Evangelism Report 3

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Apr 3, 2024

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Evangelism Report: Third Encounter CHPL 655 Chaplain Evangelism and Discipleship February 11 th 2024 i

The events of this encounter unfolded during my previous off-cycle of work. Typically, on my first day off, I allocate time to connect with family and friends through phone calls as a means of decompressing from the demanding work schedule. On this particular occasion, I was fortunate to reach my sister, Whitney, who resides in Wisconsin. This was a special moment for me as our conversations are infrequent due to her busy schedule working in the university lab and being a dedicated mother to my one-year-old nephew. Our conversation delved into catching up on the happenings in each other's lives since our last interaction. Additionally, we discussed our plans for the upcoming summer. Towards the end of May, I am taking leave from work with the exciting prospect of visiting my sister for the first time. Our discussion revolved around the activities we hope to engage in once I arrive. In the course of our conversation, I couldn't help but express how grateful I am for the amazing blessings in my life. Living in Alaska as a Puerto Rican, hailing from a tropical island, is a reality I never envisioned. Yet, I find myself in this cold and beautiful place, marveling at the incredible opportunities that the Lord has graciously provided me throughout my lifetime. Subsequently, out of curiosity, I engaged her in a discussion using the five "Share Jesus Questions." 1 Participating in this class and working on its assignments has brought to light that despite us being brother and sister, I have never delved into my sister's religious beliefs. Our lives have taken us in different directions, including residing in different zip codes, which has prevented us from exploring this topic until now. I initiated the conversation with the first question, asking about her spiritual beliefs. Her response revealed a strong reliance on hard, cold facts substantiated by science. Moving on to the 1 Fay, William, Share Jesus Without Fear Journal: A Prayer Journal, (Nashville: B & H Pub. Group, 2005), 33 1

second question, I inquired about her knowledge of Jesus. Despite our shared upbringing in faith under our mother's guidance, I was keen to understand her perspective on this matter. She affirmed that Jesus is the Lord and Savior of humanity, the central figure on which Christianity bases its teachings from the Bible. According to her, Jesus sacrificed His life for our sins, facilitating our reunion with God. This exchange provided valuable insight into her beliefs and allowed for a deeper connection on matters of faith that we had not explored before. Following the discussion, I continued with the third question, probing her beliefs about the existence of heaven or hell after death. Her response was that she did not hold such beliefs. With a Ph.D. in neuroscience, she elaborated that the concept of an afterlife, entailing reward or punishment in an eternal realm, is commonly rooted in religious traditions and does not align with the atheist perspective. Instead, she emphasized a focus on this present life, placing importance on ethical behavior, human connections, and contributions to society. For her, there is no anticipation of an afterlife or divine judgment, underscoring the naturalistic worldview often associated with atheism. This revelation further illuminated the stark contrast between religious and non-religious perspectives on the topic of the afterlife. After she explained her beliefs on the matter, she shared an interesting anecdote from her high school years. She recounted having a friend whose parents, despite being atheists, allowed their daughter to engage in religious practices. This decision was based on the belief that the Bible imparts a strong moral foundation, guiding individuals on how to navigate society, make ethical decisions, and avoid engaging in libertine practices. Reflecting on this, she expressed her intention to expose Lionel, my nephew, to religious practices. Her goal is to provide him with the opportunity to have a spiritual experience and make an informed decision about his beliefs. The 2

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approach of allowing him to explore different paths and decide for himself aligns with her commitment to fostering open-mindedness and autonomy in matters of faith. Subsequently, she inquired about my perspective on the matter and what led me to follow Christianity. In response, I conveyed that, from my standpoint, science is a form of knowledge that God has bestowed upon humanity, and it should not be viewed as a substitute for God Himself. I went on to share the story of Daniel, highlighting that he and the three other Hebrew men possessed knowledge and understanding in various fields of literature and learning. What set them apart was not just their intellectual capabilities but their personal relationship with God. They were individuals set apart for wondrous purposes. 2 I emphasized the idea that science, in its essence, cannot replace God, and the wisdom that comes from God is not an exclusive gift. Anyone who seeks it can receive such wisdom. The story of Daniel serves as a testament to the coexistence of knowledge, particularly in the form of science, and a profound relationship with God. It underscores the notion that the pursuit of wisdom in various fields is not contradictory to faith but can, in fact, complement and enhance one's spiritual journey. Throughout our conversation, I underscored the importance of relinquishing total control of my life to the Lord. Unlike meticulously planning each step, I have approached life with a mindset of embracing the opportunities presented to me, viewing them as God's guidance. In every decision, I see His hand steering me. I firmly believe that God has consistently taken care of both me and my family. Trusting in His perfect plan and recognizing His sovereignty over my household has been a foundational principle that shapes my perspective on life. 3 2 Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the New International Version. 3 Kenneth Boa, Conformed to His Image: Biblical, Practical Approaches to Spiritual Formation, Revised Edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020), 13 3

Conclusion In concluding our conversation, I emphasized to my sister that God desires us to know more about Him. He hasn't left us in the dark regarding who He is and what He expects from His children. Graciously, He provided us with His word in the form of the Bible, serving as a means for us to draw closer to Him through His teachings. God's gift of His word highlights His care for us to comprehend more about Him. In His might and power, He could choose not to reveal Himself, and none could question it. While our conversation did not culminate with my sister making a commitment to Christ, I am confident that the Holy Spirit will work in her life, potentially through the influence of my nephew. I trust that God's plan and timing are perfect, and I remain hopeful for the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in her life. Bibliography 4

Dave Earley and David Wheeler, Evangelism Is (Nashville: B&H Academic Publishing Group, 2010), 245. John F. MacArthur Jr., MacArthur Pastor’s Library on Pastoral Ministry (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2005), 144 Kenneth Boa, Conformed to His Image: Biblical, Practical Approaches to Spiritual Formation, Revised Edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020), 13 Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the New International Version. Whitney Donald S., Spiritual Disciplines for Christian Life (Revised and Updated) (NavPress, 2014, 9 5

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Evangelism Report 3

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