Yesterday afternoon & last night, we were on the streets. For the afternoon, it was Tony & I on the streets and we were using a big evangicube to share with people. What a cumbersome tool, but the Lord used it to open up conversations. We talked to a guy named Rudy who had such a problem with suffering in the world. It seemed like it was a very personal subject to him, but he didn't let on any further than that.
It seems to be the overall attitude here in Montreal that people are so scared of making a decision about anything in terms of commitment. And if they do make a commitment, it seems that they are looking for a way out. What can we do about this? I think that prayer is the only thing. It seems that suffering and past problems have a lot to do with how people's attitudes are. It also has become evident that people have been hurt or disappointed by the church, whether it be the real Church or not. There seems to be a hard forgetfulness of Jesus' command to forgive 70 times 7. There seems to be a reactive spirit to everything that happens, even with people in the church.
Remember the story of Joseph. He went through some incredible circumstances that probably would have left me questioning what God was doing. But that is not how Scripture portrays the attitude of Joseph. (Reread Genesis 37-50 for a reminder of Joseph's circumstances) But instead of reacting to human circumstances, Joseph was proactive about trusting the Lord and Scripture does not talk of Joseph becoming bitter at people, even when they forgot about him.
As the Church, which is made of individual believers, we must pray that we are proactive and prayerful for the Church. We must not continually remember the things that the Church hasn't done for us, but ask what has the Church done for me. And better yet, what has Jesus done for me. We have been forgiven much, so let's remember that as we suffer, or get treated unfairly, or are the target of neglect in the Church, let's be proactive in helping people see the Biblical way of things.
As we talk with people who are dealing with suffering and things that aren't "fair", let's remember that God is sovereign and He has a plan for all things. That He has not randomly distributed suffering, but has allowed circumstances in our life for our good. The Bible says that there is no temptation that is beyond us with the power of God. We are reminded in James that we are to consider it all joy, pure joy, whenever we face trials of many kinds because we know that the testing of our faith produces endurance. And we are reminded in Romans that God is working all things for good for those who love Him.
I love hearing the people on the streets that I talk to tell me of how their life is changing too.
Last night, Tony talked with a guy named Jay, a guy that I had talked with 2 weeks earlier. When I talked with him he was very angry about so much. He made a profession of faith years ago, but was struggling and living on the streets. So anyways, last night, Jay came up to talk with me after Tony had finished with him, and there was such a difference about him. He had such a peace about him and seemed like things were changing in his life. Only God can do this.
Okay, I have to do some stuff now before we go out on the streets. Please pray for the preaching of the Word that Tony & I will be doing on the streets. It is wild out there!

Please, tell me what God is doing in your lives!!!!!!! Keep me connected in your community!!!!!

..... Dwight