Service
What I learned from a Kitchen Timer
By Virginia Kremer
Had the call of God been frustrated? Image by Hemera
WHILE waiting for something to finish cooking, my eyes absently came to rest on my kitchen timer. The last time I had really looked at it, it was shiny new. That was 30 years ago! I picked it up thinking how old and worn it was. Its imitation wood sides were scratched and there were a couple of marks left in haste by buttered fingers. Nicks on the plastic rim were the results of falls, and its face had become cloudy. As I turned it over, the decorative gold-coloured cap in the middle slipped off as usual, reminding me that although I had planned many times to glue it back in place, once the timer’s work was done, I had not thought of it again. Who thinks about an old kitchen timer as long as it works? And why not replace it by a new, modern version?
Looking at it in amazement and wondering where the time had gone since I’d received it as a wedding gift, I thought of the person who had given it to me: Anna. Tears came to my eyes. I had never really mourned her death a few years ago. Her passing away had happened when I, myself, was facing the desperate situation of my husband’s serious illness.
Ardent witness
I pictured her jolly, smiling face, twinkling eyes, ruddy cheeks, and grey hair, once black and curly, pulled back in a bun. Anna was from a large farming family of Mennonites in Alsace. She had wanted to play the saxophone as a young person, but her very strict father considered that a sin. She had rebelled and gone out into the “world” but early on realized that without God, life had no meaning. She came back to the faith of her fathers and opened her heart to the love of God and to salvation in His Son Jesus Christ. Her life was turned around and she became an ardent witness to His grace and saving power. Her great desire was to serve Him as a missionary all the days of her life and she made known her calling to the elders of her church. Anna was a farm girl with minimum schooling and no qualifications. She was sent to work in the home of a prominent Christian family whose vocation was to send out missionaries. There, she was to clean and cook, and in other words, be their servant. She had her little room up under the eaves on the third floor and was on call twenty-four hours a day!
A call frustrated?
She never made it to the mission field. She spent her life up to her retirement doing what she did best: cooking, cleaning and working in the garden. There may have been times when she was a little frustrated; she had had such a clear calling. But wherever Anna went, be it in a shop or at the market or on the train or talking to someone at the door, everyone remarked her beaming face and cheery presence. She always spoke a word for the Lord. She had the gift of evangelism. Even the most defiant or disinterested could not resist her words of wisdom and truth. Not only did she believe, but she also put what she believed in practice. The children in the Sunday School loved to hear her tell Bible stories and several generations called her “Aunt Anna”. Some of them went on to serve the Lord.
Taken for granted
When I was in the home where Anna served, she was such a joy and encouragement to me. Somehow, she made life easier, smoothed out the rough places and made me feel at home. Yet, Anna was only a servant. Everyone took her for granted. She was always there. No one seemed to notice that the years were passing, that time and work were taking their toll. Who cares about an old servant? When she can’t work anymore, she will be replaced.
Faithful and fruitful
Anna has gone home to be with the Lord she loved and served so faithfully. She didn’t get to be a missionary and go to a foreign field as she had dreamed, but she didn’t let that stop her from being a true witness to Christ where she was. Anna served a number of God’s servants. Some of them may not have even taken much notice of her, but it wouldn’t surprise me that when we all stand before God’s throne and the rewards are passed out, Anna might just be up in the front row among the most faithful!
Lessons learned
Now when I pick up my timer, I always think of Anna, and thankfully remember that God is not like us. He doesn’t use people and then replace them when they are old or no longer physically useful. He sees and knows the hidden motives of the heart. He does not stop at the outward appearance, the superficial spirituality, the ‘importance’ of the person in men’s eyes, the apparent usefulness or success or education. He looks at the heart, the love there for Him and for others, the humble service where there is no place for self-glory.
I’ve learned so much from my old kitchen timer and from Anna! ■
Virginia lives in France, where she worked for many years with her late husband, Etienne, as members of the Mission-Foi- Evangile.
This article was first printed in Life Indeed, November/December 2004
Posted in Christian life, Personal stories, Service | 
Tags: call of God, consecration, service | 
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Introverts can evangelize the Bible way – Part 2
We have now reached part 4 of Evangelism for Introverts, by Mike Bechtle, whichwas published in the Mar/April and May/June 2010 issues of FIRST!
MIKE BECHTLE writes:
Baby turtle peeping out by Atif Gulzar
5. Evangelism is a team effort.
The Bible compares the church to a body with different parts. When we demand that everyone witness in the same way, it ignores the value God places on all the members. When Christians ask someone to receive Christ, they don’t do it alone. God has already brought a string of people (including introverts) into the person’s life to move him or her closer to faith. I Corinthians 3:6 reinforces the value of each person in that chain: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”
6. I have to hang out with non-Christians.
Introverts might be uncomfortable pursuing a lot of relationships. For them, quality is more valuable than quantity. But the relationships have to be formed through interaction with unbelievers. Introverts specialize in “going deep” in those life-on-life connections.
7. God uses us the way He made us.
If you try to be an extrovert, evangelism will get harder. If you try to be yourself, it will get easier. That’s why God designed you as you are. People aren’t attracted by our methods, they’re attracted by our lives. Don’t use your introvert temperament as an excuse to avoid tackling a task God is calling you to undertake. While he doesn’t want you to be someone you’re not, God may lead you out of your comfort zone in order to stretch and build your faith.
8. Communication doesn’t always involve talking.
Most evangelism methods emphasize verbal techniques. But introverts are often more effective in writing than speaking. If it’s demanded that introverts verbalize their faith in every situation, the value of their written communication is minimized. For example, writing through exchanged emails can be an effective way to evangelize.
A BIBLICAL APPROACH FOR INTROVERTS
Colossians 4:6 describes the most effective approach to evangelism for introverts: “Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.”
God hasn’t designed introverts to be aggressive in evangelism. He made them sensitive, patient and thoughtful—characteristics that will be extremely effective in the lives of others. Our responsibility, according to this verse, is to prepare. When God brings opportunity, our responsibility is to genuinely care for that person. When that caring leads to a faith discussion, it won’t be forced. It will be a natural expression of that caring.
Matthew 28:19 instructs us to “make disciples.” Discipleship involves guiding people closer to God from whatever place they are. For unbelievers, it’s moving them one step closer to salvation. An introvert is called to be intentional in his efforts to engage in that process.
Introversion isn’t something to be cured; it’s something to be celebrated!
If you missed earlier posts in this series you can read
Part 1, Evangelism for Introverts here.
Part 2 - Introverts are different – and that’s good!
Part 3 - Introverts can evangelize the Bible way
MIKE BECHTLE is the author of Evangelism for the Rest of Us: Sharing Christ Within Your Personality Style (Baker Books), on which this article is based and used by kind permission.
You can visit Mike’s website www.mikebechtle.com for more information and resources.
Introverts can evangelize the Bible way
We have now reached part 3 of Evangelism for Introverts, by Mike Bechtle, which was published in the Mar/April and May/June 2010 issues of FIRST!
MIKE BECHTLE writes:
Baby turtle peeping out by Atif Gulzar
I had certain ideas about what evangelism should look like. When I prayed to be a better witness, I assumed God would supernaturally change my desire so I would want to share in those ways. But that didn’t happen. Instead, I found that many of my ideas weren’t biblical. When I finally discovered what the Bible actually says, it all began to make sense—and I had the desire to share in new, appropriate ways. So, what did I learn?
1. Evangelism isn’t our job—it’s God’s job
We’re responsible for building relationships, pointing people to Christ and allowing God to use those relationships to draw people to himself. We have to be faithful in delivering God’s message when he calls us to do so, but trust him with the results.
2. I don’t have to use sales techniques.
We don’t have to convince people to come to Christ. God does that. Our role is to introduce one friend to another (Christ), and let them develop that relationship. Take the time to get to know the person well and discuss spiritual concerns that directly relate to that person’s life. Ask open-ended questions, listen carefully and seek to learn something from the person.
3. I don’t have to witness to everyone I meet.
Introverts aren’t made for quantity of relationships-they’re made for deep relationships. When an extrovert walks into a room full of people, she surveys the crowd to see how many people she can talk to during the event. But when an introvert walks into the same room, she surveys the crowd to see which one person looks the “safest” to have an extended conversation with.
4. “You shall be witnesses” is a description of a person who has firsthand experience with something.
If we know Christ, we are qualified witnesses—whether we feel like it or not. As we deepen relationships with people, the things we’ve seen and experienced become a natural part of our conversations with them. [To be concluded]
The final part of this article will be in our next post.
If you don’t want to miss is, you can follow us in Twitter, visit our Facebook page or sign up for a free update by email.
If you missed earlier posts in this series you can read Part 1, Evangelism for Introverts here.
Also, Part 2 - Introverts are different – and that’s good!
MIKE BECHTLE is the author of Evangelism for the Rest of Us: Sharing Christ Within Your Personality Style (Baker Books), on which this article is based and used by kind permission.
You can visit Mike’s website www.mikebechtle.com for more information and resources.
Introverts are different – and that’s good!
This is part 2 of a series based on an article by author MIKE BECHTLE, which was published in the Mar/April and May/June 2010 issues of FIRST! MIKE BECHTLE continues:
Brett is an extrovert. He gets energized in a large group, and feels drained when he spends too much time alone. He’s action-oriented and learns by doing. He thinks out loud, and makes decisions easily. Brett’s pattern is “act-think-act.”
Jill is an introvert. She doesn’t mind being in a group, but finds it draining after awhile. She recharges by being alone. She’s thought-oriented and learns by watching. She thinks best when she’s alone and needs time to make decisions. Jill’s pattern is “think-act-think.”
Which is better for evangelism? Both.
Photo by Atif Gulzar
Don’t beat yourself up
It used to bother me that I could come up with great answers for people’s questions about 30 minutes after the conversation was over. I’d beat myself up thinking, “Why didn’t I say such-and-such?” I envied extroverts who could think quickly in a conversation.
Introverts might take a while to formulate their answers, but an answer will be well thought-out and sensitive. Just because we can’t think of the best response right at that moment doesn’t mean we’ve failed.
It means saying, “That’s a great question. I’ll have to think about it. Give me a day or so, and I’ll email you my thoughts.”
Advantages of introverts
Introverts have some real advantages in evangelism:
They care what people think, so they’ll be sensitive in their approach to others.
They recognize their inability to reach people through an outgoing approach, so they’re more aware of their dependence on God to work through them.
As fishers of men, they see themselves as bait rather than the hook.
Quiet people who think deeply can reach other quiet people who think deeply (the ones who are turned off by a hard-sell approach).
They have the patience to let God use them in reaching another person over a long period of time, rather than focusing on an immediate decision.
They might reach fewer people but they build deeper relationships with them.
PART 3 of this article—Strategies from Scripture – will be in our next post.
If you don’t want to miss is, you can follow us in Twitter, visit our Facebook page or sign up for a free update by email.
If you missed Part 1, you can read Evangelism for Introverts here.
MIKE BECHTLE is the author of Evangelism for the Rest of Us: Sharing Christ Within Your Personality Style (Baker Books), on which this article is based and used by kind permission.
You can visit Mike’s website www.mikebechtle.com for more information and resources.
Evangelism for Introverts
The next few posts on FIRST! Again are going to be in a series based on an article by author MIKE BECHTLE, which was published in the Mar/April and May/June 2010 issues of FIRST!
The material is so helpful, and we received such good feedback from our readers, that we are running it again on our online digest only a year after it was in print. Part 1 is below and the remaining parts will be posted throughout the week.
MIKE BECHTLE writes:
Photo by Atif Gulzar
IF YOU’RE A TYPICAL INTROVERT, you’re probably starting this article thinking “maybe it’ll give me hope”.
When you saw the title, you expected to see suggestions to be more bold, more obedient and more committed in sharing your faith. You don’t really want to read that, but you’re thinking, “If I can learn some new techniques, maybe I’ll be more successful and see more results, and God (and others) will be pleased with me.” You really want to share your faith, but it seems so hard.
Sorry—this article won’t go there.
Witnessing will never get easier if you’re focusing on techniques. If it’s hard and you inwardly dread sharing your faith, it’s probably because you’re trying to do something in ways that don’t match the way God designed you.
For years I wanted to be an effective witness. I took classes, listened to sermons and read books about evangelism. I tried every method I could find, but it seemed to get harder instead of easier. I wondered, “If God wanted me to share my faith, why didn’t he give me a more outgoing personality? Why should it be so hard?”
I finally gave up on evangelism, because I got tired of feeling guilty.
That began a journey from guilt-based sharing to grace-based caring and sharing. I discovered that God made me in exactly the way he wanted so he could work through that temperament. He didn’t want me to become something I wasn’t; he wanted me to be me.
The Value of Being an Introvert
When David fought Goliath, everyone assumed he would wear Saul’s armour. They thought it would be ridiculous to go into combat without that protection. But when he tried it on, it didn’t fit. It was only when he used his unique set of skills that he found victory, even though it didn’t fit the pattern that worked for everyone else.
How God made me
Most books on evangelism focus on witnessing methods more suited for extroverts. There’s nothing wrong with those methods. But for an introvert, those methods don’t go far enough. Reading them, I always felt like a turtle being taught by birds the best way to walk. I discovered that my guilt in sharing came from trying to use methods that didn’t fit.
When I heard sermons on boldness, I assumed it meant “outgoing and forceful.” But that wasn’t how God made me. I was designed for quiet persuasion, reaching people who will never respond to an aggressive approach.
Other people’s patterns
If God designed introverts, doesn’t it make sense that he would want them to do his work through that personality? When introverts spend time trying to function like extroverts, they’re doing more than just wasting time. They’re actually robbing themselves of the very tools God gave them to do his work. If sharing your faith is something you inwardly dread, it’s probably because you’re working outside of God’s unique design. You’re following other people’s patterns instead of God’s.
PART 2 of this article—Introverts are different – and that’s good!— will be in our next post.
If you don’t want to miss is, you can follow us in Twitter, visit our Facebook page or sign up for a free update by email.
MIKE BECHTLE is the author of Evangelism for the Rest of Us: Sharing Christ Within Your Personality Style (Baker Books), on which this article is based and used by kind permission. You can visit Mike’s website www.mikebechtle.com for more information and resources.
