What Does an Evangelizer Really Look Like?

I'd like to dedicate this post to best friend and roommate of mine, Stephanie Pittman. Stephanie is the most social butterfly one will ever know. And I don't mean that she talks all the time. That's my job. Stephanie knows alot of people....really...ALOT. I can't remember one incident when we were out at Walmart or Target or some restaurant when Steph didn't know someone. Joplin is a small city mind you, but the concept is still so odd to me because I am from a much larger city and I very rarely ever run into people I know. But Stephanie's connections go so much deeper. Each and every person we have run into she knows on a personal level. Some moreso than others, but she is still able to have personal conversations with each person we run into. If I were in to run into someone I knew, it would be a simple, "Oh my goodness. How ironic that we're both in the same place. How are you? K, bye!" Even with my closest friends, that's how it would be.

But Stephanie. She engages, man. And I tell you what, she's got a bundle of love for everyone. But she doesn't just throw her love out to anyone and everyone. It's like she has a specific heart for every single person. She truely is affectionate to those around her. She cares. It's the most incredible thing ever.

I went with her to her job one night. She works at a place called "The Bridge." It's just a hang out place for teenagers to come, play games, and fellowship with each other. But it's more than just that. Stephanie's job description in a nutshell: hang out with kids and minister to them. All she has to do is love these broken hearts that come in left and right and show them that there is a God who cares. And she's pretty darn good at it. I've never seen someone so passionate for youth. She makes evangelizing look so easy.

A friend of mine gave me a passage that he had wanted to do a sermon on in Romans 12 and when I read the following verses, I instantly thought of Stephanie:

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Ro. 12:9-13

This is what Stephanie does on a daily basis! All she ever does is show interest in people's lives and she invests. She takes the time to get to know someone and loves them, truely, sincerely love them, with everything she has. There are so many Bridge kids (kids from her work) that have awful lives, whether it be abuse, addicitons, sexual activity (13yr olds getting drunk and having sex!), suicide attempts (Steph has come home on numerous occasions and tells of another kid/kids who tried to commit suicide that night) and her heart becomes broken. I see so much passion in her eyes and a desire to reach out to these kids and tell them that she and God loves them. All she sincerely wants is for her Bridge kids to be making wise decisions and leading better lives.

I remember one night, my first semester in college, Stephanie and I were just starting to get to know each other (this was about 2 months into the semester). We played soccer together, but other than that, we never really saw each other much. Well, we were in the lobby of our dorm with a few other people just chatting it up and having a jolly old time. Stephanie decides to grab her guitar and have a mini jam session with the people there. (Side note: I'm a music major with voice as my primary). Steph starts to play and sing songs and we all join in and at some point Stephanie explodes! She would look at me like I'm crazy or something and then she started to compliment my voice, but with such expression! I barely knew this girl and here she was, showing interest in my talents! I have never felt so good about myself. Ever since then, Stephanie has been so supportive of my major and my desire to one day be a worship minister.

I could go on and on and on...and on...and on about how amazing this girl is. I am truely blessed to have her in my life. Stephanie is the most influential person ever and that is no overstatement. She is the perfect example of what a true follower of Christ/evangalizer is.

Stephanie, I love you with all of my heart. Thank you for being my friend and for holding me accountable. I pray that the Lord blesses you abundantely. I know He has great plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11). You rock my socks, girl.