We announced a special event this past weekend at Oasis Church… here are some of the details of what we are thinking…
The amount of festivals that are happening on Saturday, October 31, at churches in Jacksonville (and for that part, all over the USA) is pretty staggering. But, I think we need to re-think and realize something important…
It is not often that there is a day that it is fully acceptable and expected that people who live in your neighborhood will walk down your street, head down your walk, and knock on your door!
So, instead of being ready for them and building a connection with our neighbors, we all go to our church festivals… is this slightly ridiculous or what?
Am I an anti-festivite? No!
Am I for people who live in our neighborhoods? Am I for redeeming a day that is considered "evil" and use the accepted tradition of trick-or-treat to try and build a connection and love our new friends in the name of Jesus? Absolutely!
So, we announced the Halloween Neighborhood Outreach… here is how it works…
- Get good candy… this is crucial…no giving away that hard bubblegum or left-over Easter candy… get the good quality stuff! No generic, store brand items!
- Open the door when you hear the knock.
- Talk to the kids and parents… be friendly!
- Drop in the quality candy and an invite card to church
- Verbally invite them to church (which this year, is the very next day!)
- Ask and remember the family's name
- Say good-bye and close door
- Write down the names, pray for them, and commit to pray for them for the next 30 days
- When you see them next time, roll down window and say "hi"…
- Be ready to show love of Jesus whenever an opportunity arises
So, can this be done? Is this possible? Could God use Halloween as part of His plan to reach people in our area? Could He use us?
Hint…the answer is YES!!
