Evangelism at the Gay Pride Parade

It was a great thrill to go with friends to do evangelism today at the Gay Pride parade in Omaha. The crowd was not as 'wild' as it has previously been. Perhaps this is due to the unseasonably cool weather. However, that did not diminish the overt mocking of all things that reflect the will and character of God, as revealed in the Scripture. There were still plenty of folks to talk to and hand out tracts to; God was good to give us so many opportunities to proclaim Christ.

It is refreshing to be taught grace at the school house of rejection. As my friends and I continued to offer a wrath-guzzling Savior, who commands worship and obedience from all, we were rejected, mocked, and treated like tele-marketers interrupting Thanksgiving dinner. I am reminded that I am a Christian not because I am not gay, or because I am smarter than anyone, or because of anything other than the grace of God! In fact, God in a curious amplification of his wisdom, even gloriously demonstrates his power and grace by saving a rebel such as myself.

Sometimes I wonder if events like these are for the evangelists more than the rejectors. I know that God is ultimately working in all people, some hardening and some softening, however, I often think about the spiritual exercise that took place today as we were confronted with divine mercy, love, grace, justice, holiness, and eternality through the cross. And as we held out the crucified Savior we are reminded that the only way Christ is esteemed by sinful humanity is because God has first acted to change hearts. O' how this fosters dependence!
John 1:12-13 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Possibly Related posts:

1. Q & A Friday :: Do you use the sinner’s prayer in evangelism?
2. Are We Loosing Biblical Urgency in Evangelism?
3. Why is Jesus so narrow minded? (new evangelism tract)
4. How Evangelicals Can Undermine God -in Evangelism
5. Trying to Listen and Communicate Better in Evangelism

3 Responses to “Evangelism at the Gay Pride Parade”

1. arlog says:

   June 13, 2006 at 10:12 am

   Just as we acknowledge that any response by faith is by God’s grace, we likewise can’t personalize the rejection by those God’s hasn’t granted salvation. Our faithfulness is measured by our obedience to His will, not the number of decisions or prayers prayed. PTL for His sovereign majesty and eternal faithfulness!
2. erik says:

   June 13, 2006 at 10:29 am

   True indeed. It grieves the heart to consider that Christ is continually rejected. This drives us to pray that the only one who can open hearts (Acts 16.14) will do so and at the same time for the King and his kingdom to come!! May it be soon!
3. Irish Calvinist » Blog Archive » Should a Christian echo Tim Hardaway’s words towards gay people? says:

   February 15, 2007 at 9:11 am

   [...] What Should Christians do with homosexuals? Lovingly evangelize. Each year some friends and I go down to the city of Omaha’s annual gay pride parade (they call it something different, but I can’t remember). We go there to show love to this community. The love is not expressed in the endorsement of their lifestyle but in the giving of the gospel to them (here are the tracts). Where else can you have all of Omaha’s gay community gathered together? [...]