Dear Friends, Always good to hear about your very effective ministry approach. Trust everything going well as your serve the Master. Blessings
I thank you for your ministry where the Lord uses you in a powerful way in bringing children and others to know Jesus.
“You’ve got to be kidding; church yard evangelism?!” I have to admit, this kind of snook-up on me. BAM! I was listening to Tom Curtis this past Sunday as he was giving a guest sermon focused on “prayer”. Not that prayer has a lot to do with church yard evangelism… ….well, you be the judge, read-on.
First, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page, and talking about the same thing.
Church-yard evangelism is one of the most powerful growth vehicles for any church, if done right. The problem is, most could be a great deal more effective than they are; think about any of these activities you have been involved in over the years at any church you have visited. Here is a list of activities / events commonly sponsored, or supported by churches, either near, or on their church property:
There are many more different kinds of activities (tell us about yours) that could be listed. These events usually reflect the social fabric and interest of the sponsoring, or participating church. Many times these are planned fund raisers. However, the goals also typically evolve around introducing new people to the church through some form of interaction, with the hope of leading others into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Additional benefits include helping introduce existing Christians, new to the area, to your church; help them find a new church home. Other ancillary benefits include fellowship among participating church members , and exposure for the church in other indirect ways. Most would agree, if others accept Christ (souls saved) as their personal savior “at the event”, then this would be like having your cake, and eating it too… … a win-win-win. Praise the Lord! Any kind of church-yard evangelism can always be about seeing souls saved. In fact, why plan one if that’s not included?
SOS Events is about showing others how they can come to expect a harvest of souls at almost any event. Tom Curtis often reminds me (and I am thankful) that it’s not him and his wife Carolyn that save souls, but it’s faith in action based on their surrender to a relationship that allows Him to do His will. Write to info@sosevents.org, if you would like more information, or help with your event.
July 22, 2008 – Morning DayBreak host Jake Sammons interviews Tom and Carolyn Curtis. This is a great overview, including Tom’s personal testimony, description of the ministry work, and what they see as the most effective strategies and tactics today. Every church should listen to this revealing, and astoundingly simple message. Our hats off to all those at WPOS FM 102.3 in Holland, Ohio, especially Jake Sammons. I tuned in early (before 8:AM) Wednesday morning to make sure I didn’t miss the interview. The programming, and message was great. Here is a recording of the interview; click here to WPOS FM 102.3 DayBreak show – July 22, 2008
Don and Shirley Riegel recount their first year (2007) with SOS Events ministry.
“We worked at the Strawberry Festival last March to prepare to work by ourselves (without the Curtis’s help). We did four more events alone in MN, MT, OH, and PA. We saw a total of 225 decisions for Christ and trained 39 workers at the four events. Some of those workers led their first person to Christ. Most of the workers are dedicated to sharing their faith now on a more regular basis. We praise the Lord for the opportunity to be involved in this ministry of training soul winners. Pray for us as we see where He will direct our paths next year. We truly enjoy this work and rejoice in doing it.”
Don and Shirley reside in Perrysburg, Ohio.
A few weeks back I recorded an interview with Tom Curtis. Tom and Carolyn had recently returned from an SOS Event in Hamiltion New Jersey, their third straight year in Hamilton.
This brief interview covers the Hamilton event with the sponsoring church, and school. Tom’s report is amazing. However, during the interview, the Holy Spirit must have taken over, because the story he tells us, after his report, is also just as incredible. mouse-over for controls or click here for pocast.
My prayer is that those listening to this podcast will seek more information on how they can get involved in this ministry. Tom is a walking and teaching example of how simple and effective sharing the gospel can be for everyone. (posted by Jay Ayres)
Shieanne, 12, from AL, I know for a fact I am going to Heaven.
Kathleen 58, Gainesville, FL, He forgave me for my sins and came into my heart.
Allene 61, Orlando, FL, He saved my soul.
Ronald 63, IL, I accepted Jesus today.
Tim 15, NH, I prayed, ask Jesus to come into my heart and forgive my sins.
Jessie 57, NJ, I gave my soul to God.
Andrew 12, TX, Jesus forgave me of my sins.
Tammy 19, SC He made me know I am forgiven and accepted.
Matthew 14, Plant City, FL, Jesus gave me insurance that when I die I will go to Heaven.
Lexus 12, Holiday, FL, I was born again and got a spiritual birthday 3/11/07.
Note: These are actual testimonies written on the back of a card we ask each person that prays with us to fill out. They are all ages, all walks of life and they are from all over the USA.
Shopping can be an event. Tom needed a new jacket. Tom & Carolyn headed to Sears. Finished with their shopping on the way out, 2 young men, employees on their break, were sitting on the riding lawn mowers out front. Tom stopped and told the young men they could improve the store by putting up a sign that said Jesus saves. One of the men, Fritz, replied, “I don’t think they would let us do that.” Then Tom said, “Have you ever seen the 3 things God can not do?” “I didn’t think there was anything God can not do,” Fritz answered. Tom went on to tell them what the 3 things were. Then, Tom proceeded with the plan of salvation. “Are you 50, 75 or 100% sure if you died right now you would go to heaven?”, Tom asked. Fritz was sure, the other, Jay, did not know at all.
In the next few minutes Tom had guided Jay into a personal relationship with God. Jay ask forgiveness of his sins and accepted the Lord as his Savior.
Just as they finished the prayer a couple came up to buy a lawn mower. Jay quickly returned to work to make the sale. Several things became new that day, a new convert, Jay, Fritz, the Christian, encouraged to be a witness, and Tom got his new jacket. Event Evangelism is exciting.
