"Show and Tell" Evangelism
March 1, 2002 - Recently I returned from a landmark meeting in Washington, D.C., where more than 800 professionals from more than 80 countries had gathered to discuss biblical solutions to the devastation of HIV/AIDS. This is the first time there has been this type of international gathering to strengthen and equip Christian ministries in their response to this deadly disease.
by Franklin Graham
As physicians, pastors, health workers and church leaders told how they have implemented Scripture-based preventive programs while also providing compassionate care to the suffering, I was struck with the tremendous power of "show and tell" evangelism. By that I mean evangelism that combines both deeds and words in a compelling manner.
The physician Luke wrote, "You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him."* Jesus met the physical needs of those to whom He ministered while proclaiming the Good News of forgiveness for sins.
Through the ages that has been the model for Christians to follow. It was David Livingstone, a Scottish doctor and missionary, who introduced medical missions to Africa in the mid-1800s. Today, across Africa and in many other parts of the world, missionary hospitals still provide the finest in health care. The good deeds of medical missionaries earn a hearing for the Gospel, providing excellent opportunities to communicate the message of God’s love.
This month, March 14-16, we will be in El Salvador for an evangelistic Festival. Following a powerful earthquake that struck the region last year, Samaritan's Purse has been helping rebuild homes in that country. We trust that our efforts to aid the victims will give us the opportunity to tell them that our work is motivated by our love for Christ and Christ’s love for them.
Last year at a Festival in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, more than 5,400 came to know Christ as Savior. As always, it was the power of the Holy Spirit that drew men, women and children to salvation. In Honduras Samaritan's Purse had been at work, rebuilding more than 5,000 homes following the 1998 devastation of Hurricane Mitch. We believe that doing good in Christ’s name brought many people to hear the message of redemption in Christ.
This is the distinctive of the Christian faith—helping the poor, the hurting, the oppressed, the victimized—while proclaiming the hope of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. As we continue to work in Christ's name, we believe that the Lord God will give us expanded opportunities for ministry. Please continue to pray for us as the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse take the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world in deeds and in words, showing and telling those in need of God’s magnificent love for them.
Visit Samaritan's Purse for more information on the work of Samaritan's Purse around the world.
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