Why Witness at
Fairs - Festivals?

Up-Dated - Friday, April 04, 2014

 Soul Winning at
 Public Events

Table of Contents
A. More Contacted in a Shorter Time
B. Hearts are Open
C. Perfecting of the Soul Winner
D. Scriptural

 A.  More Contacted in a Shorter Time

1. Conventional Methods
Attempting to contact the same amount of prospects by knocking on doors would take months or years because people are not necessarily at home at times convenient for those doing the visiting.

2. Large Numbers Stream by the Booth
They want to see …
* something previously unknown
* something new in areas already familiar
* something exciting or amusing
For whatever reason people show up, the point is, they show up. If while they are present, something curious is offered to them, there is no reason to believe they are hoodwinked or dealt with in an underhanded manner.

Good Reasons
Many Christians offer "Thanks" for someone being there with the Gospel.
Many people putting on the shows, are glad to receive the booth space fee.
Most are happy to receive a tract with a positive message on the front, regardless of what is inside.

3. Crowds Come to Us
Efficiency is maximized when the seekers come to the soul winner.

Some ask why do you go to Public Events?
I tell them it is because I am lazy. I would rather that the prospects come to me, than for me to go to try to find them.

Not defensive
When prospects come seeking you, they are much more open. More about this later.

4. Individuals Feel Anonymous
* Seekers come from out of town
* Seekers feel hidden in the crowd
* Seekers assume no one will ever know

It is about time
Since prospects feel like no one will ever know, they are much more likely to do something they normally would not do.
We have seen this acted out over and over where sin is concerned. Isn't it time we were able finally use this psychological phenomenon even to the prospect's best interest?

5. Couples and Pairs Can Listen Together
Many prospects will not listen to something "religious" unless they are with someone they know and trust.

I will if you will
Countless times we have seen someone who really wanted to know how to be Born-Again, but needed the other person's company to feel safe or comfortable.
Since most people go to Public Events in pairs or larger groups, they make ideal places to find prospects.

6. Many are Un-Approachable Except in Public
* The wealthy are insulated at home, work and by employees
* The teenagers are shielded at school and home
* The elderly are watched over by family, nursing homes and stubbornness

Built-in guards are lowered
The wealthy walk about a Public Event with no more defense against the Gospel than the rest of us. This is one of very few occasions in their lives that they are approachable.
Youth readily listen to a good witness because they are not guarded by well-meaning parents.
Even senior citizens are more approachable at Public Events. For the most part, they are extremely skeptical, some are even hard hearted, but a good worker can do more for Christ at Public Events, than all the churches in town can accomplish in years.
* Many will not go to church
* Most will not take a tract
* A large number will not listen to a witness
But we take many through the 3 Door Board (more about this later) and show them they are not going to Heaven, unless they are Born-Again.

7. Public Schools Bring Students
Only a few public schools will allow someone like the Gideons to hand out Bibles and New Testaments, keeping their students unapproachable while during school hours and grouped together.

How good is this?
Since some Fairs (Fairs encourage 4H and FFA participation) occur during the school year, the schools frequently bring students in their own buses. Because of this, area schools are often admitted without charge and attended by every student.
We frequently give out 1000's of tracts to very willing young hands.
Some teachers are Christians and even guide students in our direction without being obvious.
Some of our biggest days have been when the schools brought their students.

8. Nursing Homes Bring Patients
Area homes for the elderly and sick are admitted free to Fairs and some Festivals. They bring them in their own vehicles.

A perfect time
Some of the nursing home workers are Christians and will purposefully bring their patients by the booth, where we offer tracts. Since the patients are not able to hold the tract or cannot see, the workers will read the tract to them. We have been told that the patients sometimes like to pretend they don't understand, but hear and comprehend every word spoken.

9. Thousands of Tracts Distributed
Crowds feel safe because of their numbers and are open to literature, tracts, signage and witness.

Use a different approach
We do not ask prospects, "Would you like to have a Gospel tract?" We ask them, "Did I ever give you one of these?" or "Did you get one?" or "Did you get your smile?" (our tracts have a Smiley Face on the front)

10. Relaxed Defenses
A pleasant booth and smiling faces go a long way to relaxing defenses.

Remember
They are coming to us, we are not imposing on them or intruding in their private space.
They are out in the public and feel in control, safe and are only leery of the "Carnies".
More below.

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 B.  Hearts are Open
People come to fairs and festivals with non-defensive attitudes.

1. Open to New Ideas and Innovations
Prospects are looking for things, physical and abstract …
* to make life easier
* to make life productive
* to make life enjoyable

A perfect time to show them God has already …
* done all the work without worry
* provided the comfort without cost
* paid all debts without indebtedness
* supplied rest without end
* given love without condition
Since they are open to the "Good Life", show them the real "Good Life."

2. Open to Instruction and Explanation
Since most realize that the better things of life are available through knowledge and implementing that knowledge, prospects are open to education and training.

Take advantage of the situation
* Show them Bible promises
* Explain to them Bible prophecies
* Expose them to Bible understanding
A heart that wants to learn, should be given an education. Of course, no one is saved by head-knowledge. But open eyes are channels to the heart.

3. Open to spend money
Prospects are looking for places to invest the closest thing to their heart, MONEY! Some are wanting to invest in farm equipment or pools or hot tubs or appliances or so on.

A rewarding move
* The investment the Father has made with His Son
* The investment of a life with Christ
* The investment of an eternal home

4. Open to amusement and entertainment
When people show up for an event with the frame of mind that they are going to blow $50 to $100 on carnival rides or midway games, they are open to all kinds of input.

The cults and liberals are aware
Many churches with twisted or faulty doctrine go to Public Events because they know the attitude of the participants.
They offer them food purchases or sweet tasting doctrine. Shouldn't you and I be there to impart the truth?

5. Open to Escape Depression, Loneliness, etc.
They are looking for the upside without the downside

"I think I will go to the Festival and forget my troubles."
Many have stopped by our booths with emotional situations.
* Some are looking for a friend.
* Some want to talk.
* Some want to be talked to.
* Some want answers to deep questions.
We tell all of them the same story. The earnest hearts get what they came for.

"Cast all your care on Him, for He careth for you"
"Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast"

They are open.
Put something worthwhile in the void or they will find something foolish to take up the space.

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 C.  Perfecting of the Soul Winner

1. Area of Work is Concentrated
While at a Public Event workers are only planting the seed of the Word or water it.
* Not studying
* Not teaching
* Not preaching
So concentration can be made for the work at hand.
Concentration builds interest.
Interest builds skills.

2. Area of Work is with 100's of Types of Individuals
People attend Public Events from every walk of life, every personality, every age, every frame of mind.
* Bashful and Boisterous
* Ignorant and Educated
* Juniors, Teenagers, Mature and Elderly of both genders
* Married, Single and Single Again
* Reasonable and Emotional
So all categories of people can be studied and learned. Opportunities abound to deal with people and begin to learn how to they think and live.

3. Repetition Hones the Skills
Where can you take members of your church to learn how to become a skilled witness for Jesus Christ?

Door Knocking?
This vital part of church ministry has declined in recent years as a productive tool. Every church must be involved in Door to Door personal work, but fewer and fewer people are saved this way. There are many reasons and it would not be helpful to list them here.

We Tried!
As a pastor who cared about evangelization of the community, I often preached about it or included it sermons on other topics. Sometimes the message would hit home and one of the men would approach me and ask to be trained to witness. After assigning some verses to put to memory, we would appoint a time and place and begin knocking on doors. After about a month, the man would begin making up excuses to not come any more, because we could either not find people at home or they would not let us talk to them. We would get out a lot of tracts, but no witness.

Public Event
But at a local or nearby fair or festival in just a single day …
* Personal Testimony is Established
* Witnessing Proficiency is Founded
* Bible Dexterity is Sharpened
* Concentration is Exercised
The apprentice is developed into the journeyman or at least on his way. At this point he at least has something to work with when talking to relatives, friends, neighbors, workmates or schoolmates.

We strongly suggest …
Take your members to a Public Event at least every 3 months and if possible once a month to keep the fires going. If you just go the local Cotton Festival once a year, you will have to build a fire every year instead of just putting a little fuel on to blaze it up again.

4. Sincerity is Matured
When members see the huge need of the people in the community they respond with sincere maturity.
* Love for the Lost is Pure
* Motivation for the Work is Genuine
* Eternity for the Lost becomes Real
* Time becomes Urgent
So the purpose is genuine.

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 D.  Scriptural
Is it Scriptural to go to Public Events and impart the love of God.

The Bible clearly commands the saints to take the Word of God to a trouble world.
* Commanded to go to the Lost and Backsliden
* Commanded to spread the Good News
* Commanded to tell of the Grace and Truth of God
* Commanded to love the Listeners

The Bible has many examples of how and where to take the Word.

God’s only institution for this Age of Grace is the Church
But all the work of the Church does not have to be confined to the four walls of their building. Sometimes we must cast our net on the other side of the boat. The side that is without doors, windows and carpet. The side of the boat where the public comes together to see what is new, like the “Thinkers” on Mars Hill.
The public is looking for places to spend their money with the local vendors, but some of them are not against spending their time with you and a Bible.
The public is looking for an opportunity of entertainment, but some of them are willing to see the joy that only Christ can give.

God used the following men in public venues

Paul

Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
Acts 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Acts 13:49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

1308. diaphero, dee-af-er'-o; from G1223 and G5342
to bear through, i.e. (lit.) transport; usually to bear apart, i.e. (obj.) to toss about (fig. report ); subj. to "differ," or (by impl.) surpass:
be better, carry, differ from, drive up and down, be (more) excellent, make matter, publish, be of more value.

Apollos

Acts 18:27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
Acts 18:28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

1219. demosios, day-mos'-ee-os; from G1218
public; (fem. sing. dat. as adv.) in public:
common, openly, publickly.

David

Psa 26:1 A Psalm of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.
Psa 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
Psa 26:3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
Psa 26:4 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.
Psa 26:5 I have hated the congregation of evildoers; and will not sit with the wicked.
Psa 26:6 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:
Psa 26:7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
Psa 68:9 Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.
Psa 68:10 Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.
Psa 68:11 The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.

Isaiah

Isa 52.7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
Isa 52.8 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion.

Jeremiah

Jer 5.19 And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these things unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not yours.
Jer 5.20 Declare this in the house of Jacob, and publish it in Judah, saying,
Jer 5.21 Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:
Jer 50:1 The word that the LORD spake against Babylon and against the land of the Chaldeans by Jeremiah the prophet.
Jer 50:2 Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.

Jonah

Jonah 3:7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:

Ezekiel

Moses
All his ministry with the people was in the area out in front of the Tabernacle, public and open air.

Demoniac of Gadera

Mark 5:18 And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
Mark 5:19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
Mark 5:20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

2784. kerusso, kay-roos'-so
of uncert. affin.; to herald (as a public crier), espec. divine truth (the gospel):
preach (-er), proclaim, publish.

Jesus urging

Mark 13:5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:
Mark 13:6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Mark 13:7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.
Mark 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
Mark 13:9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

2784. kerusso, kay-roos'-so
of uncert. affin.; to herald (as a public crier), espec. divine truth (the gospel):
preach (-er), proclaim, publish.

John the Baptist

George Whitfield

Wesley brothers

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G. Steven Andres
Psalms 45:17
Missionary Evangelist
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