Mission Trip to Las Vegas, Day Three: July 7th 2003
By Peter Dunne:
This morning we prepared ourselves for a day of evangelization at the the casinos and the old Las Vegas Strip now renamed the Fremont Experience. Our morning consisted of continued devotionals with our small group, a teaching on evangelism, and some awesome fellowship in the halls of our YWAM base. After a splendid lunch of raviolis and salad we spent time with our leader Dusty, in preparation for a period of intercession for the city. The MGM Grand, Luxor, Tropicana, and Excalibur were our targets of prayer. We split up into groups of five or so and spent a period of time wandering around praying for people places and anything that God laid on our hearts. This was a learning experience for all and as individuals I believe we began to see the city and the people in it through Christ's eyes and were stretched greatly by the experience. But greater stretching was still to occur." Fremont Street, seven p.m., let God lead you to people and tell them about Christ." Those were the instructions and we set out in groups of three to accomplish this goal (a little scared, but very excited). Everyone was amazing bold and really gave the Lord their fears, pride, and any inhibitions holding them back. It was so so so cool to be apart of. There were varying degrees of success and while some groups found nothing but rejection, God also brought us some huge triumphs. Let me briefly share my experience. My group mates (Sherry J. and Heather A.) and I spent twenty minutes scoping the place out and asking God for his leadership before we engaged anyone in conversation. And after a few rejections or issues with language barriers, God moved very clearly. I saw an older man sitting alone in a cafe; there was nothing noticeable about him but something told me to go talk with him...alone. After a few wavering, frightened moments I pulled aside my partners and let them know that I felt lead to speak with him. I set off with Sherry and Heather waiting for me; I approached the man, opened my mouth and God freed me of my nerves and I believe gave me the exact words and verses that this man needed. Skipping the details (you can ask me for them when we get home), we talked for twenty-five minutes or so and I got to observe God move through this man's mind and heart. I cannot describe to you, how awesome God was tonight. And to cap it all off, if Sherry and Heather had not had to wait for me, they would have never met the vendor and her daughter for whom they were an encouragement sent by God. But that's their story ask them about it sometime. So that was our day. I hope you all are doing well back at home. Thank you for your prayers, we can really feel them, keep it up. God is incredible and has kept us all safe and is moving in everyone's lives. Take care.
In his service: -Peter