06/12/2010: The Varberg Market
The Varberg Market
Reaching people with the good news of the Gospel in a world that keeps them feeling organized and supplied with their physical needs is an enormous challenge. Yet, without knowing it, every individual is looking for something that may help to fill the emptiness produced as a result of not having the presence of the Lord in his or her life.
“Whether they know it or not, all are weary and heavy-laden. All are weighed down with burdens that only Christ can remove. The heaviest burden that we bear is the burden of sin.” Desire of Ages, 34.
When the Lord came to this earth, He gave a precious treasure that He possessed and administered in a wise way to changeour world—His time. He invested that treasure in a close and personal way with those that needed it so much. During every Wednesday this past summer, we at Stenshult have been trying to follow Christ’s example by having a little stand in the market at Varberg. For some weeks many were apprehensive about coming close to us; but some started to become curious about what we had to offer to them in a market place. They could see that we did not have the regular items like carrots or potatoes, clothing or shoes, toys or jewelry—what are these people selling here? So, out of curiosity, they were checking our health food corner and our books. Gradually, people came by and started to have their blood pressure taken or a back and shoulder massage. Then came what we needed in order to be able to point them to Jesus. Questions! Where are you located? Why do you do this kind of service? Are you here every Wednesday? Are you Christians? What do Seventh-day Adventists believe? What makes Seventh-day Adventists different from other Christians?
Praise the Lord! They were making the questions and letting us tell them about what we have to share with them. We have had the blessing and the opportunity to share the message of health and salvation—how God is the one who longs for their happiness and wellbeing. He knows us as our Creator, and He is the One who makes us whole. Hundreds of various brochures were distributed, and several books were sold. We also have a small invitation that we give to people which invites them to our outpost. We have had two blessed visits at Stenshult as a result of this.
One couple that came by the market had visited our booth some years ago. The husband had at that time very high pressure and was recommended to take immediate action to lower his blood pressure. They were so thankful to us for intervening in his life. We had the opportunity to point them to Jesus; and, as a result, the wife bought The Desire of Ages in Spanish. Another
woman visited our stand and was very interested in The Desire of Ages in Swedish. After she purchased the book, she gave us her business card, which revealed that she was involved in many different kinds of alternative medicine. We try to carry literature in other languages and had many opportunities to send truth with tourists from various countries.
We are thankful to God as we see our contact base and reputation spreading. We ask you to join us in prayer for the new contacts that we have made during these months in Varberg. There are souls that are hungry for the Lord, who struggle with their normal beliefs or who grow discouraged when friends or relatives tell them that it is not necessary to look for God.
“The evangelization of the world is the work that God has given to those who go forth in His name. They are to be colaborers with Christ, revealing to those ready to perish His tender, pitying love. God calls for thousands to work for Him, not by preaching to those who know the truth, going over and over the same ground, but by warning those who have never heard the last message of mercy. Work with a heart filled with an earnest longing for souls. Do medical missionary work. Thus you will gain access to the hearts of the people. The way will be prepared for more decided proclamation of the truth. You will find that relieving their physical suffering gives an opportunity to minister to their spiritual needs.
“The Lord will give you success in this work, for the gospel is the power of God unto salvation, when it is interwoven with the practical life, when it is lived and practiced. The union of Christlike work for the body and Christlike work for the soul is the true interpretation of the gospel.” A Call to Medical Evangelism and Health Education, 7.
We pray that we may be filled with the power of the Lord to keep reaching out to others and that the love for our neighbors may be as deep and strong as the love that God has for each one of them. Thank you for your prayers, and may each day be a new opportunity to bring His kingdom closer.
Jay Krueger