Came For Halloween - Left With Jesus

By Cheryle M. Touchton
The Pocket Full of Quarters Lady

But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: Rom 5:20 KJV

Satan had big plans. Abundant Life Church had bigger plans. Satan’s plan was to use Halloween to bring people to Athens, Ohio to do his bidding – to participate in activities that destroy lives. Abundant Life Church’s plan was to claim the power of Jesus to “snatch and rescue” these people from the deceitful, deadly claws of the Evil One.

Satan sent his invitations and Abundant Life sent theirs. Satan may have had more people attending but Abundant Life Church had the mighty power of Jesus behind them. Evangelists from Texas, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio joined forces with Pastor Bob Gall and Abundant Life Church. Several ministries joined Abundant Life Church, including Riley Stephenson with Kenneth Copeland Ministries and Pocket Full of Change Ministries. This is the third time this year I've evangelized with Riley and I continue to be amazed at his gifting. We worked as one team. We trained, prayed, armed ourselves with the word of God, and a group of about 15 people marched into battle to give the gospel to witches, goblins, zombies, and vampires. We spoke scripture to people blowing cigarette and pot smoke into our faces and staggering from too much alcohol consumption. We gave Good News to many people, were kind when people were rude, and showed the love of Christ when our human flesh wanted to recoil. We weathered the rain and cold, grew hoarse from shouting the Gospel over the various bands playing at the event, and shuddered at the foul language coming out of so many painted mouths. The result - 105 people came for Halloween and left with Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

How can people find Jesus in the middle of so much debauchery? Truthfully, my human side cannot understand it. The only answer I have is that the Bible says where sin increases, grace abounds. I believe it because the Bible says it and because I have witnessed it many times. People are simply more likely to receive Jesus when they know they are sinning.

Why is Abundant Life Church willing to subject themselves to the torture of so much debauchery? The Bible says to go into the world and give the Gospel. The Ohio Halloween Block Party represents “World” and all of its trappings about as well as anywhere I have ever visited. Abundant Life Church is obedient.

Why would Jesus care enough to die for a world attracted to so much debauchery? I don’t understand it myself but I am eternally grateful that God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

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