One night, three different dialogue events.
“We ran a bible study discussion on evangelism,” says Jason, “we looked at 2 Corinthians 4, and were encouraged that we shouldn’t loose sight off God’s sovereignty.”
“We watched Justine perform a three course meal and give tips and techniques about how to cook a meal and how to be a thoughtful host,” says Jeanette, who also had the opportunity to speak at the event.
“We had a dialogue dinner with people from Naremburn Asian Australian Church (NAAC),” says Paul, “It was a great chance to bring non-Christians along to a meal and have a directed discussion on who Jesus is.”
All three of the events had a good vibe.
“The members had invited quite a number of their friends, it was really encouraging,” explains Yoke who joined Paul at NAAC.
“Yeah in terms of people,” says Jason casually, “we had two bankers and one CEO of a telecom company. Obviously we weren’t claiming to be experts in evangelism, each of us was just sharing their own experience.”
“There were twelve women, four of whom were visitors,” Jeanette says, “the vibe was lovely, casual, easy going with a bit of class.”
But there were a wide variety of responses.
“One guy,” explains Jason, “seemed a little disheartened that his evangelistic efforts had been rebuffed.”
“I had one person say that the talk I gave was really moving and intellectually stimulating, and that after twelve months of not being in bible study, it might kick start her going along again,” explains Jeanette reflecting on the talk she gave on Luke 7.
“I got a question on how you handle rejection in relationships, didn’t think it would come up,” Paul muses, “and there were other questions about God and suffering, why aren’t good works enough, and others.”
Answering these questions was not always straight forward.
“I started talking but didn’t know where I was going, And my mind went blank,” Yoke confesses, “I’m not an up front person. But the second question God enabled me to answer.”
“I wasn’t really sure who would be coming, or what history or context they’d be coming from,” concedes Jeanette, “I just new I’d be talking to slightly older women who are both mothers and wives, some of whom were non-Christians. I wanted to show how their experience of hospitality is an example of how God welcomes us.”
“I think if you haven’t had much experience a million things run into your head, not all good things,” Paul admits, “Highlights that I need to know my bible better, so that it rushes into my mind instead, and what it says about that issue.”
But despite the challenge, everyone is still confident that the night was worth it.
“I think I wanted them to see that someone becomes a Christian only when God grants them a new heart, if I can say it that way,” says Jason, “our job is to proclaim the gospel with truth and integrity.”
“I hope and pray that like the woman in Luke 7,” says Jeanette, “the women may recognise their sins and weep in remorse at Jesus feet and realise that the king of the universe has accepted them.”
Paul agrees, “That Jesus life and claims demand a response.”
“And it’s actually pretty amazing that he died for us,” he adds.