Over the last few weeks, I’ve been coaching a group of Sudanese believers in how to share the gospel with their friends and connect them to Jesus. Last week, we explored Acts 4:13–20 together.
We asked: What principles of mission do we see in this story?
Here’s what the group discovered:
- Courage comes from being with Jesus. People recognized Peter and John’s boldness because they had been with Him.
- We must obey God rather than people. Even in the face of opposition, we are called to listen to Jesus first.
- We can’t help speaking about what we’ve seen and heard. Our personal experience with Jesus matters.
This passage challenged us all. It reminded us that what we’ve seen and heard — our real, lived experiences with Jesus — are central to how we witness to others.
Does It Work in Real Life?
Many people feel more comfortable sharing a polished gospel presentation like the Four Spiritual Laws. I have spent thousands of hours preparing bi-lingual editions for you to share with people.
But what drew me to faith was not the facts of the Gospel — it was seeing that Jesus made a difference in my friends' lives.
That’s why it’s so powerful to share real stories about how we’re experiencing Jesus day by day. These stories show that Jesus is alive and active — not just in theory, but in our actual lives.
My Experience This Week
Let me share a simple example.
Right now, I’m in Melbourne (I usually live in Sydney). I was driving to an appointment and getting increasingly agitated because I thought I was going to be late. I hate being late.
Earlier that morning, my wife had taken some extra time to play worship songs on the piano before we left the house. I found myself getting angry, blaming her for my delay.
But in that moment, the Holy Spirit caught my attention.
It was as if God gently said, “Bob, what if the problem isn’t your wife’s time management — but yours? What if you started to take responsibility for knowing and planning the schedule for your appointments?”
I realised God was teaching me something — correcting me, lovingly. And then, to my surprise, I arrived to discover the meeting was actually half an hour later than I’d thought. I was early!
God had used the whole moment to shape my heart — and show me once again that He is kind, wise, and patient.
Everyday Witness — Tips to Grow
Sharing how Jesus is at work in your everyday life is one of the most powerful ways others come to know Him. Here are some tips to help you develop this skill:
- Keep your stories short. Aim for 2 minutes or less.
- Include feelings. Don’t just describe what happened; share how it made you feel.
- Connect with shared experiences. Choose stories your listener can relate to.
- Be honest and personal. It’s not about impressing people — it’s about showing them Jesus.
- Avoid Christian jargon. Use everyday language.
Think about your week. What moments might help someone else see God more clearly?
A Story from One of the Students
One of the students in our group shared how he had been praying about which car to buy. He was sure he’d found the right one. But his wife suggested they look at another car. Reluctantly, he agreed — and as soon as he saw it, everything changed. He had perfect peace.
This was a moment where God guided him — not just through logic, but through relationship and humility. That story can connect with anyone facing a big decision. It’s simple, human, and real.
Be Willing to Be Vulnerable
It can feel risky to share how God is working in our lives — especially when it reveals our weakness or failure. But that’s okay. Being vulnerable shows others that they don’t have to have it all together before they come to Jesus.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You that You love us just as we are. Thank You for being at work in our lives, even in our frustrations and failures. Help us to be honest and open about what You’re doing — so others can see You and be drawn to You.
Give us the courage to share real stories that reflect Your grace.
In Your name we pray,
Amen.
Have a great week talking with your friends.
P.S. Who do you think would be encouraged by this email? Forward it to them and let them know they can walk alongside experienced cross-cultural evangelists by visiting: https://hereslife.com/encouragement