LTW Update: June 12, 2010 in the Smoky MountainsIt has been a great day in the Smoky Mts. God was so good! The weather forecast called for a 50% chance of rain, and it did not rain until I was ready to leave. I arrived at 9:00 A.M. and left at 2:30 P.M. I had prayed for this day for weeks and trusted God to direct the tourists and the weather according to His will.
I was still placing the materials on the table when several families began to gather around me. Everyone was anxious to see what the table was all about. One lady was moved to tears as she placed her hand on her heart. She was filled with joy over this ministry. She had been through an abortion and felt God directed her to the table to give her a book which was an autobiography of a woman like herself. I shared with her about how God heals hurts and forgives our sins. She took other tracts and a Bible.
Deceived On Purpose by Warren Smith was taken by a mother to give to her son who is a pastor. Another copy of this book was taken by a youth minister. Several young adults took tracts about the New Age movement and Yoga. All of the In Touch magazines for June were taken, as well as several copies of Randy Alcorn’s summary booklets on Heaven. The children and grandparents appreciated the children’s books based on Psalm 93, Keys for Kids, Ray Comforts booklets, Hey Kids, and tracts on evolution vs. creationism. The most popular book today was Dwayna’s booklet of quotes from America’s founding fathers. There were many discussions about how far our culture had fallen from being Judeo-Christian. Sermons and CD’s of old hymns and of Dwayna singing “My Prize” were also very much appreciated.
One man, who claimed to be a Christian and a member of a Methodist church, wanted to discuss the dedication of the Mormans. He pointed out that they pray for the dead and do many mission endeavors. In the end, however, he agreed with me. Death is final and after that is the judgment. It will be a sad day for those who base spending eternity with God on good works or prayers for the dead.
One Asian couple refused to take any materials about Jesus but gladly received a tract about Buddhism. This is an excellent tract that gives the gospel of Jesus Christ and invites people to the publisher’s website for more information.
Two young men who play the guitar in churches of various denominations talked with me at length, asking questions about what it means to be a Christian. I prayed as I was talking with them that God would save them and help them to grow in their understanding of His Word.
Although it looked like it would rain at any time, God saw fit to hold it back until I was ready to leave. I thanked Him for that but would have thanked Him regardless. He is more than wonderful all the time.
“Sharing Jesus, serving Him, and strengthening Christians with excellence for the glory of God” (Mission Statement of 1st Baptist Church of Sevierville, TN),
Claudette Litz
