How do you teach in an area that holds strong prejudice?
Question:
Good day,
I wanted to ask: What can I do in my local community to get the word of God out, not just about salvation, but the natural progression of the conversation about the right church?
For context, I am in South Africa. This is rather significant because most churches in my local area are black churches. That's not being racist, just observant. In South Africa, I can't walk into a congregation and debate as Paul had because racism has reversed in South Africa. My white race might make it a problem and, therefore, get me into a lot of problems with the law, as in South Africa, you can get arrested for any racial problem, no matter how big or how small.
So I wanted to ask what I could do and how I could do it in an ensured safe way.
Kind regards.
Answer:
It has always been true that talking about the truth will upset people who are not interested in it (Matthew 5:10-11). Jesus mentioned this just before discussing the need for Christians to let their light shine in the world. This is not a race or nationality issue. The Greeks and the Jews rarely got along, yet Jewish Christians went out among the Greeks and converted many from idolatry to faith in God.
When a Christian follows God, his life becomes notably different from that of worldly people. This is particularly apparent when someone who once lived a worldly life suddenly changes his behavior. It makes people curious, and they start asking about the change. One of our recent members is finding this out. He became a Christian when he realized he had no control over his anger. He changed so radically that his co-workers started asking him questions. He ensures he gives God the credit and tries to answer their questions with Bible verses. During breaks at work, he finds his co-workers are interested in this Bible they heard of but know so little about. One recently told him that he bought a Bible so he can read it for himself. Even his family has noticed the change and now asks for his advice on solving problems. He directs them to what the Bible says. He is finding all of this strange because he used to isolate himself, and he is still learning God's word. I pray that much fruit will result from this.
Talking to people you know and explaining your reasoning by citing what God said will go a long way toward bringing people to God. If you want to go where religious people hang out, attend some Bible study groups and be the odd one who brings up Bible verses instead of offering his opinion. Let God do the talking. Then, people won't be as focused on you.
Response:
Thank you so much for your advice. I truly appreciate it.
I have always been pulled to spread the truth as far as possible. I was baptized into the church as a teenager but left the faith when I was around 18. I lived a very worldly life. Luckily, I didn't get myself involved in too much trouble, such as drugs and the like. There were many cases of other sins, but recently, I left my 'new' faith to rejoin the flock of God. I studied the Bible very intensely before and after I left the faith. I never stopped supporting the church or true Christians, so I still retain much of my biblical knowledge. I'm even reading the Bible from Genesis for the third time.
I am now in my twenties, so I am lucky to have rejoined the faith before I got too lost in my pagan ways. My passion for spreading the Word is even higher now than ever because everywhere I look around me, I see these 'churches' with many people entering every Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Seeing all these lost souls breaks my heart because I have been where they are, and I want to help them toward the truth of God.
Again, thank you so much for your advice, and God bless you!
