.... Yesterday I replied to several Devotionals and I did notice they were not all posted by Greg - but I forgot to look today. *sigh* :-?Eli,I'm glad you were blessed. 8-)
Tomorrow is going to be the busiest day of the year at the market. Because of the return of all the students to the university, there will be droves of young people at the very spot where I will be preaching. Apparently downtown will be busy with activity all day, which will give me opportunity to speak several times in different places.Please pray for Holy Ghost anointing and that no matter how I preach, it will be the pricking of the heart by the Spirit of God, that will capture these young people.Please pray for me, whoever reads this.Glory to Jesus,-Eli
AMEN! Yeah I can't wait for tomorrow night. There is a football game here and I plan on doing some street preaching. I will be praying for you.Who ever thought that the Christian life wasn't exciting wasn't a Christian.
Hi Eli,I will be praying for you for sure. I hope too, there is an opportunity to speak personally with some of those who hear you.I suggest you announce, before you speak, that you are open to talk to people afterwards and invite those who wish to hear you out to come forward and say hello. Maybe you usually do this, but, in a very busy site, I think it would help people to focus on what you have to say, if they are sure they can challenge you privately afterwards. Maybe you'll be able to lead some to the Lord.I do think too, it would be good (if you don't already have informal links) to try and keep a note of where those who respond are going to be based - living or studying - and really encourage them to call you to go up and meet them there some other time. Even two or three visits may help them to connect with other nearer Christians who can take them on. It really is exciting to hear how God is using you each time you go. I will be praying tomorrow bears lasting fruit.
I will be praying for you Eli and for the people in the market.Amen.I look forward each week to you announcing to us, that you are going to the Market to Preach.Glory to God.ellie
I will be praying for you, PreachParsly.Quote:Who ever thought that the Christian life wasn't exciting wasn't a Christian. Your right there.Before this wonderful thing happened for me. I used to think if I become a Christian. I will have to get up on a Sunday Morning to go to Church and I'll have to go in the evening. Drudgery oh no boring, I don't think I can do it. This of course was how I had felt, when I had gone to some Church's years before. It felt like God was just a Dot in the Universe, far away.And then I was filled with the Holy Spirit, in my own home and it all changed to Joy. Knowing his Greatness. Thankyou God for loving me enough. To have Mercy upon me and by your Grace, taking me unto yourself.Glory to you Lord God Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth and all that is in it and upon. Amenellie
Well dear friends at SI, hear is the wonderful report of what happened this Saturday:This Saturday was probably the best session of preaching so far, the Holy Spirit absolutly present in the bringing forth of the Word and the stirring of the hearts.Normally I head to the market alone and can only pray there would be another Christian there to help me. Most times I am there by myself. However, this time I arrived to find at least 7-8 Christians all waiting to help, eager to see God move that morning! We sang "Nothing But the Blood of Jesus" and the preaching began.I did NOT lose my voice (which is a miracle) yet the Word was loud and clear, but most importantly, the anointing was there. The Lord had given me a sermon to preach that morning "The Promise of Forgiveness" as I called it, and it was amazing to see so many people listening, intently, the Word was speaking straight to people's hearts that morning! I saw older people listening with a sense of hope, younger people being caught by the intimacy and of the message that was so relative and personal. It was about guilt/debt and how we as people attempt to rid ourselves of it on our own strength but to no avail, and how there is found in Jesus Christ forgiveness of sins, guilt and peace of mind in the blood of God's Son. It was incredible to see how many people responded to such a message. Guilt plagues the sinners, though they don't know what to do about it... but when they hear an earnest cry, the Word of truth, it brings hope of a way out.The Bible is not full of empty words, but is living and active, full of promises that God will keep to His people. That was the message that morning, a challenge for people to believe the promise of God for forgiveness in Christ Jesus. What a sense of the presence of God! The once secular market is almost electric with God's presence now. It literally FEELS Christian there, and I believe people are coming to the market expecting an entirely different atmosphere than they are used to. There's just something very different about the place.I can only expect retaliation from our enemy. What can I say? God is in control, Jesus reigns, whom shall I fear? The Lord is our shepherd and He will keep us through all valleys and deserts and storms and assaults for His Name's sake! Glory to God.Thank you again for all the support I receive here. I am always blessed.Lord, pour out Your Spirit upon Fredericton and turn the hearts of Your creation back to You.In Christ,-Eli
Amen! I'm always encouraged to hear your report. I was just thinking about it and wondered if you have updated this thread. I'm glad you did!
Eli,It's so good to hear all those others turned up. That's great! And that you were equipped with a message before you went... That's great too.I hope you also give a little instruction in how to pray and invite anyone who becomes a Christian at home that week, to come back and whisper in your ear about it or make sure you know. (... not give a testimony to the whole market, just yet... ) I'm so looking forward to hearing of people taking that last step towards God!Still praying too.
Another great time of preaching last Saturday. Preached from Deuteronomy, "Man shall not live by bread alone" and people stopped and listened. Someone said to one standing listening: "Is this for real?" The person just nodded and he stayed and listened the whole time.I am fascinated that I have had absolutely no trouble from anyone so far. I've been preaching consistently every Saturday since July and I haven't had one person toss a nasty remark or any problems with the police, which I anticipated from the beginning. The Lord has been good, the Word has been preached unhindered so far.Yesterday I got to preach my first Sunday morning sermon ever, which went wonderfully, all thanks to God, and I also preached that evening at an event out in a small community in New Brunswick. It turned out that 4 churches from around that area came out and the place was packed with all these people, over 200, older people, middle aged, there were a few young people. I preached my heart out, I knew the Lord was with me and it seemed like my ability to preach tripled in a moment, because I have never preached like I did there before. It was such an awesome night.After, this man came up to me and said he saw blood stains all over my shirt as I was preaching, and he took that as it was a sign of coming persecution. I thought I'd post this for all us Christians, especially for those of us who are street preaching. I believe there is coming a time of great persecution, very much like Paul experienced:"Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message." - 2 Timothy 4:14-15But also:"Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!" - 2 Timothy 2:8-9God bless, Christians! The gates of hell shall not prevail against us.-Eli
Someone said to one standing listening: "Is this for real?" The person just nodded and he stayed and listened the whole time.This is wonderful. I'm gobsmacked anyone would ask that question - but what a great response!I am fascinated that I have had absolutely no trouble from anyone so far. I've been preaching consistently every Saturday since July and I haven't had one person toss a nasty remark or any problems with the police, which I anticipated from the beginning. The Lord has been good, the Word has been preached unhindered so far.Praise the Lord for this too, bro. Will add this point to the way I pray as I hadn't realised it could be a problem. Are you breaking any laws or by-laws by what you do? Or are you completely within your rights as long as you don't obstruct others going about their lawful business? .... Just wondering?
As far as I know, I'm legal.
It's starting to get cold up here in New Brunswick... last Saturday on the box I was shivering bad. Message was from John 3, the bronze snake being lifted up. A couple friends came along (which is such a blessing) and we sang a hymn before hand.Actually, I just remembered something. As I was preaching, this big guy came speed walking right towards me, I later found out he was a rough character and that everyone around me thought he was going to push me right off the box. At the time I barely noticed, but he came right at me and at the last second stepped past and kept on going. I wonder if he meant to push me and if something in the spirit changed his mind? If he had pushed me I would have went flying, for I'm not a big person and this guy was quite built.Well, God bless you all and may we be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power!In Christ,-Eli
Glad to hear your report. You can always be prepared to jump off the box but, it won't do a big guy's reputation any good if he knocks a little guy down so just as well you didn't really notice.Does the cold mean you'll wrap up more warmly next week?
Good news: I'm having a cross made for me that I can drive into the ground before I preach. It will be rugged, unsophisticated... with the sign "King of the Jews" nailed at the top. I pray that it will serve to stop people and make them think, to be used in bringing the gospel to searching and hardened ears.God be glorified-Eli
Wow..great bro![smile]Keep preaching Christ and Him crucified!May God bless you dear brother!-William
Saturday was a beautiful day, as was this Sunday, here in New Brunswick. God is so lovely.What can I boast in? Nothing. I preached a great deal against sin from Romans. I have great confidence in the Spirit of God that many, if not ALL the people there were convicted of sin and of falling short of God's glory... I must admit, I felt like a sinner just preaching. I believe everyone did... it was very powerful. The Word is deadly, I tell you.Still no upfront converts, but I have abundant joy and hope knowing that there must be some that have come to the Lord, or will come to Him, or are anxious about their souls even now. Praise the Lord. Really, God has been so good. Bless Him. The gospel is life-transforming!Please, if you remember, offer a pray for my voice as I lost it again. I'm shouting far too hard, I can't help it though... my Bible is going to fall apart the way I beat it!Thank you for the support I find here. God bless you all,In Christ,-EliPS: The cross is still being made. Hope to have it this Saturday.
God can touch your voice! He did me!! I was having problems keeping mine but the other day (as you read in my post) God touched it and it didn't go out!
Eli,It's great to hear how you are faring and all the good things you're finding about preaching the word. The little details are instructive, too. I'm learning from you, and the way you view your opportunities there.
"The evangelist who preaches for eternity is never great on numbers. He is not apt to count hundreds of converts where there is no restitution, no confession, and no glad cry which proclaims, 'The lost is found, the dead is made alive again!'" - E.M. Bounds.
God bless all who reads this thread.It poured on Saturday. Torrents of rain, rain, rain. Did I go to the market? Yes. But I didn't preach, for there were no people in the vicinity.I stood in my place for half an hour, there were people passing by to go indoors who recognized who I was. That was my purpose, to just let people know I'm still here... rain or shine. I talked a bit with one of the workers at the market who informed me that someone complained last week about what I was doing. That's the first mention of that.To be honest, because I didn't preach I really miss it. I'm eager for next Saturday to come so I can get back to it. Hard to explain the way I'm feeling about it.The cross will be used next time. This is my plan: I'm going to park my car down the street, put the cross together (it's lifesize), walk down to my spot carrying the cross, then set it up and begin. May this endeavor be blessed. If you could pray for next week, friends.In Christ,-Eli
Dear Eli!That was my purpose, to just let people know I'm still here... rain or shine.great bro, that you went there, because it's easy to say "well it's raining, forget it."The cross will be used next time. This is my plan: I'm going to park my car down the street, put the cross together (it's lifesize), walk down to my spot carrying the cross, then set it up and begin.well if you are going to carry it, you will sure get the attention, i will pray for you bro!!it is so good to see what God is doing in your life bro! may He bless you even more, that Christ will be more and more glorified in your life!Be still my soulThe Lord is on your sideBear patientlyThe Cross of grief or painLeave to thy GodTo order and provideIn every changeHe Faithful will remain.Be still my soulThy best, thy Heavenly FriendThrough stormy waysLeads to a joyful end.Be still my soulThe waves and winds still knowStill knowHis Voice who ruled themWhile he dwelt below.Oh what peace we often forfeitOh what needless pain we bearAll because we do not carryEverything to God in prayer.in His GraceWilliam
Your Quote: The cross will be used next time. This is my plan: I'm going to park my car down the street, put the cross together (it's lifesize), walk down to my spot carrying the cross, then set it up and begin. May this endeavor be blessed. If you could pray for next week, friends.Hello EliYou are amazeing well done for all your Saturdays at the Market. The quote above is great, may all go well for you on Saturday.Your Quote: God bless all who reads this thread.A big thankyou to you, I recieve God's Blessing God Bless you.Amen.ellie
Tremendous news brother Eli, keep being faithful! Would your schedule permit you to preach outside high schools in your city?
Eli_Barnabas wrote:God bless all who reads this thread.
Praying brother Eli, for next Saturday's mission.
Ricky,After reading about you and Mill's work at the high schools I must say I am extremely motivated to do the same around here. My schedule doesn't really permit it, but I'm desperately only want to do what the Lord wants me to do. I'll be seeking Him about this.Thanks brother!-Eli
Looking forward to this Saturday's report bro. Eli, may God bless His Word today.
Praying for you brother. May God bless the preaching of His Word in Freddy.
Awesome Saturday,Assembled the cross down the street. This blessed older saint who has been coming by every time now gave me a KJV Bible and his prayers before I began, it was such a blessing.Came marching down the street with the cross, you should have seen the heads turned. I must've passed by all sorts of different religious folk on the way... orthodox muslims, catholics, you name it. Got some nasty looks. When I turned the corner towards the market it was like this hush went out. The mormons were there and in great numbers! I had to walk right through them to get to my spot, it was quite a sight, wish you all could have seen it. A friend of mine hammered the cross into the ground and then the group that was there began to sing.Preached from Luke 2, about the angels proclamation to the shepherds and then about Jesus' death on the cross! People all over were listening, these men who were unloading a big truck stopped and stood there with their hands dangling at their sides... the Spirit was at work, you could SEE it on people's faces!We sang another one after and offered for people to come forward. Nobody did, I think they are too nervous to come forward in public, but I have no doubt that there is an inward work of conviction and anxiousness of the soul in many of the hearers! I believe it! I know it! You can see it!God is good and is upping the ante at the market. Something is going to break sooner or later and the Lord will rush into that place... the harvest is ripe! Oh it is ripe! Oh!Love all your prayers, please continue to pray for the Spirit of power and the breaking of the hearts of stone. Also for continued protection and unhinderance to the Word, which has so blessed us... but not my will but the Lord's be done.God bless,In Christ,-EliPS- Oh yes, one of the homeless guys there who I've been getting to know invited me to come to this thing tonight where they all get together and here this lady speak. He said that they need to hear the gospel and not what this lady is talking about, so I'm going tonight at 7:00, not really sure what to expect. It will be the poorest and lowest folks in Fredericton, many illiterate, and my heart is already now filling with compassion for them, for them to know God's love and power to transform their lives, to give hope to even the 'least' of society. Please pray. God bless.
Eli,Wonderful news about Saturday! Amen!Praise the Lord for this extra invitation tonight. I'll be praying you have a blessed time.
Dear Eli,i'm very touched by your boldness, and your humility, in awe of what God is doing in your life. praise God for this! [smile]know what Ravenhill said "keep me humble and unknown, priced by Thee alone"fight the fightkeep the faithfinish strongin His Strenght!may God bless you with more of Him!
Amen Eli keep laboring in the Lord knowing that your work is not in vain
I went to the drop-in last night that I was saying I was invited to. I had a really wonderful time serving that evening, I served coffee and pop and food, it was just a blessing serving the people that came in. Not the happiest place, it is sad to see the poverty, the depravity, but I found it remarkable how open most of them are! Like the Bible says, God has given more faith to the poor!The lady that spoke did an okay job, but I feel like the message is one that they don't really need to here. It was more motivational than gospel, using the typical comforty verses of the Bible which I'm sure everybody there had heard a million times. The younger folks there seemed unimpressed... what they really need is to here the unrestrained gospel. There needs to be transformation... hope, I found there wasn't much hope at all.I definitely plan on going back, and maybe sometime in the future I'll be able to speak some night. They are an awesome captive audience, because there is a specific time they all sit around and here the speaker, and it's amazing how open everyone is... they just need to be given the right thing! Jesus in all His beauty.Thanks everybody who prayed, God is good.In Christ,-Eli
Well, Lord willing I'll have a recording device next time I go out preaching so I'll be able to put it up to encourage those of you who have been keeping this mission in your prayers. You can hear what's going on at the market! Glory to God.God bless,In Christ,-Eli
Eli_Barnabas wrote:Well, Lord willing I'll have a recording device next time I go out preaching so I'll be able to put it up to encourage those of you who have been keeping this mission in your prayers. You can hear what's going on at the market! Glory to God.wow that would be awesome bro!! [smile] but let God decide whether you should record it or not!"not us, not us oh Lord, but Thy Name give Glory, because of your love and faithfulness"Psalm 115:1
Yes, brother, to God be the glory great things HE hath done. Will be praying about it. I have a several good reasons to record that can benefit the Church over here in New Brunswick, but if the Lord says no than no it will be.Thank you, God bless-Eli
Hi Eli,I had a thought about the recording which I want to pass on... I just wonder whether it will somehow spoil the initmacy you have with the crowd there. As things are, if someone responds, it is completely private. The moment you are recording, it makes them an audience rather than the other half of a conversation.
Eli,Are you talking about an audio or video recording device? I think audio recording is mandatory. Especially for legal purposes to protect yourself. Video does definetly take away from what is happening and I echo the concerns of this sister that if all open air preachers used video cameras to record it, it would seem abit peculiar to the unbelievers definetly. I would recommend purchasing and cheap mp3 recorder to record the open air preaching digitally and then throw it onto your computer as an archive.
The recording is a minidisc player and the mic is a small clip on for doing audio recording (not video). I don't think anyone would even notice, and I'd only record the sermon, not any conversations.So long as I remain focused on what I'm doing it shouldn't take away from what is happening.Thanks for the concerns and please offer any more if they are on your heart.Blessings!-Eli
Brother Eli,I think you should leave the recorder on the whole time starting from the prayer. I have spoken to alot of open air preachers and this is a good model that they follow and when you are done for the whole night stop it. I am sure you can clip out your "sermon" parts afterwards, its just good to have an entire recording for legal purposes. sounds great brother! :)
That's a good idea and I will defintely do it. Can you explain the legal part a bit to me?-Eli(It's Friday afternoon and I'm about to leave the campus so respond quickly because I don't have internet at home)
It was a beautiful day the Lord gave us here in New Brunswick last Saturday! Crisp, a perfect fall day.There were two friends helping this time, and again we used the cross. Preached from Luke 4, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me..." which went out very clear. Many people were listening, as a matter of fact, because there was no wind it seemed my voice was double loud and far reaching. I'm sure it echoed down the streets: "Jesus Christ is the Lord of lords!" The message was clear and bold and I believe everybody got it. My voice is strengthening and I don't lose it anymore.If you are wondering about the recording I've post-poned until next week because I'm still working out the software!I was reading this really great article by R.A. Torrey on open-air preaching that we who do it should definitely check out: Open Air PreachingTalked to someone after we were done, I think the man was UPC, he was hesitant to tell me. Also, there were no mormons there this time! Oh, and one more thing... I saw my sociology professor walk by and he looked right at me! This should be interesting (small class).God bless you brothers and sisters,Faithfully serving the Lord,-Eli"Oh give us help against the adversary,For deliverance by man is in vain.Through our God we shall do valiantly,It is He who will tread down our enemies." - Psalm 108:12-13
I've been asked to speak at the drop-in, this Monday, to the homeless of Fredericton. There is a large crowd that comes and I might have mentioned this before, but they are a super audience who gives you full attention. I'm seeking the Lord for the right message to bring and for the anointing. Please, if you would, pray for this Monday.In Christ,-Eli
Thank you for your willingness to go there. The Lord will bring you the perfect word, in time to preach it.Don't be surprised if it seems to be 'bitty' compared with what you do on Saturday mornings. Sometimes you will be speaking just the word that only one person needs to hear. Mainly, I will be praying you are able to flow in the Spirit and don't be afraid to move around the scriptures for verses to share. Often, well-educated, previously effective people find themselves homeless, for many reasons. They need to know there is some purpose left to them, as often whatever motivated them before has lost its lustre, or, been taken from them, or, they have lost their sense of direction.Don't be afraid to pitch your message high. May the Lord go before you and prepare those who will respond. There may be some you can pray with too, more privately than possible at the market. That would be a great comfort to those who seek it.
Thank you, Dorcas.May God touch them.
Dear friends,I apologize for the late update. Saturday was a day of sowing seed! I was able to preach to the multitudes that morning on the act of receiving the Word of God in the heart.Go here to hear the sermon and please pray for further fruit for this mission. God is good and has blessed this endeavor.Last night I preached at the drop-in center to the homeless of Fredericton. God is so good, and it was faith that was welling up in our hearts! Mark 5, the lady touching Jesus' cloak... talking about inner suffering and how she used up all her money on worldly methods but only grew worse. "Money can't buy faith." and "Faith is of greater worth than gold" (1 Peter 1:7) was the message. What a blessing it was to speak.I've come to realize we can't do anything... human ambition is all in vain. God must move, God must send revival or we shall all die a spiritless life.Jesus, breathe in me!-Eli
I've fixed it so now you can hear the sermon, but I haven't yet figured out how you can save it. Working on it!God bless,-Eli
Should be fine now!
Amen! I enjoyed every second of that! That makes me want to go to a market and preach. Where I preach people are moving quickly and I don't usually get to expand on much... just the basic Gospel. Sometimes I do, but most of the time it's a 2 or 3 minute gospel presentation over and over because people are waiting to cross the street and then leave when the light turns.
Saturday was my birthday and this sermon was literally birthed in prayer on Friday. God blessed the preaching this week and there was a large crowd listening, though more hostile this time than any other time... but I think we know why. I was able to talk to several people after as well. This message is calling Fredericton to repent, and I know was preached with the anointing from the Lord.You can access the message here.God bless brother and sisters, and be encouraged.In Christ,-Eli
That is a great recording!
Brother bless you.. keep seeking the Lord and stay close to His Spirit. God willing we will meet soon.
This weekend I will be speaking at a youth event in Price Edward Island so it will be the first time I'm going to miss preaching on Saturday. I've looked for someone to fill in for me but to no avail.Please pray for me, brothers and sisters, regarding this weekend in P.E.I. and also that the people at the market would be challenged and edified this week regardless of me being there or not.All for the glory of the risen Saviour!-EliEDIT: Hey Josh (Parsley), if you lived here I'd ask you to take over!
I would!!
Is there anywhere around the market where there is an electrical outlet? maybe you could do what I'm going to try. (check out my thread-here)
Yeah I read what you were going to do. I'm not sure if that would be a good idea, if the police would raise a problem with it because it is loud (amplified). Unless you got permission I would be careful about going plugged. Remember... if you use an electric outlet then you are feeding off the city, and so 'technically' the city is helping you preach, in which you would need permission.Blessings brother,-Eli
I've talked to some police officers. They said its fine. People plug in amps and play guitars all the time. I was going to call the public information officer Monday but didn't get around to it. I plan on it today. As long as it's under a certain decibel level and "not offensive". Not offensive.. hmm well we will see what happens. If they wanted to they could get me for that with or without amplification. Just pray for favor with the police officers and we will see what happens.
I really would favor using simply the voice because they can nail you quite easily on the "disturbing the peace" charge. It does seem abit more blameless to just use the voice. Jesse Morrel has an hand held mic and speaker that runs off battery. Maybe email him at jesse@openairoutreach.com for his advice.
Hmm well.. ok.. I'll e-mail Jesse. I don't see how it couldn't be better if I can have an amp and mic when I have police permission.. but ok..
Yeah, to be honest I don't know much about it... I guess I just favor the voice because like Greg said, less hassle when push comes to shove. But do what the Lord is telling you to do brother, and if that means going plugged, then go for it!
I do admit, there is nothing like lifting your voice like a trumpet! The best thing about it is that its mobile! It follows you everywhere you go. If it was quiet where I preached I wouldn't even concider the amp. But there is a lot of music coming from the clubs. My voice could be thunderously loud and you might not be able to hear me clearly 30 ft away. Where I could plug in the amp I would be able to reach the places I usually preach and places I couldn't. I still have not got a hold of the Information Officer. He is on vacation with his new born child. If the amp doesn't work out, or doesn't for long. I'll gladly go back to my voice.
Well brothers and sisters, here is what has been going on:Not this last weekend but the one before, I mentioned I wouldn't be preaching because I would be in PEI. Well, I was in PEI and missed that Saturday (first one since I started).This last weekened I also missed it, because I was visiting and speaking in Wickham, NB. So that's two in a row that I missed, and both days were very nice days so the people at the market wouldn't have thought I wasn't there because of weather.I'm going to go to the market this Saturday, Lord willing, but I'm not sure if I'm going to speak. It is getting very cold now, and the place where I preach actually shuts down in the winter. So this is probably the most natural way to end the mission there for the winter, seeing as I missed two already. I would just go and be there, talk to those around who I'm used to see, but just make it clear that I'm done. There is a season for everything, as the Bible says.I'm not happy about stopping. I wish the winter were not here and I could keep at it! I hope to spend the winter hopefully speaking in churches and other places. Although, later in December I plan to hit the streets with a guitar, sing songs about Christ, get a crowd and then preach. That's my winter plan, may God bless it. I've already ordered some literature to hand out for that.Well, this coming Monday at the drop-in, I've been asked to speak again to the poor of Fredericton, so I'm very much looking forward to that. Please keep me in your prayers for that this Monday.God bless you all and have a wonderful winter season. I might update this thread sporatically throughout the next couple months.In Christ-Eli
Brother Eli,This sounds great that the Lord is directing you to other areas of ministry during this winter season. I think the speaking to the poor of fredericton is a massive thing spiritualy and may the Lord be with you and fill your mouth with His live giving words.Do keep us posted on the opportunities the Lord opens for you to ministry dear brother in the Lord.
Here is the preaching summary of all that happened these last five months, from July to November, during the mission at the market:1. John 3:36 - "He That Believeth Not"2. Daniel 5:25 - "Mene Mene Tekel Parsin"3. Mark 12:28-32 - "The Greatest Commandment"4. Luke 12:16-21 - "Thou Fool"5. John 1:29 - "The Lamb of God"6. Genesis 44:27-34 - "His Heart Was Filled With Pain"7. 2 Corinthians 1:18-20 - "The Promise of Forgiveness"8. Deuteronomy 8:1-3 - "Man Shall Not Live By Bread Alone"9. John 3:14-17 - "The Bronze Snake"10. Romans 3:23 - "Sinful Men And a Holy God11. (Rained)12. Luke 2:8-14 - "Jesus Christ: Born to Die"13. Luke 4:16-19 - "The Spirit of the Lord Is Upon Me"14. Mark 4:3-9 - "Parable of the Sower"**15. Acts 17:24-31 - "Repent Fredericton"**** = available on mp3 here.Thank you for all the people who prayed for me during this time. This season of preaching was a wonderful blessing for me and I believe that the Word of God was spoken effectively to all who heard it this summer. May God reward you and bless you for your encouragement to me, through this challenging and difficult time in my life.God bless you.In Christ,-Eli
Dear Eli,This is an awesome testimony to all that God has been doing in and through you. Thank you for the way you've kept this thread up to date each week.I shall be praying for you this winter. Perhaps if anything you come against needs our prayer support, you could start a new thread?My heart is that you continue to have opportunities to preach - enough to challenge you and keep you moving forward and deeper in the Lord - and to be pressing past the enemy no matter what he throws at you.
Thank you Dorcas.I will keep it updated. God bless you,Victory in Jesus!-Eli
I'm heading back to the market this Saturday. I'll come prepared to speak, but I'm not entirely certain if I will. I'm going to go and see what is happening around there now, if there are indeed people still around (as I have been hearing). Also, two of my friends (the two beggars at the market) have been asking for me and I'm going to stop by and talk to them.Apparentely, there is this man at the market (who busks) who is taking advantage of a mentally challenged girl, and one of my friends at the market was telling me it would have been perfect for me to preach last week. I'm going to check out the situation this Saturday. Please pray.Not sure where this is going to lead. It might be nothing. God bless dear saints,In Christ,-Eli
Eli,May you have the wisdom of God, and not hold back from all that He gives you to say and to lead men into, on Saturday.
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