tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508086666706580262011-07-30T22:46:35.085-07:00David S. Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945749404006843136noreply@blogger.comBlogger11100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-750808666670658026.post-1022494112899177662009-06-22T10:40:00.000-07:002009-06-22T10:51:21.594-07:00<strong>Remember who is in Control</strong><br />1. God is sovereign of each person’s life and their coming to faith in Christ (we don’t know who has shared the gospel with our guests before)<br />2. We are called to be obedient, using the time with our guests wisely<br />3. God will bring the fruit he has planned to bring<br />4. We can pray for the harvest<br /><br /><strong>Become Involved</strong><br />1. We are making ourselves available to God to be used for his glory and the benefit of others (our guests) through the power of the Holy Spirit<br />2. The meal is a ticket into our lives and theirs<br /><br /><strong>Establish Relationships</strong><br />3. We are providing—at our table—a sacred space (God is present) and an atmosphere of love and “safety”<br />4. We are showing our acceptance of our guests as persons<br />5. We display an empathetic attitude through words and body language<br /><br /><strong>Offer Hope</strong> <strong>and Trust</strong><br />6. We show a non-judgmental attitude We are just beggars telling other beggars where to buy bread (with no money—Isaiah 55)<br />7. By “coming alongside” our guests we can point the way to the paraclete—the one who is our heavenly advocate<br /><br /><strong>The Mechanics of the Conversation</strong><br />1. Remember: God says, “Fear not” (I am with you)<br />2. Introduce yourself as guests come to your table<br />3. Get their names and write them down on the tablecloth<br />4. Try to concentrate on the guests directly to your right and left BUT note the body language of others (they may be drawn into dialogue, too)<br />5. Ask descriptive questions (not ones with “yes” or “no” answers<br /><br /><strong>Possible questions that will open doors to further conversation</strong><br />1. May I tell you a story about how God helped me when I ___________ [a difficult situation]?<br />2. I was once a walking dead man/woman. May I tell you about it?<br />3. May I/the pastors pray for you? How?<br /><br /><strong>Share personal testimony</strong> (with permission)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/750808666670658026-102249411289917766?l=hostinghomeless.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>David S. Applehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13945749404006843136noreply@blogger.com0