Nearly got in big trouble sharing the Gospel- I'm shaken.

1Tonne said:

I was responding to people who were saying my ministry was using bribes and luring children. I took high offence at their language. They were very discouraging. Making me feel very disheartened about my ministry. They were not positively critiquing but heavily criticizing.

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My dear dear 1Tonne, I really love you man.
Like I said, you have the kind of zeal, that would make you a good disciple of Jesus.
Reminds me of the zeal of Saul, before he became Paul, and Jesus saw that and corrected him.
Paul was fighting against Jesus.
Acts 26:14
“And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

There was something about Paul, that Jesus also saw. A quality that God loves. Humility.
Paul was humble, and he stopped kicking. He realized... "You. This is the Lord Jesus Christ. I am really going against his people."
Paul adjusted.

I'm sure you love Paul. We all do.
God does too. A man of zeal and humility!
Why, God used him to pen 13 books. He had the right spirit.

God could use you to reach children, whom you really love, and want to share the gospel with, which is wonderful.
I too love children, and I am always looking for opportunity to talk with them.
I get many opportunities to share the gospel with them. Many... at their home... with the permission of their parents.
I have been able to study the Bible with them, and help some to become disciples themselves.

So, I understand how you feel, and your earnest desire.
Did I buy chocolate for them? I don't remember doing that. Come to think of it, I don't remember buying them any snacks. Slapping myself
I have brought snack for the children of fellow believers. Many times.

The children I shared the gospel with, looked forward to the visit, and learning what the Bible teaches. That's what brought them excitement.
I share that with you, to hopefully let you see that I understand you, and what I say, is not to discourage you, but to share the experience of people older and wiser than I am. Yes. I was trained by experienced people, who have been sharing the gospel far longer than I have.

I also want you to realize that I... we here, in fact, are not trying to discourage you.
We are trying to help.
So, please don't think I am kicking against you... and please don't kick back.

So, here goes...

Your Title said:

Nearly got in big trouble sharing the Gospel- I'm shaken.

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Why did you nearly get in trouble? Did you get in trouble for sharing the gospel?

You said:

He warned me to stop or else he and his grown son would hurt me badly. He thought what I was doing looked shady and said I shouldn't be giving out chocolates in the park because it makes me seem like a predator.

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No. You did not almost get into trouble for sharing the gospel.
You nearly got into trouble, for giving chocolate to children, which is something child sex predators do, and so, someone who is concerned with protecting children from these predators, wanted to pound you into the ground... with the help of his equally big son.

Think about that for a moment...
Not those on these forums, but a man on the street, thought you were a perverted child molester.
Does anyone here think you are a perverted child sex abuser?
No.

Everyone here is concerned that people on the street might see you as a perverted child sex abuser.
My dear 1Tonne...
The loving advise is not an attempt to discourage you, or stop you from sharing the gospel.
Did you think the big guy was trying to discourage you, and make you feel very disheartened about your ministry?

You talked to the man, and here is what you said.

I agreed to stop for the day out of respect for him

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I suggested we shake hands to show no hard feelings, but he refused. He then continued to rant at me but, eventually, he started to understand where I was coming from, though he still thought chocolates in a park with kids could be misunderstood.

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I get where he was coming from though—it could seem sketchy for a guy to be handing out chocolates in the park while talking about God.

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There is no need to add "while talking about God", since it matters not what one is doing alongside giving out chocolates to children. Would you not agree?

My dear 1Tonne, did you notice...
You thought it proper to respect how the man felt about the matter, as you understood, how it looks, and you were willing to shake hands and show no hard feelings... Even though the man did not agree with the method, since it is a known practice by perverts.

Are you willing to shake hands with those here, who have been giving you advice out of concern? Do you understand where they are coming from, and agree, or is this the way it is?

people who were saying my ministry was using bribes and luring children. I took high offence at their language. They were very discouraging. Making me feel very disheartened about my ministry. They were not positively critiquing but heavily criticizing.

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Because of my love, and concern for you, I would like to encourage you, please consider this.
There are some territories where people do not stare at you, and when you approach them, talk to you.
There are some people, because of past experience, see certain patterns things as a threat which needs to be "nipped in the bud", before that experience is reenacted. They act without asking question, or talking.
We are not martyrs if we engage in practices that can be avoided, if those practices are seen as an unwelcomed 'threat'.

I hope what I said here is useful to you in some way.
If you feel discouraged, it may be because you feel people are taking from you the only thing you have, which you don't want to give up, but would that not be an indication that you need to find out what's missing, as it would show that something is?

1Tonne said:

So, sorry if my post to that person who offended you. I am simply pointing out that if someone is going to heavily criticise another person's ministry, then they had better have walked in a similar way. If they are to be armchair critics, then they should be doing it in a way that is not worded so negatively.

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1Tonne. Do you believe giving out chocolates to children is a ministry?
I'm not criticizing your ministry.
That big guy did not criticize your ministry.
No one criticized your ministry.
Isn't the ministry sharing the message of the gospel?
Jesus fed crowds, who followed him. Not because he wanted them to listen to the message, but because he did not want them to faint, while listening to him.

Matthew 15:32
They were so eager to hear him. Well, some were.

I think if you are already in the ministry, and met hungry people, and fed them, that would be part of the ministry.

1Tonne said:

And I can see that some of my response posts have been similar to what that person posted. So, I am sorry for that.
I was not wanting this to be a slinging match.
So, my aim when I post on here is to encourage, equip and build up. I have watched many posts on YouTube and they have built me up and equipped me. I look at their interactions and I get encouraged. They even post up things that go wrong and I learn from these videos. And this was exactly what this thread was meant to be. It was meant to show that even though we may be persecuted when speaking the Gospel, we can still carry on. Even under the threat of being beaten to a pulp.

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I can tell you 1Tonne, if someone beat me to a pulp, because they saw me talking to minors, I would certainly understand their concerns.
Of course, I would go and apologize to them the next day, but that won't fix my bloody nose.
I'd beat myself too. "Corey. You should have known better." Slapping myself upside the head
I know how it is, you see.

Ecclesiastes 7:12

For wisdom is protection just as money is protection. But the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors.

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Knowledge and wisdom are very important.

1Tonne said:

Sadly, many people on the forums do not look at it this way. Their mind takes them to a negative place where they believe that I am simply skiting about the numbers I am speaking to. But if I was doing it to get affirmation, then I would not be posting on here as I know that many of the people here are critical and do not build up. They can be crushing. But I will continue to post as some people will hopefully be equipped and built up.

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Do what you have to do, buddy.

1Tonne said:

There is another person on this forum who also puts up videos on here. And when I see them, I am highly encouraged. He is awesome. But sadly, many people heavily criticise him too. They will find any reason to discourage him. This is very sad, especially when we should all be overflowing with excitement about what Jesus has done for us. We had the death sentence, but He took our punishment. Does that not excite everyone enough that they want to tell the world? It sure does in me.

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1Tonne. I see something wrong here.
Could you please read this back to yourself.

Do you see anything that could be corrected?
Is there any difference between telling the world what Jesus has done, and giving out chocolate to minors in the park?
Are the two the same, or separated?
Do you think I am against "overflowing with excitement about what Jesus has done for us" and telling the world?

SMTA said:

These are not the days to approach people in public uninvited.

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Oh dear.
There goes the salesmen, and the entrepreneurs trying to sell their products.

Yes, some people feel this way, as you do, but this is what @1Tonne is talking about, which I would agree with.
The moving away from doing what Jesus said to do.
Did Jesus say this?

I'm curious as to what difference you see between now, and the first century, though.
Was it safer on the road of Palestine?
I know the disciples faced highway robbers, and they got stoned. arrested....
There were many dangers.
2 Corinthians 11:24-27

1Tonne said:

They may not be. But I don't think there ever have been days where that was OK. The Bible tells us to preach the Gospel at all times.
"Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." 2 Tim 4:2

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Don't let this discourage you from sharing the Gospel. It never would have occurred to me that what you did could appear wrong, until I read all these posts. So obviously this method of preaching can offend some people.

I was a teacher for a number of years and used the idea of teaching with what we call "threads". That is you have multiple ways to get a point across (threads) and when one thread isn't working you just choose another. For example if the students are bored by your lecture, you can quickly break into groups or show a film. You aren't dependent on one technique. What "works" depends on the circumstances and the the make-up of that group of learners. Don't let this get you down, just use another thread.

It also brings to mind one of my favorite Russian sayings: "You don't have to be in the wrong, to be in the wrong."

1Tonne said:

They may not be. But I don't think there ever have been days where that was OK. The Bible tells us to preach the Gospel at all times.

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It's true apathy is growing, but I think it depends on how one approaches people.
A smile works.
People are so uptight... stressed... angry.
A smile can ease tension, breaks the ice, so to speak.
If a child smiles at someone, and that person is ice cold, then it's better to leave that person for another time... but keep smiling.

1Tonne said:

"Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." 2 Tim 4:2

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1Tonne said:

So, just letting you know. It is not just children that I speak to at the parks. In fact, probably about 90 % of the people I speak to are adults. But, as I have said, I do not exclude people regardless of age. (Well, if I do speak to kids, I aim for kids of about the age 12 and upwards and in a group. From that age, I believe that most can understand the things I say.)
I think that this thread has concentrated on the child aspect, making it seem as though I only talk to kids. Preying on kids only. When the majority I speak to are adults. My ministry is for all people. Obviously, I safeguard myself by staying in the open with many adults around. (There is also CCTV there)

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Everyone knows it's not just children. You said it before, and I don't think anyone would have assumed you only talk to children, even if you did not say it.
I hope you haven't assumed I only talked to and teach children.

Would you consider yourself a bit sensitive, or is that just excitement about what you are doing?

1Tonne said:

My ministry is not giving out chocolates to minors. My ministry is to tell as many people the Gospel as possible. Chocolates are simply a tool.
You are now sounding a little patronising as you know my ministry is not giving out chocolates. (But I will take it that you were not trying to be patronising as the other times you were kind in what you spoke). Please be careful how you word things.

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I will not say I think you are a bit sensitive. You might put me on ignore.

Another thread boasting of their conflict/percussion, you ought to have difficulty promoting a works based gospel.

1Tonne said:

Maybe I am protective of this.

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I was going to rate this Winner, but that might have given the wrong impression.
Thanks. I think you are honest about this.

1Tonne said:

If that is the case, then I am similar to Paul. Twice he gathered together the church and told them all that God had been doing through him. He also told us how he was persecuted and had trials for sharing the Gospel. So, I take that as a compliment. Thank you.

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Man. I love your spirit.
What's cool about this, is that you have a scriptural basis, and you are excited about imitating the zeal of Jesus and his apostles.
...and yes, I totally agree with you... Share it with the church. They should rejoice with you, right. ...and you answered so graciously.

Luke 10:1-22
1 Now after this the Lord appointed seventy-two others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. 2 And He was saying to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. 3 Go; behold, I am sending you out like lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no money belt, no bag, no sandals, and greet no one along the way. 5 And whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’ 6 And if a man of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him; but if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they provide; for the laborer is deserving of his wages. Do not move from house to house. 8 Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is served to you; 9 and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whatever city you enter and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your city which clings to our feet we wipe off in protest against you; yet be sure of this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I say to you, it will be more tolerable on that day for Sodom than for that city.

The Joyful Results​

17 Now the seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name!” 18 And He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to walk on snakes and scorpions, and authority over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

21 At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for doing so was well pleasing in Your sight. 22 All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son determines to reveal Him.”

1Tonne,

Me again. I haven't felt good about our last exchange, and have spent some time pondering and praying about it. The Lord has made me aware of something...

In my zeal to defend my and other's ministries, I ridiculed you and yours. No matter how good an argument I thought I had, doing so was not called for and wrong. It was a definite case of plank/splinter syndrome. I apologize and ask for your forgiveness.

The truth is I don't really care how you conduct your ministry. If you, and I, feel peace with God that we are operating within His will, and especially if God allows us a glimpse now and then at the fruits of our labors,.then that is all the affirmation we need.

My prayer for all of us is that we all continually bear in mind just how the Apostle Paul was able to maintain his humilty (other than sporting a thorn in the flesh) even while bearing much fruit:

Galatians 1:10 NIV

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."

1 Corinthians 4:1-5 NIV

" This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God."

If we adopt this attitude of Paul's then we will be freed to encourage each other in our unique ministries and maintain unity and peace amongst the brotherhood.

Praying that God will richly bless your and all of our ministries.

God bless!