This Thanksgiving season we certainly had lots to be thankful for. At CCN we are truly grateful for the God given freedom we have in this country to share our faith openly and the gospel freely.
As those who have been redeemed in Christ our hearts cry aloud with the Psalmist “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” Psalm 107:1.
However, we’re not the only ones who are grateful this holiday season…
This young man shown with CCN President Jenifer is from Brazil. From afar he brought with him an assortment of questions. He was so grateful to hear the gospel that day and for the answers Jen was able to graciously provide him. Jen, who carries with her several Bibles and a wide array of gospel tracts, left this sojourner with a full heart, a handful of literature, and opportunity for followup later.
Just like the U.S. Postal Service we don’t allow the elements to prevent us from going out and witnessing! This young lady standing underneath Steve’s umbrella stopped even in the rain to listen as he shared with her the lifesaving message of the gospel. Though chivalrous, Steve’s kind gesture is also symbolic of the grace of God that covers those who shelter in the Cross.
“Aunt” Laura is a faithful CCN volunteer who certainly knows how to make the most of every witnessing opportunity. This conversation began with Tom, a student at Pitt, telling Laura that he loved her scarf. Seizing the opportunity she immediately segued from music to the gospel using the Psalms. It turned out that Tom grew up Catholic and is in the process of converting to Judaism. Quick on her feet Laura asked the young man to explain Passover. Seeing that he could not explain it’s meaning Laura wonderfully illustrated for him Jesus as the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Despite the freezing temperature Laura spent about 45 minutes talking to this coat-less man who listened intently to her every word and no doubt finding his heart strangely warmed by the gospel.
The annual Holiday Parade outreach in downtown Pittsburgh was a wonderful success. We handed out several dozen tracts along the parade route and started several conversations afterward. Despite the rainy weather it turned out to be a great day for spreading the gospel! Their smiles say it all, don’t they?
As we look ahead to the birth of our Savior this Christmas season and as the New Year quickly approaches we are thankful for faithful partners in this ministry such as you.
For that we echo the heartfelt sentiments of Paul to the Philippian church who wrote: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you…for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now” Philippians 1:3,5.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!