Sharing Christ at the Street Fair🌱

by Michael Koppola

"Go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled." (Luke 14:23)

These words of Jesus were on our hearts as Christ the Redeemer (Dillsburg, PA) prepared to attend a local street fair (Jubilee Day) that draws an estimated 70,000 people in a single day. We saw it as an opportunity to "go" and share the good news of Christ with our neighbors so that His house may be filled.

The Lord blessed our efforts in wonderful ways. Throughout the day, we handed out Bibles, children's coloring books, and Scripture sticker books, distributing a total of 894 items. We spoke with scores of people, prayed with many of them, and witnessed God's love at work. As we go, it is Jesus who works in and through us, offering His gospel of reconciliation.

One of the clearest examples of this ministry came through the gift of Holy Scripture. Father Mike met two young men who had never heard of Jesus and had never read the Bible. He was able to place a Bible into each of their hands and share the gospel with them. The Lord knew these young men and lovingly provided exactly what they needed.

Later, another man approached our table, pointed to the Bibles, and asked, "Free Bibles? I've been looking for a Bible. May I have one?" With great joy, we handed him one. Others stopped in amazement that all of these resources were being given away at no cost.

We also experienced the joy of seeing God continue His work from last year. A woman we had met and prayed with at the previous street fair returned to our table to share how the Lord had answered those prayers. We were grateful to pray with her again and give thanks for all that God had done.

It can be difficult to imagine that people in south-central Pennsylvania have never owned a Bible or even heard the name of Jesus. Yet it is true. I suspect many communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic are much the same.

Our calling is to go, whether to street fairs, neighborhoods, workplaces, or to the ends of the earth, and faithfully proclaim the hope of Christ. Thank you for the ministry of reconciliation you carry out in your own communities. May we continue to labor together until our Lord's house is full.