It was a COLD day and there were very few people enjoying the beauty of the botanical gardens in Hobart, Tasmania (Australia).  My wife and I were there on holiday two weeks ago after teaching a class on cross-cultural evangelism at a mission college in Launceston.

No matter which direction we went, we kept bumping into one person.  So we finally stopped to talk with her, only to discover she lived in the same city we do (Sydney, Australia).  Not only that, but like us, she also taught Scripture in the public schools.  Her favourite class the same as Chris: Kindergarten.

But there was a difference.  I noticed she was wearing a blue bracelet with the Star of David on it.  She was Jewish and taught the Jewish Scripture Class.

I've never talked with a Jew about Jesus before. 

• So I started off by listening. 
• Then thinking of what we have in common
• and sharing some of the Old Testament stories that I have been teaching in my class

Before I could get any further she decided to move on.  

And I left dissatisfied, thinking there must have been a better way for us to have interacted.

I took out my imaginary game tape and did a review. 

I know that in the United States people who play college football (gridiron) will spend three hours a week reviewing the last week's game tape to get ideas on how they can improve.

So, I spent 20 minutes thinking about our interaction in the park. 

I had noticed that the woman had a blue wristband on it with the Star of David.

What would have happened if I had:

• Asked her to tell me about the wristband
• Repeated back to her a summary of what she said so that she knew I understood
• Told her about a wristband I sometimes wear

I am SURE she would have loved to tell me about her wristband.  I am CONFIDENT that she would like the affirmation of knowing that I had paid enough attention that I could give her an accurate summary of what she said.  This would also have given her an opportunity to correct my misunderstanding.

Then I could easily transition into something like, "You know, I sometimes wear a wristband made of similar material.  Mine has four symbols.  May I tell you about it?"

The wristband I wear looks like this.  

It is very easy to explain.  If you want some help visit  https://thefour.au/ for three ways to present this in English

If you want to use other languages try https://thefour.com

You can get the bracelets in Australia from  https://powertochange.org.au/product-category/the-four/

and in the USA from https://crustore.org/?s=The+Four&post_type=product

I regularly review my game tapes. This is one of the best ways for me to get better. Yes, I make lots of mistakes and I view each of them as a success -- a success in helping me learn how to more effectively communicate the Gospel.

Let's pray together:

"Lord Jesus, thank you for the many people you bring across our path.  Give us wisdom for each interaction.  May we be both bold and sensitive to your leading.  Allow us to review our game tapes, not with a sense of condemnation, but with eager anticipation of discovering how you want us to improve.  We love you and thank you for entrusting us with the message of reconciliation. Amen"

Have a great week interacting with the people God brings your way.