Sharing Your Faith in Jesus

Penny is a woman in our church who had a Roman Catholic upbringing and education. She had trouble believing and cried out to really know God. She was married to a "wonderful, caring, Christian man" in 1982. She says that he was "probably the godliest man that I have ever known on a personal basis." The two would pray on their knees, out loud, morning and night for an hour. George (her husband) was sought for Christian counsel, lived Christianity daily and loved her dearly.

During a 14-month period, she lost her mother, her mother-in-law, her sister, and her beloved husband. She writes:

I was devastated, but not lost. God was there - I could hear him; I remembered the words [my husband] had for us all those years, "God will never be unfaithful and will never abandon you. When you feel lost, pray and keep praying. God will always hear your prayer." I also had to give up our home…and I moved into Strawberry Farms into an apartment complex that I work for. I lived in an apartment for the first time in my life. I prayed that God would put me into a church home and family.

From the first time she came to the Vineyard, she knew that it was home. Worship really touched her heart and she began praying for my messages - that people would be saved. She attended the New Members class, New Communities, joined a small group and attends classes at the Vineyard every chance she gets.

Making the Most of Opportunities

Penny worked in the complex for over a year and had never seen God open a door for her to witness. But after getting involved at the Vineyard, God is opening up opportunities everywhere for her to share Jesus.

She met three ladies who were unable to drive due to strokes, but who wanted to go to church. Penny began taking them to the Vineyard.

When someone comes in to rent one of her apartments, Penny tells them how to get around town, to CVS, the library, Wal-Mart and asks if there was a particular church or house of worship she could direct them to. They often respond with something like, "I haven't been to church in years!" or "I know I need to get back into a good church, do you know of one?" She tells them about the Vineyard and often offers to drive them, or meet them at the service and sit with them.

When someone from her invitation list starts coming to church, she gets them to attend the Welcome Dinner, Newcomers Class, Foundations, Healing class, etc by going along with them. She writes,

Penny is an inspiration to me (and I hope to you).

Here is an upcoming opportunity for you to share your faith with a friend, co-worker, or family member. Vineyard Columbus is co-chairing with First church of God an event called Jammin' Against the Darkness. Jammin' is a unique and powerful outreach ministry that combines the atmosphere of an NBA all-star weekend with great Christian music, testimonies and the presentation of the gospel. Since 1993 Jammin' has been used by God to fill arenas such as New York City's Madison Square Garden, the MCI Center in Washington DC, Key Arena and Safeco Field in Seattle, and other venues across the country.

Jammin' has something for everyone- great NBA players (such as Columbus native and Buckeye star Michael Redd) on court and sharing their testimonies. There will be award winning music by the Newsboys, Fred Hammond and Vineyard's own John Rueben! Buckeye Coach Jim Tressel will share and Steve Jamison the Co-founder will present the gospel and give a clear altar call. You will be pleased by the presentation of Jesus!

Vineyard Columbus has purchased 1000 tickets. Tickets can be purchased at the bookstore for $10 each. Why not buy several tickets for your family and friends!
This could be the first step toward someone you love finding Jesus!