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How to be Creative in Sharing the Gospel 

Virginia and I have found some fun and rewarding ways to introduce people to the Lord. One of the most successful approaches has been what we call our "waitress ministry." God has used us to build relationships with waiters and waitresses in restaurants and cafes for almost half a century... with wonderful results!

Warren and Virginia with one of their current waitresses, Diane.

We begin the relationship by chatting with them and getting to know their names... and over time they become our friends. Well, I'll just let Barbara tell you how we got to know her:

Twenty-six years ago I was a student teacher by day and waitress by night. I had the pleasure of waiting on a particular family-the Olsons. They would ask for a few of us by name. Little did I know that this was all part of God's plan and the Olsons' way of ministering.

The Olsons invited me to their church. I loved it! Virginia would invite a few of us waitresses to the holiday luncheons and to special events with speakers. Their church became my church.

Mr. Olson (I still can't call him Warren!) gave me my first study Bible. Teaching and marriage followed-yes, Virginia had a bridal shower for me! We became church family... and we're still part of each others' lives.

I served the Olsons their dinners, but the Olsons served me the Lord... by getting me back to church, being a part of my family, and setting an example of how God wants us to live our lives.

You may not feel comfortable knocking on doors, handing out Bibles, or even quoting God's Word, but as Barbara once said to me, "Thank goodness, everyone likes to eat!"

The opportunities to share Jesus with others are really endless! So be open this week to God using you to make an eternal impact on a "Barbara" in your life.

I pray that you will be able to help someone find the hope and freedom that you have in your relationship with Jesus Christ... and reach out to them with Christ's love.

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