One of our men, Raphael Vega, mentioned to me a couple of weeks ago that he thought too many people had a "campaign mentality" when it came to evangelism. What he meant was that people get all excited when a "campaign" is schedule and carried out with precision. We have done this twice in this decade and with amazing results. The first in 2004 resulted in 38 obeying the gospel of Christ in baptism and our latest one (May, 2008) saw 25 being obedient to the same loving gospel. However, in between 2004 and 2009 the "wave" of evangelism crested and slowly (not completely) became a mere "ripple." Yes, that "ripple" produced another 35-40 responses to the gospel, but many of those folk were taught by the same three or four people! The "campaign fever" dwindled within a few months after the campaigners left us on our own!
I am not bemoaning the value of concentrated efforts at reaching the lost. I believe "door-knocking campaigns" work and work well, but the enthusiasm from such is hard to maintain for long periods of time.
Raphael's thought as expressed to me was that Christians should see each day as a "campaign for Christ!" He is absolutely correct! Our enthusiasm for reaching the lost should not depend on brethren from other places coming to help us, a dynamic speaker filling the pulpit for a few nights, nor a constant badgering about evangelism from the local preacher. It should be instilled in us because we are Christians. Period!
I would like to hear from some of you who have successfully kept that "crest" of excitement rolling along without diminishing! What did you do? What can others do? Please, share with my readers all the encouraging words you have!
Thanks!
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