Props

By Cheryle M. Touchton
The Pocket Full of Quarters Lady
Jackson, Tennessee

Jackson Evangelism Team

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" John 4:7


Jesus used props to draw people to Himself. There are Bible stories about donkeys, well water, fish and loaves, and sycamore trees. I am a big fan of using props as a conversation starter – in fact – I’ve even used fans to lead someone to Jesus. Sometimes, I carry the props and other times, people are considerate enough to walk by playing with a prop interesting enough to comment on.

Beats

It helps with evangelism to stay current so I hang around people who can keep me current. I noticed a young man sitting in the mall, wearing Beats, and listening to music. If you don’t know what Beats are, watch out. You might have lost your relevance. My Bible study group taught me about Beats and I told them at the time that I would use that information to lead someone to Jesus. Sure enough, when I commented on his Beats, this young man was duly impressed and willing to talk. Pulling out my iPhone sealed the deal. There in a mall sitting on a park bench, spiritually troubled Ishmael tearfully met Jesus.

Bubbles

Bubbles are the best. I’ve lost count of the number of times blowing bubbles has helped lead someone to Jesus. I use Bubbles when I teach evangelism to demonstrate spreading the word of God. I have a routine I when I lead a retreat and usually give everyone a bottle of bubbles to play with throughout the retreat. I carry bubbles all the time. I have a bubble machine that I sometimes set up on my campground picnic table. It draws a crowd. Our Jackson evangelism group was resting on a bench when we noticed a young mother and son her son walking by blinking and glowing. They had not been to a nuclear power plant. They had been to the Dollar Store. Blinking rings and glowing headbands always deserve a conversation. That conversation led to giving the mother the Gospel. When her young son got restless, I pulled out my handy dandy bubbles and blew them for him while I gave her the Gospel. It worked like a charm. She prayed to receive Jesus and when she looked up, she had tears in her eyes and said, “That was a lovely prayer. Thank you so much.”

New Christian

It was a good three days in Jackson. Four people met Jesus. We had 20+ Divine Encounters and at least 5 good leads for the church plant headed up by the Fullers with the Sojourners Fellowship. The props involved in these encounters also included a t-shirt, a plastic bag opener, body wash from Victoria’s Secret, a puppy, a software system, a dog harness, tracts, business cards, watermelon, and an iPhone. 

Carry interesting things in your pockets or purses to use to start conversations. Notice what others are carrying or playing with. Use it to start a conversation. If you don’t know Jesus, Email Cheryle and I’ll share Him with you and mail you a bottle of bubbles.

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Grandma's Prayers Are No Secret!

By Cheryle M. Touchton
The Pocket Full of Quarters Lady
Jackson, Tennessee



I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 2 Tim 1:5-6 NIV


Victoria’s Secret? Really God? I argued as I walked through a mall with Pastor Ron and his wife Amanda Fuller. There was no mistake. I had what I call a “drawing feeling” to go into the store. I like their vanilla body wash and I had left my bottle in Jacksonville.

“I need to go into there,” I stammered. “I use their body wash. I’m out. You don’t have to go in with me.” Ron and Amanda graciously encouraged me to go shop but didn’t follow me in. I groaned, wondering if they thought I was going to buy unmentionables.

 “May I help you?” I lovely young lady asked. She even looks like she should work here, I thought. She led me over to the vanilla body wash and then to the cash register.

“Are you from here?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said.

“You look like you should be working in Victoria's Secret,” I said. “You are lovely.”

“Thanks,” she said shyly and beamed.

“Do you go to church here?” I asked.

“I sometimes go with my grandma.”

“Do you know where you are going in the next life?” I asked.

“I don’t have a clue,” she admitted.

“Has your grandma told you about Jesus?” I asked. Of course Grandma had told her about Jesus.

“Is Grandma praying for you?” I asked.

“I’m sure she is!”

“Well, your grandma has prayed me to you.” I told her what I did. I gave her the Gospel. She eagerly prayed to receive Jesus.

“Call your grandma and tell her what happened,” I suggested. “Also, you probably want to tell your Grandma’s church and ask them what to do next.”

It was fast. It was meant to be. God had it all planned and had prepared the way. I was in the store in under ten minutes. No – Ron and Amanda were not surprised someone had prayed to receive Jesus.

“Her name is Britney,” I said. “She had another customer so I didn’t get her contact information. Promise me you’ll follow up with her.”

“Amanda,” Ron said. “Cheryle just gave me permission to go into Victoria’s Secret.” We all have to make sacrifices for Jesus.

Grandma did all the work. All I did was swoop in and finish it. Victoria may have her secrets but a Grandma’s prayers are no secret! Are you praying for a grandchild? Want company?  Email Cheryle and I’ll pray with you.

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Hopelessly Longing For Grace

By Cheryle M. Touchton
The Pocket Full of Quarters Lady

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17

I have trouble machines. It doesn’t much matter what the machine is. I seem to start with the opposite of what needs to happen. So, it didn’t surprise me that I was having trouble getting diet coke from the McDonalds beverage dispenser. I was wishing we could return to the days of restaurants making drinks for you when I noticed a woman watching and grinning at me.

“I have trouble with machines,” I confessed.

“It’s not you,” she said, she said encouragingly. “Ours works much better. I always have trouble here.”

“So you work at another McDonalds?” I asked. It was the opening line for me to find out that while she lived in Tennessee, she was from “all over.” I noticed her taunt skin and the telling signs of crystal meth damage to her teeth. Her eyes were clear and she was speaking intelligently and clearly so I guessed she was currently, drug free. I knew there was a story and wanted to hear it.

“Do you go to church where you live?” I asked.

“No!” she said. “Churches won’t have me. I’m not like them.”

“I’m not sure there is a type for God,” I teased. “He traveled with reformed prostitutes and thieves. Forgiven murderers were the heroes in several books in the Bible. What about God?” I asked. “Do you know where you are going in the next life?”

“I’m basically an atheist,” she answered. “I don’t know what to believe in. I know I’m going to hell though. I’ve made too many mistakes to go anywhere else.”

Before you say it, I too was tempted to point out the incongruity of saying she didn’t believe in God while stating she was going to hell. Debate has never worked for me and people running from God are often illogical. Yes, her words proved that deep down, she believed in a god. She just didn’t believe in the God I’m in love with. My God stands ready to forgive anyone who repents. There is no sin too big for my God to forgive. My God stands ready with open arms for sinners and the broken hearted to run into them.

“Everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,” I said.

“I sure have done that,” she agreed. “I know all about sin.”

“We all do,” I said. “The wages of sin is death, which is probably why you say you are going to hell. We deserve punishment for our mistakes. But the Bible also says that the gift of God is eternal life. God loved us so much that He sent His son Jesus to earth so that whoever believes in him will be saved. Jesus didn’t come into the world to condemn you. He came so that through Him, you can be saved. My favorite line in the entire Bible is all who call on the name of the Lord Jesus will be saved. I want to help you do that right now.”

She backed away without without getting her drink. “No!” she said, putting her hands in front of her face. “I can’t. There is no hope for me. None! No hope at all.”

“Yes, there is. Jesus loves you,” I said as she ran away.

Who told her there was no hope? How did she get such a warped picture of God? What had she done that she thought was too horrible to be forgiven? No wonder she was trying to convince herself there was no God. Who wouldn't want to deny belief in a god that they thought had completely given up on them? Pray for her.

Are you wondering if your sin is too great to get into heaven? Are you afraid you’ve committed an unpardonable sin? Let’s talk. Email Cheryle

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Do You Have Your Groove On?

By Cheryle M. Touchton
The Pocket Full of Quarters Lady Flatwood, West Virginia



They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isa 40:31 NIV


All day, I kept thinking how good it felt to be back in the “groove.” This is the 10th Pocket Full of Quarters Journey and I definitely have a “way” I do things. I looked up the word groove and it means a settled or monotonous routine. Well – my way is settled but it certainly isn’t monotonous. Then I looked up the phrase, “Get your groove on” and I loved it. It means to have fun dancing or to get one’s “swerve” on. Yep – that’s it. I dance my way through these journeys and when I’m listening to God and following directions, I definitely have my “swerve” on.

It occurs to me that you might like to know what this “groove” is. It definitely has a pattern:

Meditation, Prayer, and Bible Study

I start every morning with an extended time with God – meditating, praying, and studying the Bible. I always end my time asking God for knowledge of His will for me and the power to carry it out. I “prayer walk” America as I travel which means I pray for the people in the cars, malls, parks, houses, busses, ambulances, schools…I pass. I pray every time I step outside my camper for the people who have been there before me or will be there after me. The main reason I post pictures is that I hope you will join this prayer walk.

Praise and Worship

I travel listening and singing to praise music. I go to church on Sundays and other times I pass a church worshipping. I worship by lakes, oceans, on mountains, and in green pastures.

Drive and Stop

I ask the Holy Spirit where to stop. When something gets my attention or someone makes a suggestion, I assume that is the Holy Spirit talking and head in that direction. When people invite me to their area, I try to say yes but I also try to leave enough time between destinations to do the work of the journey – otherwise – it would be more efficient and cheaper to fly places. I limit driving to two-three hours a day unless I have a hard deadline. While I do speak and do events along the way, the wandering and responding to the Holy Spirit is the calling of these journeys.

The 6 E's

People call what I do evangelism but on the Pocket Full of Quarters Journeys, evangelism only one of the E’s of the Divine Encounters God sends. On these journeys, I do whatever God puts in front of me. Unlike evangelism events where we use a specific “process” to give the Gospel to as many lost people as possible, on these journeys, I’m often spending hours or days with people. I call this work the 6 E’s:

• E1 - Evangelize: Giving the Gospel and leading people to Jesus.
• E2 - Encourage: Encouraging the discouraged.
• E3 - Exhort: Reminding Christians of “who” and “whose” they are. I can be direct and firm but surprisingly, this is what people thank me for the most.
• E4 - Exorcise: Satan is a thief that comes to kill and destroy. It makes me furious when I see him and his demons torturing people and I’m getting bolder daily about praying with people to bind the foul demons ruining their lives.
• E5 - Ease: People need help. I try to ease the pressure, pain, or work of the people and situations I see. This can be everything from carrying groceries, doing yard work, helping decorate for a Bible school, spending time with a lonely person, or going through grief scriptures with the broken hearted. I’ve been known to mediate arguments, break up riots, write business plans, and teach people how to shake hands and answer questions at a job interview.
• E6 - Educate: People tell me their stories and issues and I use scripture, parables and life stories to teach Biblical principles.

Write and Post

My evenings are filled with writing stories and posting stories and pictures.

Today, I woke up and spent time with God. I worshipped on tops of mountains and by lakes. I prayed for people. I “evangelized” to two college students who both promised they were going to read the tract and pray to meet Jesus. I spent time “educating” and “exhorting” a lovely, sweet, and innocent Christian 19 year old “preacher’s kid” whose current boyfriend isn’t saved and likes to “party” more than she is comfortable with. I loved seeing Biblical “understanding” come into her eyes about why her parents are worried. I also gave her a “lesson” on how to lead her boyfriend to Jesus. It’s been cold and rainy all day so Shiloh and I have stayed wet and cold. I need to pull out my jacket and lose the sandals. I’m writing this story, posting pictures, and saying goodnight. Pray for the 2013 Pocket Full of Quarters Journey. Tomorrow I get to go to church.

So yes, for today, I have my “groove” on – my “swerve” and it feels great. Do you know what your “groove” is? Do you have it on? If you do, you know exactly what to do next. It feels like you are soaring as if on eagle’s wings. If you’re not sure have it on, you probably don’t. It's easy to get it back. Let’s talk. Email Cheryle

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A COINCIDENCE? I THINK NOT!

Manchester, Tennessee

Hosts: The Sojourners Fellowship

New Christians - Right After They Prayed to Receive Jesus

Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders. Acts 14:3-4

What a coincidence! The couple in line behind us had just graduated from my nephew Bill Milligan’s high school, Douglass Anderson School of the Arts. 100,000 people at a concert in Manchester, Tennessee and Bill met people who attended his high school in Jacksonville, Florida. Ali Bruce and I listened as they shared teacher tales and school gossip. The tickets to the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival had been the young couple’s graduation present. I fretted that because of all the connections, Bill might decide not to give them the Gospel but I shouldn’t have worried.

“Let me ask you a question,” Bill said. “Do you know where you will go in the next life?”

“My grandfather asks me that all the time,” the girl said. “He says Jesus is coming back and is always calling to ask if I’m ready.”

The boy, a film major in the arts school, said that he used to be an atheist but now was more open to spiritual matter. Bill gave them the complete plan of salvation but neither was interested in meeting Jesus. That was fine. We'd planted seeds. The word of God convicts hearts. Only about 3 out 10 encounters result in a salvation. Our job is to give the Gospel. God’s job is to convict hearts. It was then that I noticed the young man's cold.

“Are you sick?” I asked.

“I am,” he said, sighing. “I was looking forward to this and now I’m sick.”

“I am an evangelist,” I told him. “The Bible promises me that I can call on God to demonstrate His power through wonders and miracles. May I pray for your healing?”

“Absolutely,” he said enthusiastically. I prayed for his healing in the name of Jesus. In my prayer, I gave the Gospel as second time.

“God is going to heal you,” I promised. “When he does, I want you to realize who healed you and accept Jesus as your Savior.” The skeptical young man nodded. We handed him a tract and showed Him how to meet Jesus.

I walked off a little nervous. I had boldly claimed the power of God through what the scripture promised but in my flesh, I didn’t feel nearly so bold. God, I prayed. Your word is faithful. I’m counting on it.
Ali, Bill, and I had a great day leading people to Jesus. Many called on the name of the Lord. With over a 100,000 people in attendance, we didn’t expect to meet the couple again but coincidentally, about mid afternoon, there they were, sitting on the ground under a tree.

“How are you feeling?” I asked the young man.

“I feel wonderful,” he said excitedly. “I am completely healed.” His face glowed. Surprise washed over me and it is only through the grace of God that I didn’t exclaim, “Really?”

Aloud I said, “Of course you are. We called on Jesus to demonstrate Himself to you. I’m really happy we ran into you again. We usually never see people again in this crowd. That was God working as well. Are you ready to meet Him as savior now?”

“I am,” he said firmly. Ali sat down on the ground beside them and Bill and I joined her. The three of us made a circle with our knees touching.

“What about you?” I asked the young lady. “Are you ready thrill your grandfather by meeting the Savior that he loves so much?”

“Why not?”

There on that dusty ground, we held hands and led that talented and formally skeptical couple to Jesus. When they finished praying, they looked completely different. Gone were the cynical expressions, replaced by what I call the Holy Spirit glow.You can see that glow in the picture above.

“Call your grandfather as soon as you can,” I instructed. We got their contact information said our goodbyes.

Coincidence? Exactly how many coincidences does it take to make a miracle? Was it a coincidence Bill stood in line with people from his high school? Did the young man coincidentally recover from an illness right after we prayed for him? Did we coincidentally meet them again in a crowd of 100,000 people? I think not! When we go out into the world, God opens the doors and prepares the hearts. When we speak boldly for the Lord, God confirms our message of grace by enabling us to do signs and wonders. When we witness those miracles, our faith soars as if on eagle’s wings. God is in the business of sending miracles when we obediently share His love with the world.

Top Ten Perks to Being an Evangelist and Christian Writer

By Cheryle M. Touchton

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Phil 4:4 NIV

My Christian writer’s group asked us to come up with the perks of being a Christian writer. In 2002, I left a lucrative and exciting corporate career to answer God's call to evangelism and writing. Since then, I have traveled to all fifty states evangelizing and published five books. I had only planned a 2-month sojourn between executive jobs but life became so interesting, I simply forgot to job hunt.  If you don’t job hunt, I suppose you never find a job. I pondered my "Top Ten" list and altered it to include both my call to writing and evangelism. As I wrote it, I realized that I enjoy my life.

Top Ten Perks

1. I am no longer tempted by the "evils" of money.
2. Since I spend much of my life in campgrounds, I really enjoy nice hotels.
3. I can't always get showers on the road so I now appreciate showers. It is a real bonus when they are clean, hot, and bug-free.
4. Other people now get to talk at parties and Bible Studies. I now have an outlet for the stories running around in my head. 
5. My husband makes more money than I do, which is really good for his male ego. (He has offered to get over the ego thing in exchange for my former salary.)
6. My own ego is kept in check by humiliating book signings where people walk by me while avoiding eye contact.
7. If the writing thing doesn't work out, book signings have prepared me to work at carnival booths.
8. The galleys I deal with are less fattening then the galleys of yachts and cruise ships. (Galleys are the type set proof copy that writers review just before a book goes to press.)
9. I spend so much time with my dog that I hear her voice. My readers like her voice better than mine.
10. My clothes cost a lot less and are more comfortable and interesting.

I enjoyed my last job and I enjoy this one. In fact, I rejoice in my life. I love being with people when they pray to receive Jesus. I love people saying my books helped. Would you believe I almost rejoice in the Lord when showering with bugs? I once showered with a mouse and discovered just how well Baptists could really dance. I enjoy my life. 

The Gift

 

Nancy Norris Edwards

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.James 1:17-18

A life time friend is a gift. A life time friend who who shares your values, faith, and interests is a really "good" gift. Nancy has been my best friend since high school. She knows all of my secrets. She knows everything wrong with me and loves me anyway. She has been a faithful friend and a supporter of Pocket Full of Change Ministries since the beginning. She prays for me, has donated money, occasionally evangelizes and travels with me. She keeps me sane.  Nancy is a gift from from God.

Time together is also a gift because she lives in Georgia and I live in Pennsylvania. A few years back, I had planned a visit to Nancy. In anticipation of our time together, I had asked God for a special gift. God, Nancy is so faithful to this ministry. It would be a special gift to both of us if you would let us lead someone to Christ together.

We went to dinner that night and I looked for the gift I'd hoped God would send. Nothing happened – no doors opened. I was leaving early the next morning so I accepted that God had said no to my request.

Just before bed, Nancy suggested we go out to breakfast the next morning. I slept later than I expected and woke up rushing. I forgot about my request to God.

At breakfast, I did something I often do. I asked the waiter, “We’re Christians and are going to bless the food. Is there anything you’d like us to pray for?”

“Yes,” he said, grinning. “Pray for my hockey team to win.” Matt was a college student about to graduate. I knew the twinkle in his beautiful eyes was going to serve him well.

“What if someone from the other team is also praying?” I quipped.

“You’ll just have to pray harder than them.”

We prayed for Matt’s hockey team. That began the conversation where Matt talked about Jesus and growing up in a church school. He wasn’t in church and had never actually prayed to ask Jesus to become his Savior. I pulled out a tract from my purse.

“This is written by Billy Graham.” I said. “Do you know who that is?”

He thought for a minute. “I don’t think so,” he said. Nancy and I had never met anyone who didn’t know Billy. “Trust me,” Nancy and I said almost at the same time. “His work is worth reading.” Matt took it and promised to read it. Matt kept returning to our table to talk about jobs, his future, God, and life issues. Suddenly, I knew God was going to give Nancy this gift and was going to give Matt "The Gift."

“Matt,” I asked. “Would you like to change your destiny right now?” Matt looked interested so I continued. Together, Nancy and I gave him the Gospel. I ended by saying, “You could pray right now and become a Christian. We could read the prayer that is in that tract.” 

“Ok,” he said.

Wow, I thought. That was easy.We opened the tract and Matt invited Jesus to become a part of his life. I gave him a card and left thrilled with God’s gift to Nancy and me. I thought about my doubts from the night before. God was waiting for just the right time to answer my prayer.

Nancy already knew she was a part of everyone this ministry leads to Christ because of her support. She had read all of the stories I posted so she already knew what happens on the road. Knowing and experiencing it are two different things and I was grateful that God gifted us with being able to, together, be a chapter in Matt’s story, “The Day My Destiny Changed.”

Since Matt's story, Nancy and I have have led many people to Jesus together. Thank you Nancy for being my friend. Thank you God for gifting me with Nancy.Thank you Jesus for being "The Gift" to a lost and dying world.