Encouragement

Handprints of Evangelism

by Jennifer Liang 
06/30/14
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 Handprints of Evangelism

       “Thank you so much Sarah for the book you gave me last week. “ Emily said while giving her youngest a big push on the swings.  “I read it cover to cover and it was so interesting.  My husband even saw how engrossed I was reading it before bed and asked to take it to work with him two days in a row.”

       Sarah’s daughter Grace giggled as she exclaimed “Higher mommy higher!”

        Loving the smile on her daughter’s face and not wanting to disappoint her Sarah obliged with a mighty push resulting in another round of giggles.  “You are most welcome.  I am glad to help.  I am here anytime you need me.”

        Leaving her son to swing on his own Emily carefully avoided his pumping legs and walked over to join Sarah next to the pole.  “But why me?  What does this all mean to you?” 

        “You mean Jesus?” Sarah asked.

        “Yes.  I mean it is a nice story and all but what does that have to do with you and me?” Emily reiterated.  “Why did you give me a free book?”

        After a moments thought Sarah asked, “Well, let me ask you a question.  Did you make handprints and fingerprints of your children as babies?”

        “For my oldest we did at birth.  It is framed on our wall.  I have yet to do anything with Michael. Why?”

         “My Grace was so tiny that I wanted to have proof of her growth to remind me of how far she has come and will go.  I took her handprint and while looking at it Jesus spoke to me about how important He is in my life and how He is always taking care of me and my family.” 

         “Yes, I remember the difficult time you went through with her premature birth.”

         Finally freeing Grace and running after her to the slide Sarah motioned Emily to join her in the shade.  “Grace would not be where she is now if it were not for God’s hand orchestrating everything.  Her framed handprints on our wall serve as a daily reminder of His healing and provision.”

          “In other words it is not just a story to you but this Jesus character is real.”

         “That is exactly what I am saying Emily.”

        Pondering that thought for a moment Emily distracted herself by seeming to be captivated by what Michael was doing as he gleefully climbed the slide and slid down followed closely by his friend Grace.  “Wow.  That gives me a whole new perspective.  Do you happen to have more of those books?  My husband still has my first copy.”

        Handing her a pocket testament Sarah smiled and simply said, “We will be praying for you.”

            On Sunday Sarah’s husband Harry nudged her during the sermon and whispered “Isn’t that your friend Emily?”

            “Shhh.  Yes, it is.  I will talk to her after service.”

            Later approaching her from behind Sarah tapped Emily on the shoulder.  “Welcome Emily.  It is nice to see you here. “

            Enveloping Sarah in her arms Emily couldn’t contain her excitement.  “I went home that day from the playground and Jesus touched me.  His handprints are on my life now too.  I want to shout it from the mountaintops and share with everyone I know.  Where can I go for help?”

            “I know just the place.  It is called Pocket Testament League (www.ptl.org) and there you can find the answers to all your questions like what is evangelism and why read the Bible.  They also have free evangelism training, free daily devotionals, and other evangelism tools and resources.  There are even ways to reach those around us as well as around the world in places like China! Congratulations.  Welcome to the family!”