The call to evangelism: Who will go? A personal story
ONE QUESTION I often ask people is “Who inspired you in your faith by their example?” In my case it was my father. He loved God, prayed daily and loved to sing hymns in church. Faith has always been a part of my life and as I grew in my faith, I loved to tell others about Jesus.
For many years, I volunteered at Sligo Methodist Church and was a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Worker, Lay Preacher and started a weekly ‘Open Door Café’ for people on the margins. Later, I worked for the Church of Ireland, Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh in youth and children’s ministry. That was when I first came into contact with the Church Army. As soon as its work was described to me, I just knew it was very close to my heart. I sensed that the Lord of sea and sky was calling me!
Yet I had many questions and even more serious doubts. “Here I am Lord, is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. Lord! Are you sure that you’ve got the right person?” I certainly had a litany of excuses and objections: I wasn’t brought up an Anglican; I was a single mum; I felt unworthy; I had no academic training; I barely knew how to use a computer; and at the time I had, what I now call ‘a Gideon complex’!
* Full article available in printed copies.
Marian Edwards
Pioneer Evangelist and leader of the Church Army’s Ballina Centre of Mission.