By: Steve Fandel

The early disciples were eager to witness, even in the face of adversity and danger.  After all, they had lived with and experienced Jesus Christ in the flesh.  If that’s not a life transforming experience that’s worthy of a witness, well I don’t know what else is.

My staunch Catholic father didn’t take all too kindly to witnesses.  You know what I mean?

I felt sorry for the poor, well intentioned Mormons or perky Baptists who dared beat a path up our driveway.  As I recall, my dad’s rote reply was always, “Whatever you’re selling or giving away, we don’t want any”.  He’d say it in a voice gruff enough that only the most steadfast (foolish) Protestants would dare venture to press any further conversation.  And God help any Jehovah’s Witnesses that ventured our way out in the country.

Now mind you, my dad wasn’t exactly ugly with these unexpected visitors.  He was just rock solid enough in his Catholic faith that he didn’t need any persuasion or convincing otherwise.

Still, those occassional door to door evangelists come to my mind most often when I hear the words Christian witness.

It takes a strong, persistent faith to be willing to face folks like my dad and others who are far less receiving.  I can imagine they’ve had more than a few doors slammed in their faces.  But I admire their faith and tenacity.

How do I measure up as a witness?  Too often, pretty poorly I’m afraid.

I have a friend who recently returned from a special witness assignment.  She didn’t go door to door in some nearby neighborhoods however.  She dyed her hair, learned to speak Arabic, and spent more than a year in the middle eastern country of Oman.

This is a soft spoken young lady who I always knew had a strong Christian faith.  But her decision to become a witness in the middle east, half a world away, spoke volumes to me about her determined spirit and willingness to take action.

And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.   -Acts 1:8

I’m not saying we all have to dye our hair, change our clothes, learn to speak Arabic and travel to foreign lands.  But I am saying I need to be more persistent and deliberate with my own witness opportunities.

How many times have I passed up an opportunity to share my faith, or even mention my Christian walk?  It might have been because I felt awkward or even embarrassed.

Forgive me Lord.  I pray we all have the strength to acknowledge Jesus Christ whenever we can.

It could be a kind word of inspiration to a neighbor or co-worker, it could be as a Christian missionary to the Middle East, or it could be the willingness to walk up a driveway, even when the welcome mat isn’t exactly rolled out.
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