Wanting to Witness
From our e-mail bag

Dear Wanting to Witness:
I’m excited that you want to share your faith with others. To make witnessing easier to understand, let’s divide it into three categories.

Cold evangelism: This is what you’ve described in your letter. You simply walk up to someone and begin sharing your faith. At times this is effective, but God may not be directing you to use this method.

Friendship evangelism: You develop a sincere friendship with someone and share your faith over time. It feels more natural. It’s easier to work into a conversation, and because you’re friends, you’ve earned the right to share what’s important in your life. There’s also a trust factor you’ve developed with your pal.

Lifestyle evangelism: Your actions often speak much louder than your words. By watching how you react to stressful situations, feeling your concern and noticing your willingness to go the extra mile for someone, people will see a reflection of your relationship with Christ.

Which method is right for you? Maybe one or maybe all. The important thing is your willingness to share your faith. As you ask God to give you specific opportunities to do so, He’ll make it obvious which method(s) He wants to use through you.

Dear Susie:
My parents think the only reason that a person dates is just a way to get pregnant. Why can’t they understand that I made a commitment to God that I’m not going to have sex before I’m married? Why won’t my parents have faith in me and trust me to do the right thing?

Frustrated
From our e-mail bag

Dear Frustrated:
Assuming you’re old enough to date, perhaps your parents are concerned because of stories they’ve heard from others about dating. Make a special effort to spend a couple of hours with your folks (not something said as you’re walking out the door or as they’re getting ready for an appointment). Share your commitment to save sex before marriage.

Define that commitment for them. Are you merely talking about not having intercourse outside of marriage? Sexual purity involves a lot more than simply saying no to intercourse. So explain the totality of your commitment.

If they’re still against dating, ask if you can do a few things with a group of teens — pizza, miniature golf, a movie, etc. — or ask if you can have a group of teens over to your house for games and movies.

Dear Susie:
Hey, I’m a cutter, and I think I’m addicted. One of my friends is planning on telling our youth pastor and my family if I don’t stop, and I don’t think I can. I don’t want anyone to know. Do you have any advice?

Addicted
From our e-mail bag

Dear Addicted:
I wish I could wrap my arms around you and just hold you for a while. It’s obvious you’re hurting deeply, or you wouldn’t be cutting yourself. I don’t know what kind of pain you’ve experienced, but I know Someone who totally understands. And that’s Christ.

I’m not telling you anything you don’t know, but there’s a reason you’re cutting. And until you deal with that, the addiction and the physical and emotional harm it’s causing will continue. Your family and youth pastor need to know what’s happening so they can surround you with love and help you through this dark tunnel. Please be open with them. We love you!