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Ways to tell others about Jesus-Service Approach

john : June 11, 2010 8:40 am : John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In our Missions reports this year, we are seeing a trend among Christian organizations that go into the world to share the Gospel. Whether it’s Compassion International helping children break out of poverty, or Living Waters International digging wells to provide clean water for an area, or a disaster relief organization helping people in a crisis, the pattern is the same. Gain a hearing of the Gospel by addressing tangible needs in a timely way. Our compassion is incomplete if we share the Gospel without addressing physical needs. Our witness is incomplete if we address physical needs without sharing the Gospel. Serving in Jesus’ name involves telling people that the love of Jesus is what moves us to serve them.

In Acts 9, Tabitha is a good example of someone whose love for God was evident in her service. She was always doing good and helping the poor. We can look for service opportunities as a way to show the love of Jesus to people in need.

That’s today’s Mission Statement for representing Jesus in the world today.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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Ways to tell others about Jesus-The Invitational Approach

john : June 10, 2010 10:03 am : John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In our excitement of becoming a new creation in Christ, we want others to share our experience of finding true and lasting satisfaction.
We recognize that this Gospel is too good to keep to ourselves. This is the solution for the whole human condition, not just a remedy for me.

In John 4, the woman at the well was refreshed when she drew the words of Jesus close to her heart. Leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” The Bible says they came out of the town and made their way toward him. As it turned out, many of them became believers in Jesus too.

The invitational approach is one way of sharing the Good News with others. We can invite our neighbors to a church function, or our co-workers to see a movie with us that presents the Gospel. Love for God and for people is what motivates us to invite people to taste and see that the Lord is good.

That’s today’s Mission Statement for representing Jesus in the world today.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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Different Ways to tell others about Jesus-The Testimonial Approach

john : June 9, 2010 9:46 am : John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – This is the type of evangelism that tells other people how God specifically touches us by His grace. This might happen in a setting where we are sharing one-on-one with a friend. Or we might have the opportunity to share our testimony at church.

In John 9, there is an example of a man who was blind from birth healed by the touch of Jesus. The Pharisees asked him how he received his sight. The man answered, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and now I see.” One thing this man knew which the Pharisees could not deny was that he was blind, but now he could see. He asked them, “Do you want to become his disciples too?” When God touches our hearts with His grace, and when people notice the change, that is an opportunity to tell our story about how Jesus made a difference in our lives.

That’s today’s Mission Statement for representing Jesus in the world today.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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Different Ways To Tell Other About Jesus-The Direct Approach

john : June 8, 2010 4:51 pm : John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – Some would consider this approach to sharing the Gospel as more confrontational than other means.  This might happen in the setting of a debate or a series of meetings conducted by a traveling evangelist.
Some people are gifted to communicate the Gospel this way.

The story is told of how Eddie DeGarmo was used of God to lead Dana Key to faith in Jesus Christ.  One Monday morning in school, he grabbed Dana in the hallway and pulled him into a janitor’s closet.  It was there that he explained to Dana that his brother had brought him to Christ.  Now he wanted to share the good news with Dana. I don’t know if that is a direct approach, a testimonial approach, a friendship evangelism approach, or a combination of the three.  But in light of Dana’s recent unanticipated death, that proactive approach was life-changing for Dana Key, as it was also for Eddie DeGarmo.  It was out of that experience that two life long friends became brothers in Christ, and eventually became partners in ministry for the Gospel.  What a team they were!

http://www.christianbook.com/html/authors/2241.html

One of the most vivid examples in the Bible of a direct approach is when Peter spoke to the crowd on the day of Pentecost.  He told them that they had a part in the death of Jesus, and urged them to change their minds about Him.  He spoke of Jesus’ death and resurrection.  Peter then urged them to repent of their sins and save themselves from this corrupt generation.  With many words, he warned and pleaded with them.  The Bible says that, “those who accepted his message were baptized and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”  God worked through Peter to confront the enemies of Jesus with the Gospel, and moved them to become His friends and followers.

Great concern combined with a sense of urgency sometimes motivates us to take a direct approach to sharing the Gospel.

That’s today’s Mission Statement for representing Jesus in the world today.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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Different ways to tell others about Jesus-The Intellectual Approach

john : June 7, 2010 2:49 pm : John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – This approach uses rational reasoning to reach the heart for the Gospel. This happens in the writings of Christian apologists, like Josh McDowell who wrote “Evidence that Demands a Verdict” or C.S. Lewis who wrote “Mere Christianity.”

In Acts 17, the Apostle Paul goes to Athens, a city full of idols with people interested in discussions about philosophy. Paul entered the marketplace of ideas by reasoning with people that his hope was in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His cultural understanding of Athens gave Paul a starting place for sharing the Gospel. Instead of talking about the Jewish law, like he did at other places, Paul started with the altar that had the inscription: “To an unknown God.” He went from there to explain what they were missing in their worship. They were missing acknowledgement of their Creator. In God’s Word for Students, I Peter 3:15 says, “Always be ready to defend your confidence in God, when anyone asks you to explain it. However, make your defense with gentleness and respect.”

That’s today’s Mission Statement for representing Jesus in the world today.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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Memories of Dana Key (12/30/53 – 6/6/2010)

phredd : June 7, 2010 1:33 pm : Fred McNaughton

Dana practicing this past Memorial Day in preparation for an upcoming benefit concert.

FRED MCNAUGHTON – For many WJTL listeners from the mid to late 80s, DeGarmo and Key was their favorite band.  They remained Rock and Roll while adopting “cool” 80s keyboard sounds and production techniques.   They also continued to share the Gospel in their same straight-forward manner, even though other artists of the time were finding success with ambiguous lyrics and a less confrontational message.

I had the opportunity to produce/promote/be a part of….about a dozen DeGarmo and Key shows over the years in the WJTL listening area (Hersheypark Arena, Elizabethtown College, Hershey Theatre, LMH, Sight and Sound, Creation).  With Dana’s unexpected passing, I was trying to remember some of the highlights from those events.   Of the two of them, Eddie DeGarmo was the more affable.  He was much more likely to strike up a conversation with you and hang out with the local crew.  Dana seemed more serious and focused on the task at hand. I do remember that Dana had the kind of gaze that could turn you into a statue.  Intense would not begin to describe it.

Here are just three little nuggets of memories I had from working with Eddie and Dana over the years.

For some reason I ended up backstage just before D&K was to perform at the Creation Festival.  As I remember it, this would have been toward the end of their career.  They were playing an afternoon slot.  I overheard stage manager Denny Keitzman tell them that, for whatever reason, they wouldn’t be able to soundcheck.  Eddie, Dana and Tommy Cathey (the band’s bass player) were unfazed by the request and nonchalantly said they could go on without a soundcheck.  This was not said with any sort of bragging, just very matter of factly.  Then they went on stage and lit into one of the hottest sets I have ever heard at Creation, barring none.  They were consummate professionals.  They had done thousands of shows and showed complete confidence in their own abilities as well as that of the Creation team they were working with.

Once, when we were doing a DeGarmo and Key show at LMH (Lancaster Mennonite High School).  Dana was on some kind of special diet where he needed to eat fish every so many days. Our intrepid concert catering team (Gwenda, Sarah, Cyndee, et.al.) agreed – against their better judgement.  By the time school opened back up on Monday morning the fish smell had permeated the entire music wing of the school.  I am pretty sure we have not served fish at a concert since.

Lastly, I remember a show we did with Eddie and Dana at Sight and Sound Auditorium. This was the old sight and sound hall before the new one was built.  If my memory serves me correctly it was a co-bill between DeGarmo and Key and Mylon and Brokenheart.  It was the last day of the tour and the crew was pulling off all kinds of practical jokes.   During one song, they lowered a poster of some kind with writing all over it, from the rafters, right beside Dana while he was singing.  Even the stoic Dana Key got a laugh from their unexpected prank and laughingly shared with the audience that it was the last night of the tour and that everyone was just a little giddy with the thought of going home.  I think it helped all of us realize that these guys weren’t just musicians – they were dads and husbands with wives and children who were excited for their soon arrival.

Dana Key (along with his childhood friend and partner – Ed DeGarmo) was a pioneer of Christian Rock Music.  He died yesterday (June 6) reportedly of a ruptured blood clot, at the age of 56.  At the time of his death, Dana was pastor of a church in Cordova Tennessee – The Love of Christ Church.  His passing gives new perspective regarding his comments from that Sight and Sound concert from long ago about “being a little giddy with the thought of going home.”

Fred McNaughton
Station Manager & Get Up and Go Show Co-Host
phredd@wjtl.com

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See how God is at work in Catel, Guinea Bissau

lisa : June 7, 2010 12:11 pm : Lisa Landis, missions

LISA LANDIS – Gibby Mane of Catel Village, Guinea Bissau shares his testimony with Beryl Forrester. God is doing great things in West Africa through the work of Eastern Mennonite Missions.  Help us share Jesus with the good people of Gambia & Guinea Bissau.  Click here for how you can help! And thanks for doing what you can.

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A Video: The Randomness That Is The Everyday Life Of Switchfoot!

Praise & Worship Playlist : June 4, 2010 3:16 pm : Kristi Leigh, music, Uncategorized

KRISTI LEIGH – As we get closer and closer to Creation, I get more and more excited to see Switchfoot!  Today I checked out their latest video podcast and just had to share it with you…  Enjoy!

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Kristi Leigh – WJTL DJ and Switchfoot Fan From the Start

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Restoring Family Relationships

john : June 3, 2010 9:56 am : John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – In First Kings 18, the prayer of Elijah’s heart was that the LORD might turn the hearts of the people back again. Through the mighty move of answered prayer, God performed a miracle that day to stir the people to declare, “The LORD-he is God! The LORD-he is God!”

In Malachi 4:5, we find a prophecy concerning Elijah. “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.”

When there is a moral breakdown in society, the breakdown of the family often occurs, and innocent people get hurt in the process. The role of Elijah in prophecy is to bring about reconciliation for family members. As we represent Jesus in our mission, we can serve as instruments of healing for families as we direct people to the hope and peace of God’s forgiveness in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

That’s today’s Mission Statement for representing Jesus in the world today.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

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Camping Questions

stacey : June 2, 2010 10:31 am : Stacey Gagne

STACEY GAGNE – This past weekend I went camping.  It was the first time I’d ever done the “carry in on your back what you need” kind of backpacking camping vs. the “throw everything you own into a car and then go camp by your car” kind I had been used to.  🙂  I loved it.  LOVED it.  I can’t wait to go again.  Figuring out what to bring was a challenge and strapping it into my backpack or onto my bike was also a bit daunting… but there was something freeing about the simplicity of it all.   No mirrors.  No cell phone service.  No Facebook.  Sharing our supplies.  Cooking together and eating around a fire.   Hiking down to the creek which doubled as “the fridge”. etc. etc.   It was awesome… for 2.5 days

However, Sunday afternoon we came home.   We stopped on the way home for ice cream.  We went home to our washing machines and running water and delivery pizza (which tasted AMAZING because we were so hungry and we didn’t have to do a thing to prepare it).  Whenever I want a drink of water I go to the faucet or the water cooler without really thinking about it.  Though… today,  I actually have thought about it.    I’ve been thinking about the conveniences I have and others who don’t have them.   What if I lived in a place where life was more primitive?  What would I miss most?  What distractions would I be glad to be free of.   What does that kind of community look like when it’s no longer just a weekend adventure?  What do I truly need vs what am I just used to?

I never knew that a weekend camping would get me asking myself so many questions.

Stacey M. Gagne

I like camping… and soft serve ice cream

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