Yesterday I encouraged the church to “Leave No Sheep Behind” according to the parable of Jesus in Luke 15 about the lost sheep and going after the one and leaving the 99 behind. I asked for a 99 + 1 Initiative of being the first to greet someone, first to smile, first to serve, first to forgive and whatever first they could come up with. It makes people curious what you are up to when there is this positive attention that they are not usually getting. They might then ask about the attention and then you can offer them your faith story and talk about Jesus. People always appreciate the gentle approach rather than the Bible over the head approach.
My witness for the next several weeks will be the green car that comes through the intersection where I am a crossing guard. I have one lady (black convertable – previous blog) who has waved vigorously since day one at my post. I have another lady (jeep with Bronco’s tire cover) who just recently has started to wave when passing through. The green car has a lady who seems a little grumpy. We have never waved at each other. So today I did my first 99 + 1 Initiative and waved at the lady in the green car. At first I got a quizzical stare and then maybe a slight break in the mouth. I wouldn’t call it a smile, but it seemed to break some ice. I didn’t get a wave back from her. But I did get her attention and we will see what the rest of the week brings.
I did talk with a dad who walks his girls everyday. We have made small talk for months, but today again part of the initiative, I asked some questions about some community involvement. He even came back and talked to me after he dropped the girls off at school. Being friendly really does pay off.
So I encourage everyone to Leave No Sheep Behind and begin your own initiative to be the first to greet and smile and care and love and whatever would be a healthy, Christian first for you and your sheep that your want to bring into the fold.
