Summer4Souls™ Reports

Here are two Reports that appear at our Luke 9:23 Evangelism blog:

1. Praise Report ~ Train Ministry: Retreat - Cape Town - Retreat

2. Canvassing Report ~ Harry Gwala Stadium, Pietermaritzburg

Praise Report ~ Summer4Souls™ Cape Town

Here are two Praise Reports written by Nigel Titus that appears at our Luke 9:23 Evangelism blog:

1. Wynberg to Muizenberg Outreach and Back Again ...

2. Muizenberg and Sunrise Circle Beach

Apologies for the delay in posting at this blog.

Project Ezra ~ The Gospel of John

On Saturday I attended a farewell for our dear family in Christ Regardt Reynolds, his wife Lynette and their son Leonard who are immigrating to Australia. It was a wonderful time spent fellowshipping and partaking in a real South African braai (what you would call a barbeque). We were unable to get a team together for the Project Ezra reading, and what would have been an ideal day for the reading then changed and the rain came.

Not to be deterred I waited for Sunday and although it was still fresh and cloudy, I went down into Alexandra Park in Pietermaritzburg in the afternoon where there was an event taking place known as 'Fantasia'. The event has a fun fair with big-wheel, swings, and other rides and there is a flea-market style set-up for people making their last effort bargain buys for Christmas. The location is in a rockery area with one main entrance. So this is the place where I took up 'residence' for the greater part of about 4 and a quarter hours.

Earlier I had prayed as the 'dreaded fear' was gripping me and I asked God to take control of the situation as I did not want to do anything in my own strength. I prayed for God to lead me and give me His strength to accomplish what He has already ordained.

God is Awesome!! I felt calm after praying to God for His protection and ventured out of my parked vehicle. It is so humbling to know God is in control of every situation. At this point I placed a pink parking ticket tract under the vehicles' windshield wipers and made my way along engaging some groups of people in one2three and more conversations. The boldness was increasing with every step I took - not because of any of my efforts, but by the grace of our loving Father.

Standing at the entrance allowed me to ask the questions: What is the REAL reason for the season? What does Christmas mean to you? Why was Jesus born and had to come into this world? What is going to happen to you the day you die? How will you stand before God on Judgment Day? There were many people that from their appearances you could see that they were Muslim or Hindu and there were those who just looked with blank expressions on their faces that spoke "What are you talking about?" Some people stopped and spoke to me which allowed me the opportunity to open the Perfect Law and the Gospel of Divine Grace to any hearers passing by, too.

It was a wonderful time spent preaching the Word of God to lost souls as our Lord Jesus gave me utterance. There were the professing Christians who would walk on by and say "I am saved" (but they were apparently indifferent to the plight of the lost) and then there were also Christians who encouraged the preaching of the Word of God. I did the Project Ezra reading from the Gospel of John from chapter 1 through 7 -- intermittently pausing in between chapters and verses to expound upon the Word of God, to open the Law and preach Grace through the Saviour of Who's birth we are celebrating. I also brought to the persons' attention that celebrating Christmas is not about Santa Claus, father Christmas, presents, Christmas trees and/or parties, but the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ -- Almighty God revealing Himself in the person of His Son to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Many Gospel Tracts were handed out and even late in the evening some Muslim teenagers - who were initially upset by what I was saying that other religions are false - came over and engaged me in conversation while they waited for their lift. From not wanting to take a Gospel Tract at first, when they left I held out the tract to the one lad and said: "Come, take it, what have you got to lose? - read it and do with it as you want. But read it."

I thank God for His Goodness in allowing me to do His will -- not that I deserve to be used of the LORD. It is an awesome privilege to be able to speak the Word of God in public to those who are dying in their sin. The Truth the inhabitants of Pietermaritzburg heard last night is -- If you die in your sin because you have rebelled against God by breaking all His commandments and also because you have rejected God's Son the Lord Jesus Christ you will be punished for eternity. Your only hope is repenting of your sin and trusting in Jesus Christ for His finished work upon the cross to be your Saviour to save the repentant sinner. Jesus is to be both Lord and Saviour of your life. There is no other way to receive eternal life.

Praise Report ~ Summer4Souls™ Outreach in Cape Town

This Praise Report is written by Brother Nigel Titus for an outreach that took place on Wednesday December 16, 2009.

Yesterday, evangelists and like minded Christians heeded the Macedonian call and descended upon Muizenberg to preach the gospel and engage strangers with one2one witnessing encounters. Amongst the team were three new faces, eager to do their bit to obey the Great Commission. After the day’s events, they gave their verbal commitment to support us in our future evangelism endeavors. Praise God for adding to the team!

You can read the full report by clicking this link.

Report from the FIFA Final Draw in Cape Town

On the evening of Thursday December 3, 2009 we had a meeting at Brother Nigel and Sister Charlene Titus’ home in Grassy Park where we discussed the schedule and prayed for the outreach in and around the Cape Town city centre to take place the next day.

By the grace of God and after some time of planning this event, the day arrived on Friday December 4 where a team of evangelists would be taking to the streets of Cape Town to meet sinners whose only interest in this particular day would appear to be “to go out and party in Long Street”.

We left Nigel’s home shortly after 12:00 and proceeded into the city. The team would eventually comprise an “early” team and a “later” team for those joining us after work in the late afternoon / early evening. The members present were Nigel Titus, Donovan Nelson, Timothy Brown, Madge Titus (Nigel’s mother), Veronica Neutt, Bradley Scott, Bernadette Wagner, Craig Ernstzen, Barion Smith, Daniel Manuels (cameraman) and Gary Crous.

THIBAULT SQUARE

We arrived at Thibault Square; Nigel had received a call to collect the gospel tracts delivered to the mail room at his work in God’s perfect timing from Living Waters Africa. At the Square there were many people sitting around, walking through, waiting or taking their lunch break, and some were even on their “smoke-break” from work. Meeting these people allowed us opportunities to witness to them about the Day of Judgment that is approaching them as we opened the Perfect Law of God to their consciences and revealed the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ through the perfect atonement of sins through His sacrificial death on the cross, but most importantly His resurrection to life where He has conquered the sting of death, the grave and sinners’ sins for those who will repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

During this time there were many one2one witnessing encounters undertaken by us zealous evangelists. Challengers were also encountered and overcome by the power of God. One particular incident was when Veronica was approached by a security officer, who is employed at the Square, who questioned her about handing out tracts and whether she had permission to do so. Veronica approached Gary to discuss the situation, whilst he was witnessing to an elderly gentleman who understood the Word being opened to him. Afterwards, Gary explained to Veronica that the Square was public domain unless there was any signage prohibiting the distribution of written materials (including Gospel Tracts) or a code of conduct that was viewable. The situation did not proceed any further as we were not approached again by security. In all that unfolded in the Square He is the One who is glorified in all the good works that took place. We were merely the vessels that were available to God for Him to speak His Words to dying sinners. No praise is due to us – God is the One to be glorified for orchestrating us. There were some persons who were receptive and open to discussion and there were also those who held fast to their unbelief and were prepared to take a gamble with their eternal wellbeing where their consciences terminated the conversations rather than receive the Truth in and through Christ Jesus.

ST GEORGES STREET MALL

From Thibault Square, the soldiers of the cross rounded up and proceeded up St. Georges Street Mall. After taking a short “time-out” the work of the Lord continued with handing out of tracts, one2one witnessing and ministering to believers and the unsaved. Craig Ernstzen shared that there was a security guard who had heard the gospel proclaimed to him once before and was at the point of making a profession for Christ Jesus. We pray the Holy Spirit convicted him of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8) and saved him by reconciling him into God’s family by making him a child of the Almighty.

There were many more opportunities of handing out tracts as we walked the length of the Mall and we also had opportunities of engaging the lost in conversation taking them through the Good Person Test, opening up the Perfect Law and expounding upon the Goodness of God expressing His Mercy and Grace through the cross by the sacrificing of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

THE GARDENS (Outside Parliament)

This would be where we would do our Project Ezra readings - we had chosen Matthew 5 – 7 and other readings. Today would also be the first time for five of our brothers and sisters in Christ to break the sound barrier. God is gracious in bringing His children to a place of overcoming what we call obstacles. In God’s strength all things are possible. Hallelujah.


(From Top L to R through to Bottom L to R in order of Project Ezra readings – Nigel Titus, Gary Crous, Veronica Neutt (Newbie), Madge Titus (Newbie), Timothy Brown (Newbie), Donovan Nelson (Newbie), Craig Ernstzen, and Barion Smith (Newbie))

While the readings were taking place, passer-bys were handed many tracts and witnessing conversations also took place under the tree lined walkway. It was also at this point that a few of the brethren commenced with open-air preaching as the proclamation of God’s Law and the Gospel of Grace echoed in the Gardens of Cape Town. During the preaching of the Word Nigel handed a Million Dollar tract to a guy named Matthew. On receiving it he looked intently at it and said: “Is this the Way of the Master tract?” A conversation commenced between Nigel and Matthew – who opened his backpack to reveal that he, too, was carrying Living Waters tracts and material. Matthew has recently moved down to Cape Town from Durban to work there and Nigel now has his contact details. It is awesome to know that the ekklesia is being exposed to The Way of the Master Evangelism. Praise God that Biblical Evangelism is being preached!!!

LONG STREET (The Party-Zone)

We proceeded down to Long Street in the heart of Cape Town where the party-zone was cordoned off by the ever present South African Police Services (SAPS). To gain access you had to enter from the side streets – after being bodily searched by SAPS Law Enforcement Officers. It was a sea of humanity and chaotic – we could never even think about having meaningful conversations with the hoards of lost souls from every creed, tribe and tongue who were there for one thing – to party. Long Street was out of the question, but the side street we entered the zone from was ideal. Conversations could be had even with the everpresent soundings of the Vuvuzelas and we were also able to open-air preach to the lines of fans waiting to enter the party-zone.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.” – Matthew 24:36-39

There is so much more that can be written about our evangelising the lost and hopefully individual stories and testimonies will be penned and sent in to be posted by our Lord’s labourers. Praise belongs to Our One and Only God – The Lord Jesus Christ for without His Good Works we can do absolutely nothing.

The Class of 4 December 2009 – Back Row L to R – Donovan Nelson, Bradley Scott, Craig Ernstzen, Gary Crous, Nigel Titus, Timothy Brown; Front Row L to R - Veronica Neutt, Barion Smith, Bernadette Wagner, and Madge Titus; Cameraman – Daniel Manuels. Late arrivals Emile & Teri Jansen and their daughter.

After a long day, with tired limbs, hoarse throats, but vibrant in heart we fellowshipped as a family around a meal at Nandos where we discussed our experiences, shared “war stories” and testimonies of how Great and Good our God really is - it was a perfect way to end a perfect day.

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

To see all the photographs view them at this slideshow.

Photos of FIFA Final Draw Outreach

Here is a link to the photographs from our outreach in the heart of Cape Town.

Reports to follow.

Mandela Day - 67 minutes

On Saturday July 18th, 2009 the ex-President of South Africa, Mr Nelson Mandela celebrated his 91st birthday. From what was read in the local and international press and from watching the news of his birthday celebrations in certain places around the world, it can be seen that there were those secular persons that revere Mandela - as an icon and idol of social justice.

For me and other street evangelists, this particular day would be no different from any other Project Ezra day. It would be another day of proclaiming the Word of God to a dying world. Here in South Africa in our Lord's harvest field, Mandela Day would allow me to speak of the justice of God and the mercy of God in Church Street, Pietermaritzburg. There were no cameras and no back-up, but I am thankful for God's goodness and faithfulness - He allowed me to preach the Law and the Gospel of Grace twice.

My first reading was the Book of 1 John whereafter I held up the cover page of The Witness newspaper and made reference to the headline that read, quote -

"In recognition of the 67 years Nelson Mandela has devoted to social justice, Mandela Day is a call to people to spend 67 minutes doing good on Madiba's birthday tomorrow."

but Scripture tells another story... we are not called to give 67 minutes to our neighbours, but we are "to love thy neighbour as thyself". I then put the verse in context and read Matthew 22:36-40 (NKJV) -

Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it, You shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Although the publishers of the list below might have had noble intent of getting people to do good to one's fellow man, they missed the Spiritual message of worshipping God everyday and loving their neighbour as themselves then we wouldn't have to fabricate ways that we should act for 67 minutes.

67 Ways to help your neighbour

1. Adopt one of SA’s 1,5 million orphans.
2. Ask some neighbours over to dinner.
3. Baby-sit to give some parents a break.
4. Bake a cake for a person who needs it.
5. Be an Angel in the mayor’s “Angel Appeal”.
6. Be a Big Brother or Sister to a needy child.
7. Be a neighbour and help someone.
8. Be polite and greet the people you meet.
9. Celebrate silence and cut down noise.
10. Clean Symmonds Stream in Howick.
11. Clean out your cupboards for charity.
12. Cook a meal for a person who needs it.
13. Cover for a colleague who needs a break.
14. Crochet or knit a comfort doll for a kid.
15. Cuddle a cat at the Woodhouse Road SPCA.
16. Cut snares in the forest or open veld.
17. Do the shopping for someone housebound.
18. Donate food to the Community Chest.
19. Don’t do crime - it hurts your community.
20. Drive safely and obey the road rules.
21. Feed the birds in the garden with a bird table.
22. Foster a child for PMB Child Welfare.
23. Get to know your neighbours if you don’t.
24. Give a lift to someone with no transport.
25. Give blood and save a life, maybe three.
26. Give R67 to PMB Community Chest.
27. Help the wild animals: clean up green areas.
28. ‘Help Rob do his Job’ - clean up the city.
29. Help Cindi plant a garden in France.
30. Hold a tea party to your neighbours.
31. Honour an elderly person like Mandela.
32. Hug someone that needs a warm touch.
33. Ideas for kids: tidy your room, do chores.
34. Join the local Community Policing Forum.
35. Keep the PMB Children’s Home open.
36. Knit squares for SPCA blankets.
37. Know your status: get a free HIV test.
38. Start learning one of the 11 official languages.
39. Make peace by settling a dispute.
40. Organise a work party to fix a community place.
41. Paint a wall at Lifeline’s house in the city.
42. Pay your school fees. The school needs them.
43. Pick up litter to clean up the rivers.
44. Plant a tree to beautify your community.
45. Prepare refreshments for those who serve.
46. Pretend it’s the last 67 minutes of your life.
47. Raise funds for charities that need them.
48. Recycle your rubbish to help the planet.
49. Remember apartheid, share the memories.
50. Remember those in prison - help NICRO.
51. Save the planet from plastic, it’s a no-no.
52. Say ‘thank you’ to community workers.
53. Share cuttings and plants from your garden.
54. Smile at people you encounter tomorrow.
55. Stand in line at a govt office for someone.
56. ‘Stop crime, say hello’ - join the move.
57. Talk about Nelson Mandela’s example.
58. Teach someone a skill or hobby you have.
59. Tell your ‘struggle’ stories to the children.
60. Tip someone, esp. if you don’t often.
61. Use your voice on audio-books for the blind.
62. Visit the Mandela Monument near Howick.
63. Visit someone who needs a visitor.
64. Volunteer to help a community group.
65. Walk a dog at the Woodhouse Road SPCA.
66. Wash a car, soccer club’s kit or church linen.
67. Write a will and leave money to charity.
Compiled by The Witness newspaper, Friday, July 17, 2009

I also referred to item #46 and then went through the Ten Commandments, which is the perfect Law that converts the soul (Psalm 19:7).

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) is the only moral standard we need to adhere to - God's Law:

1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. You shall not make yourself any graven image (idols).
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain (blasphemy).
4. Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it Holy.
5. Honour your father and mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour (lie).
10. You shall not covet your neighbour's house nor his wife and his possessions.

During the preaching of the Law and the Gospel of Grace that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6) I told the hearers that if people love men - like Mr Mandela - more than God, then they are idolaters and they need to repent of their evil and wicked sins against a Holy and Just God.

The Bible says that it is appointed to men once to die, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27) and like each one of us, Mr Mandela will also stand before God Almighty on the Day of Judgment and give an account of his life. The only way we can receive eternal life is by repenting (turning from and forsaking evil and wicked sin) and throwing ourselves upon the mercy of Jesus Christ. He will return and judge this world in righteousness (Acts 17:30,31).

The second reading was the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and again a plea was made to the inhabitants of South Africa...

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

There is one Lawgiver and Judge - Almighty God. We do pray for Mr Mandela, and every other person still breathing, that they will truly repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Them that are born again are given a new heart, spirit and mind and will think Christ-like. Remember: "Over 700,000 babies have been killed by abortion in South Africa – officially, legally, often with tax payers’ money – since Nelson Mandela legalised abortion on demand, 1 February 1997. As head of the ANC Mandela didn’t even allow his parliamentarians a conscience vote, they were forced to vote for abortion" (The Battle for South Africa - Frontline Fellowship). According to God's standards - that is MURDER.

The new "One Billion Rand" Gospel Tract was put to good use on Mandela Day. It reads as follows:

These days, we celebrate many freedoms... but are you really free? The Bible says that we are slaves... slaves to sin. What is sin? Sin is violating God's law... the Ten Commandments. Need proof you are a slave to sin? Ever told a lie? The ninth commandment says, "You shall not lie." Ever stolen anything? Have you ever used God's name in vain? That's called Blasphemy. Have you looked with lust (sexual desire) after another person? Jesus said, "Whosoever looks upon a woman to lust after her has committed adultery already with her in his heart." How many times have you been guilty of any of these serious violations? You, like the rest of us are a slave to sin. God's word tells us that all liars, blasphemers, the sexually immoral, thieves, etc. will end up in the lake of fire... for eternity.

The Bible makes it clear that we have to be holy to go to heaven. The problem is "... all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." We also read: "There is none righteous, no, not one... There is none who does good, no, not one." God will justly judge you when you die and none who are unholy will enter heaven. We have to be holy to go to heaven.

But there is hope! God lowered Himself and became a man, Jesus Christ. He lived a perfect (sinless) life. Then, He died on the cross for you paying the penalty for sin. After three days he rose from the dead defeating death. Only His blood can make us holy! In order to have this holiness, you must repent (turn from your sin) and put your faith in Jesus Christ. Humble yourself, and start living for God. Realize you are created to give God all the glory! True freedom is only found in Jesus Christ. Read your Bible daily and obey what you read. www.TheGoodPersonTest.net

First John Preaching

As part of the Project Ezra challenge to open-air street preachers / evangelists, on the 4th July 2009 the Scriptures to be read was the Book of First John and to preach the Law and the Gospel of Grace.

From the photos at the following link, please look at the faces of the people who passed by and those that lingered and others who stopped to listen. The photos are in number order and from first photo (#001) to last (#055) the reading and preaching took about 45 minutes. You will see my son Chad handing out my last few tracts and his brother Jason, who was asked to capture as many peoples' reactions, was busy taking the photos. Notice how long - from frame to frame - some people stayed to hear the Awesome Word of God.

Glory to our King Jesus.