Sharing the Gospel and
YOUR TESTIMONY
Waiting for a boat to ferry us across the river from Cote d'Voir to Liberia, I was growing restless. At the age of 76, time is precious . There were about 50 people standing along the riverbank and taking a cue from Paul who witnessed in Athens while waiting for Timothy and Silas, I told them a Bible story and then asked if they would like to hear another story. They did and I told them "My Story." Just as the boat arrived, five adult men prayed with me and professed Christ as Savior and Lord.
How to Tell "My Story"
(30 Second Testimony)
  1. Begin with this statement: "There was a time in my life when....."
  2. Share only two things that typified your life before meeting Jesus: "I was very rebellious and self-centered" or "I felt guilt (shame) and lived with a fear of dying" or "I had no purpose and lived a life of an addict" or two things that described your life before Jesus.
  3. Share the Gospel simply and convincingly: "Then I met the Person called Jesus. He is God Who came to earth. He lived a perfect life. He died on the cross for my sins, your sins, the sins of the world. He raised Himself from the dead on the third day. He ascended into Heaven and is coming back again some day. I trusted in Jesus to become my Savior and forgive me of my sins. I invited Him into my heart and asked Him to rule in my life as my Lord.
  4. Share two things that typify your life now: "I am no longer rebellious and self indulgent" or "I have peace (no guilt) and no longer fear death" or "I have purpose and freedom from the bondage of addiction" or the two things that make you different from what you were before Christ came into your life.
  5. End with this statement: "Do you have a story like that?"

Just a Few Comments

I have found this tool very effective in transitioning from a conversation about almost any subject to: "There was a time in my life...."

The "bones" of the Gospel are He came, He lived, He died, He rose again, He ascended into heaven, and He is coming back some day. You can add "meat" to the "bones" by telling stories from the Bible that correspond to each of the five parts of the Gospel. The more stories you tell the better the Gospel will stick. Remember that the "gospel is power of God unto salvation!" There is unbelievable power in telling the Good News of Jesus Christ.

When you have finished your "My Story" ending with the statement
"Do you have a story like that?" then you can share how to follow Jesus and how to receive Him into your life.

I have used this approach numerous times and have not had one single bad experience.
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