Here are some interesting statistics and an opportunity. The average Christian shares their faith verbally or written only a couple of times a year (Barna study, 2018). The average American eats out 4.2 times a week, or 218 times a year.
That got me thinking is there something I could create that would make it easier to let people know God loves them every time they went out to eat? I understand that the last commandment Jesus gave us was to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Sharing God's message is only the first step, I get that, but it is the first step and most of us are not doing that, yet many Christians are eating out.
We wrestled with that at Memory Cross. Could we create something that would share God's love when eating out? We came up with an idea to create a Gospel tract for your waiter or waitress, but not just a Gospel tract, there are plenty of those.
We wanted one that thanked them for taking their time to serve you, most of us do not hear that enough. Next, we wanted to share a few words from God and have room to write a personal message. We also wanted to provide a link in case they wanted to know more. It needed to be in a package that they'd actually read, and more than reading, share with their co-workers, friends and finally, it needs to be a size that is easy to carry around for men and women.
I know there are a lot of Gospel tracts out there, but 9 out of 10 are tossed out without being read. Our goal is to create one that 9 out of 10 people read and shared.
What we came up with is a tract the size of a business card that has four panels, which create an endless loop. The size makes it possible to carry it in your wallet or purse and the design is so unique that your waiter or waitress will want to show it to other people.
On this Gospel Tract we put the following wording:
Panel one: Thank You for your service in multiple languages.
Panel 2:
You are cherished and loved by God.
Panel 3:
On this panel we choose Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. It is our hope that this verse will make them want to find out more about God's plan for their life and it probably is one they have not heard before.
Panel 4 has an invitation to learn more at a page we set up on Memory Cross which links out to other sites and has videos helping them to understand what it means to become a follower of Christ. There is also room for you to write a personal note of your choosing.
The video shows how the card works.
A relationship with Jesus can and should be transforming. The creator of the universe loves us and knows what is best for us. John 10:10 says "The thief (devil) comes only to steal and kill and destroy (you). I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly.
In Galatians 5 it lists what a life filled with God looks like "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control". 5:22-23.
May God fill you with His Spirit and may you experience the life He wants you to have. Then go out and share his love with others.
If you passed this card onto one person a week you'd share God's love 52 times a year and if they showed it to one other person that would be 104 times. Will it make a difference? Most of the time you'll never know but sometimes...watch the video for the ending.
If you would like to learn more about this or any other of our creative Gospel tracts, click here.