Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church in Westby, Wisconsin has a rich history of evangelism. Our constitution mentions the importance of yearly evangelism meetings, and many good Lutheran Brethren evangelists have visited over the years. However, as our culture has gradually changed, the methods of evangelism that were successful in years past were becoming less and less effective. A new method was needed to present the same message of salvation in Jesus Christ to our community today. Enter Pastor Shawn Bowman (from Victory Lutheran Brethren Church in Jamestown, North Dakota) with his idea to go from house to house with the gospel. (Read the article about this idea in the last issue of F&F by Pastor Bowman)

We decided as a congregation to try this new and different approach even though we didn’t know how it would turn out. In spite of our fear and uncertainty we were trusting and praying John 6:44, that God would draw people to himself. And guess what? He did!

People from our congregation set up meetings for Pastor Bowman and me with their friends. We had the privilege of meeting many wonderful people and talking about their lives, Jesus, sin, and forgiveness. By God’s grace we brought his Word of hope and comfort to some who were hurting, we connected the dots for some who were confused and lacked assurance, and we proclaimed Christ, his death and resurrection to some who had never really heard.

All in all, this experience helped bring unity and energy to our congregation as we saw God working through us. We rejoice in the gospel at work, which is God’s power unto salvation for all who believe. Now we are left with the gift and task of following up with and continuing the conversations that were begun during our week of evangelism, as we continue to faithfully point people to God’s Word and Sacraments.

Two members of our congregation gave their thoughts regarding that week:

When the whole thing started about the week of evangelism that Pastor Berge and Pastor Bowman were proposing to our church, I wasn’t too sure about it. I didn’t know if I could ask anyone to meet the pastors. I thought that anyone I would ask might say, “Oh, that’s okay” or “We don’t have time for that” or something to that effect. But I could feel God working, so I started praying for about seven people that I knew had questions on their assurance of salvation. I prayed everyday for them by name for about a month.

Then one day the opportunity came up to ask one of them, so I did and they said, “Yeah, sure, I would like to meet the pastors and talk about Jesus.” I thought to myself, “That was easy.” So a few hours later I asked another person that I had been praying for. He said yes also. The next day I asked another person and he said yes also. It was then that I realized just how hungry people are to talk about Jesus. I asked several others. Not everyone said yes, but I know that God is still working in some of them by conversations that I have had with them. We had several good meetings that week and could feel the Lord working through “the Law and the Gospel.”

I know I am not the only member of the congregation to see and feel that this week. I think God has blessed our entire congregation with the outreach we did, and we all used our own God-given gifts to reach out. Whether it was canvassing, having meetings during the week, planning the Air Games event, picking up the phone and calling someone, or praying, God works through each of us and he can and did do amazing things. Praise God for his glory and willingness to work through us. – Dave Falkers

John 15:16 says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” We asked for souls to hear, workers who would be willing and united, good weather, financial support, and that we would be a blessing to the community. God supplied it all, in spite of our human fears and doubts! – Lester Rognstad

Rev. Adam Berge serves as pastor of Bethesda LBC, Westby, WI.

More Featured Articles