Tag: Kansas

We are on the homestretch of our Revelation Today series in Kansas City. The Holy Spirit has used Pastor John Bradshaw powerfully to speak to the hearts of people. In inspired verbal strokes, he has painted a clear picture of the imminent return of Jesus. As a result, Steve, like many others, is making life-changing decisions.

Elizabeth, Steve’s wife, is so excited about her husband’s spiritual progress. Six months ago, she would never have imagined witnessing this kind of miracle unfold before her eyes. He simply wasn’t interested in attending a series of meetings like this before. During the weekend meetings, he sits right next to her near the front. He cannot attend during the week because of the distance of his work from Kansas City but he watches the meetings via live stream at his home. He has not missed one presentation.

The other night I was glancing at the decision cards and noticed that Steve had made a decision for baptism. I was so happy that I went looking for him to congratulate him. No Steve. However, I found Elizabeth and asked her where Steve was. “Oh,” she said, “he’s not here.” “He’s not here?” I responded. “Then how did he fill out this card?” That’s when I noticed that twinkle in Elizabeth’s eyes. With the biggest smile I have ever seen, she explained that he texted her the responses he wanted on the card and on his behalf she turned the card in. He wasn’t about to let distance prevent him from letting Jesus know what his decision was. No card, no problem.

This is just one of the many amazing stories unfolding in Kansas City. Decisions are being made and people are being baptized. And this coming Saturday, it will be Steve’s turn.

Decisions are being made for baptism. Soon many more people will be baptized, including Steve.

Some names have been changed.

Our Revelation Today meetings in Kansas City are well underway, and God’s word continues to impact the lives of those who attend. For over a year, Bible workers have been preparing the area through one-on-one Bible studies, prayer meetings, and smaller evangelism campaigns. The stories from the meetings are pouring in, and we wanted to share a few of them with you.

After one of the meetings Abigail was talking with her friend Evelyn. Evelyn shared that her picture of religion was a constant message of, “You don’t measure up.” The two discussed that the true gospel message is a message about Jesus and acceptance. Evelyn had always had a hard time studying the Bible–it never made sense or she didn’t get anything from it. But Abigail reminded her that she needed to only look for one thing, the big picture: “That’s what John does,” Abigail said, referring to Pastor Bradshaw’s evening meetings. “Each night he shares with us a Bible principle: trust God; God is for us; Jesus is with you. When you have the big picture,” she continued, “hang that picture in your mind so that it helps you every day of your life.” Evelyn mulled this over and then said, “John is hanging a lot of pictures in my mind this week!” She then shared how her mother had come to similar meetings in the past and would come home all excited. “I didn’t understand why she was so fired up. Now, I get it.”

Stephanie and her friend Olivia have been studying the Bible together for about a year. Every time they got together to study, and even when Olivia started going to church, she invited a neighbor, family member, or friend to join her. They almost always declined but she kept asking. During the weeks leading up to the start of the Revelation Today meetings in Kansas City, scheduling conflicts prevented Stephanie and Olivia from studying together like they usually did, and Stephanie was having a hard time reaching Olivia: “I began calling Olivia a week before the meetings started to remind her about them. She didn’t answer, so I left a message. I called opening night to invite her again but I had to leave another message. I texted her two more nights to let her know what the topics were for each meeting. Again, no response.

“On the fifth day of the meetings, Friday, I texted her and asked her if she was getting any of my messages, because it was unlike her to not respond back. A few minutes later she called me and explained that she had dropped her phone in water and it hadn’t been working. I told her about that evening’s Revelation Today topic, The Second Coming of Jesus, and gave her the location and time. Olivia said she was really interested in going but she had just gotten off work and looked terrible. I asked her where she was and she gave me the location. It wasn’t far from the convention center where the meetings were being held! ‘Get here, lady! I said, ‘This is a come-as-you-are-to-get-what-you-need’ kind of event, so come as you are to get what you need!’ Olivia responded, ‘All right, I’ll go.’ I greeted Oliva with a big hug, and we listened to the meetings together. Afterwards, she told me that she really needed to hear the message that Pastor Bradshaw shared: ‘I needed hope restored in my heart.’ I told her we that we all need more Jesus!  

“Olivia planned to come back the next night. And she did––but she didn’t come alone. Yes, after all the times that Olivia had invited people to our Bible studies and church, with no luck, she was finally able to bring a friend to one of the meetings! Both women enjoyed the presentation, and they look forward to the rest of the meetings.”

God is moving in Kansas City! Let’s keep praying for these meetings as they continue through the end of April.

Some names have been changed.

Jane, a young professional, was invited to It Is Written’s opening night of Revelation Today in Kansas City on March 30. She came in very late because her GPS sent her around in circles for over an hour. She arrived so late that Pastor John Bradshaw was already two-thirds of the way through his presentation. A few moments after she settled in her chair, John said, “I wasn’t going to share this but I feel impressed to do so tonight.” He went on to share about a time he got lost and needed help navigating his way on a highway. “Remember I can see the big picture,” his wife, who was looking at the map on her phone, said to him when he called her for help. Pastor Bradshaw reminded the audience that God sees the whole picture and all we need to do is trust Him no matter what. As Jane left the meeting, she ran into the person who had invited her and told her with a smile that that story was exactly what she needed to hear that day. “I’m coming back tomorrow and I will be on time,” she added.

Jane is just one of the hundreds who are being tremendously blessed by Pastor Bradshaw’s timely messages. We have just completed four meetings and the presence of God is palpable. Whether it’s the main message or Scott Michael Bennett’s messages in songs, people are powerfully drawn to Jesus. After last night’s presentation on the final judgment, one of our attendees excitedly reported that she had never heard this message with such a Christ-centered emphasis. Pastor John repeated several times, “Jesus is our judge and appears before God FOR US.” For us: what a reassuring thought.

Jane heard it all because, as promised, she returned the next night and hasn’t missed a single presentation. Please keep Jane, everyone who is attending, and the It Is Written Revelation Today team in your prayers.

Names have been changed.

For the past six weeks, we’ve been counting down to the beginning of the Revelation Today evangelism series in Kansas City. It’s time to begin, and Pastor John Bradshaw will kick off the event at the Jack Reardon Convention Center at 7 pm on Friday, March 30.

The community has been invited and people in the surrounding area will be able to view the program from their local churches. Topics will include: the trustworthiness of God, hope for a planet in crisis, the Messiah and the judgement, the United States in Bible prophecy, among others.

For over a year, area church members and It Is Written Bible workers have been preparing for these meetings through an initiative called Reach KC. Along the way, they have had many incredible encounters as God leads them to serve their community. Here’s a few more of those stories in their own words.

Ruth, a church member, tells how God turned her mistake into a blessing.

I was really overwhelmed as I followed up on Bible study interest cards. We had so many cards come in for our small team! My job was to drop off the Bible study lessons each week to whoever had signed up. I was dropping off the third lesson for Madison when she shocked me with a question, “What day is the Sabbath?” I asked her why she was asking and she showed me the lesson I had left with her the previous week. It was the lesson over the Sabbath! Oh no! Somehow in my hurry, I had accidentally grabbed the wrong lesson for her. This lesson comes up later because earlier lessons establish the groundwork for this amazing topic. I asked her to wait to complete the other lessons that led up to the one about the Sabbath. Amazingly, she agreed.

The weeks went on, and I learned a lot about Madison. She had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and was living with her heart wide open to know God. I learned that she did not want me to come into her home but was very excited to sit down at the library and study the Bible together. When we reached the lesson about the Sabbath she was so eager and had so many questions. We spent time in God’s word answering her questions, and she left the study excited to keep the Sabbath. I am so happy that God is able to use me, even when I make mistakes!

After she retired, Helen found herself missing opportunities to witness. So she decided to get involved with Reach KC. She shares her story:

In January of last year, I retired for the second time. Two weeks into retirement, I realized again that retirement does not allow me much interaction with other people. I quickly remembered that running errands and grocery shopping does not provide enough chances to share Jesus’ love. I missed the time I had spent in my job praying with and counseling my 500 employees.

I knew God had a solution and I began to earnestly seek the Lord about the situation. When It Is Written’s Reach KC program was presented at a church in Overland Park, Kansas, I thought that God was giving me the opportunity I had been praying for so I attended the training.

The pastor gave us pages of names from the community who had requested Bible lessons. As I scanned the list, I sent up a quick prayer that God would show me someone who really wanted to know His truth. One name popped out at me like it had a magnifying glass over it: Deanne Garfield.

My prayer partner, Christina, and I began our visits. Deanne was a wonderful Bible student, seeking truth and furthering hers and our relationship with the Savior. She was in poor health so we also discussed the benefits of a good diet and healthy lifestyle. There are 25 lessons in the It Is Written Bible study guides but around the tenth lesson, Deanne asked me what she had to do to be baptized.

Wow, I was so excited! What a joy to be asked that question! I asked her if she loved the Lord. She stated emphatically that she did, and I said that was the most important thing for baptism. The pastor visited her, and we finished all the lessons together. Finally, Deanne rejoiced as she came out of the waters of baptism. I don’t think there is any other experience that brings as much joy as seeing someone give their life to the Lord in public baptism. It would be hard to know who was more blessed, Deanne or me. I am so grateful that the Lord led me to meet and share together with Deanne!

Our workers continue to work for God in Kansas City. Please pray that God will bring the right people to attend these meetings and that hearts will be touched to make decisions for Jesus Christ.

Learn more about the meetings at revelationtoday.com/presentations.

All names have been changed.

One week from now, It Is Written’s evangelism series will begin in Kansas City. From March 30 to April 28, It Is Written Speaker/Director John Bradshaw will be sharing the good news of Jesus with thousands at the Jack Reardon Convention Center. It Is Written representatives and Bible workers have been preparing the community for months in anticipation of this event. God is leading in each interaction, and there are no coincidences with Him. This week’s stories prove this point:

“What are the chances of this happening?” writes Bible Worker Jack. “Today while I was delivering Bible studies and inviting people to the meetings, I saw a man in the parking lot that I thought should get an invitation. I pulled the vehicle up near him and told him I was inviting some of his neighbors to a meeting at the Jack Reardon Convention Center and wanted to invite him too. He said his brother, Kevin, was the project manager there. Kevin–the one person who is always there trying to clean the building! What are the chances that out of all the people in the Kansas City area that I happen to run into and invite, that it would be the brother of the person who is working at the convention center?” The chances are high when you’re working for God.

Bible Worker Jennifer shares another “coincidence” story. In November, Jennifer made some tear-away flyers offering free It Is Written Bible studies and placed them in all of the public libraries in her territories. The first week of December, Jennifer received a phone call from a lady who had seen one of the fliers and was interested in the studies. Her name was Linda. The two set up a date and time to meet at the library where Linda had found the flyer because Linda was very hesitant to share any personal information. Jennifer met her and gave her lessons 1 and 3, which she enjoyed. They set up a time to meet again after the holidays, but the flu hit them both and the appointments were postponed several weeks. Still, Linda faithfully called Jennifer almost every week wanting more information, and the two had several good conversations and prayers together on the phone.

A few weeks ago, Jennifer and her friend Jack were making visits to people who had responded to It Is Written television programs. As they approached one house, Jennifer commented on the interest cards, “Oh this lady’s name is Linda. I wonder if it is the same lady I’ve been meeting at the library?” No one answered so they left some cards. Later that day, Linda called Jennifer and uncharacteristically gave her home address so Jennifer could pick her up and the two could study together in person.

Jennifer writes, “When I got to the address, I realized it was the same home. Linda got in my car all excited and said, ‘Jennifer! Someone from It Is Written was at my house today and left me some cards! I couldn’t wait to tell you.’  We had a good laugh as I explained that it was me!” The two had a wonderful study together, and Linda has expressed an interest in meeting up to study further.

Isn’t it amazing how God works? God put the right person, in the right place, at the right time, to reach a specific person. These stories are just a sampling of all the appointments God has ordained in Kansas City, and we know there are more miraculous appointments to come. Join us in praying that God will bless as we begin our Reach KC meetings Friday, March 30, 2018.

Some names have been changed.

There are three weeks to go until It Is Written’s citywide evangelism meetings begin in Kansas City on March 30, 2018. The teams on the ground and It Is Written are working on the last minute details. There is a lot of prayer,  graphic design, stage preparation, sermon writing, music selection, electronic equipment set up, and other details all coming together to make this event a logistical success. The real success comes in the hearts and minds that make decisions for Jesus Christ, and that’s happening now as people continue to make personal connections with others and invite them to a closer walk with Jesus.

Each Friday evening, Bible Work Coordinator Jack has a group Bible study at his house. One of Jack’s friends, Kyle, brought his 17-year-old nephew, Chuck, along for the study. Chuck wasn’t a Christian and didn’t consider himself to be one. But during the study he contributed some very good thoughts. He only came to the study once.

A couple weeks later Jack preached at Kyle’s church. Chuck was there too. He was very attentive and it appeared that he was really interested in what Jack was sharing from the Bible. After the sermon, Chuck and Kyle left quickly, and Jack didn’t get the opportunity to greet them. But the next day, Kyle brought Chuck with him to play disc golf with Jack at the local city park. Chuck kept asking Jack questions about the sermon.

“This is one of those moments when I would like to say I did everything right, but I did not,” Jack said. “I answered the questions, but I did not take the opportunity to see if he wanted more. The next day during my prayers, Chuck kept coming to my mind. So I contacted Kyle and asked if he would ask Chuck about studying the Bible. Chuck was super excited to study and we have been studying faithfully since.” Sometimes, people are just waiting to be asked.

Jack’s weekly Bible study group is full of stories. Another friend, Julie, shared with him that a friend of hers wanted to study the Bible with her children but she had been warned by her pastor to stay away from studying certain things. After a lot of encouragement from Julie, she and her family were ready. Would Jack be willing to study with them?

Jack willingly accepted the call even though the family speaks Spanish and Jack doesn’t. When Jack arrived at the house, he found a group of energetic 11-17 year olds all fluent in English. Weeks later, the group has quickly grown as the teenagers have invited their friends to join them.

“These young people are always ready with questions and a good laugh,” Jack said.  “The parents love the lessons too. Even though we are speaking in English, they join in and soak up as much as possible. I leave an It Is Written Bible Study Guide with them in Spanish so they can go over what the youth are learning. This is a study that fills my heart with joy each week.”

The young and old of Kansas City are excited and interested to learn more about Christ. Jesus is calling them to live a life for Him. Please continue praying for the people in Kansas City as we prepare for these meetings.

Some names have been changed.

We’re four weeks away from the start of our Revelation Today meetings in Kansas City, Kansas, beginning March 30, 2018. It Is Written Bible workers and pastors continue to share their stories, and it’s clear that God is leading in each interaction. Here are two of many exciting experiences we are receiving from the community.

Diane followed up on a request for Bible studies that came from Lynette. She had received a Bible study offer card mailed by It Is Written to the Kansas City area and was very excited about studying the Bible together with Diane. After several studies, Diane and Lynette were ready to study about what happens at death and for some reason, Diane was apprehensive. She knew that Lynette has lost her son only three years ago, and this study would be painful. But she trusted God to lead her and Lynette’s heart in truth and love.

Diane explained how the study began, “When we opened our Bibles to begin the study, I shared a short anecdote about what many preachers say during a funeral service compared to what is written on the tombstone. I asked her, ‘So, which is it, are our loved ones in heaven watching over us, or are they in the grave resting in peace?’ To my surprise, she quickly replied: ‘They’re in the grave resting. That’s what Ecclesiastes says.’”

Lynette was already familiar with the Bible teaching about death and the rest of the study was a refreshing study in God’s amazing and merciful love! At the end, Lynette commented, “That was a really good lesson today.” Diane was overjoyed as she left Lynette’s home, amazed at how God went ahead to prepare their both of their hearts for their study.

Harold

Another Bible worker and local church member, Harold and Casey, visited with Judy just as she was preparing for her daughter’s funeral. Maybe because of her personal pain, Judy was especially open to study the Bible with these soon-to-become friends. The lessons have even included Judy’s grandchildren, who often do gymnastics while they’re studying together!

Harold feels as blessed as Judy does to spend this time in God’s word together. Harold had grown up in the church but had never studied the Bible with someone else. “I’m really not the most qualified person,” he said. “I’m not a good speaker or a good teacher, but I am glad that God can use me in a small way.”

And God can use each of us, in our own way, to reach the hearts of His people. Some people are called to be evangelists. Some are called to be pastors. Some can support the ministry of others financially. Still others of us are called to just pray for those who are lost. Whatever your situation may be, join us in reaching Kansas City for Christ.

Support Evangelism in Kansas City

All names are changed.

Our Bible workers and church members continue to connect with the community of Kansas City in anticipation for the Revelation Today series starting March 30, 2018.

Lucius

Some Bible workers are making one-on-one connections with people while others are hosting large events. Each one is designed to touch hearts and reach different needs. The most recent large event has been a city-wide prayer meeting, and God is doing something amazing. One day, Lucius* was at home with his wife on a Friday night. He works in a “secular, chaotic” environment and at the end of the week he says he is “exhausted physically, spiritually, and mentally.” That’s when he received a text message, inviting him to a city-wide prayer meeting.

“We were tired, but the Holy Spirit guided us to go,” he said. Lucius felt connected to the others as soon as he walked in the room. He heard others praying and realized that he, too, shared their concerns. “Yes, Lord, me too,” he prayed to himself. He began to pray out loud and uplifted others and himself to God. After an exhausting week of work, Lucius was surprised by how he felt after the prayer meeting. “I felt refreshed. Refreshed! I felt like I was coming out of the locker room after half-time.” Lucius has been invited to attend the meetings starting in five weeks. The team is praying that he goes from the locker room to the end zone!

Ultimately, each large event is designed to help people make personal, one-on-one connections for Jesus. Jennifer received a Bible interest card from a minister, and she was a little uneasy about answering it. “Pamela had filled out a card with the title, ‘Minister Pamela’ and I was not sure what to expect. I prepared well, planning what I was going to say, and I prayed a lot before I went to visit her. I knocked on the door and a person called, ‘Come into my house.’ I went in and immediately, Pamela began to ask me lots of questions about It Is Written like, ‘Who started it?’ ‘How did it start?’ ‘Why does it exist?’ and ‘What does it do?’ After I answered her questions, she was ready to study.

“Our study went really well, and I was excited to continue the next week. But, to my surprise, when I knocked on her door, she was not at home. Fortunately, a neighbor shared with me that Pamela was in the hospital so on my way home, I stopped at the hospital and visited her. She wanted to study in the hospital! We had a good study together, and I was able to give her a ride home from the hospital.

“Each week Minister Pamela and I have studied together. Her ex-husband has joined us in the lessons too. She has been sharing what we have been studying together with her church members. She has even asked me to come preach at her church. ‘It’s in the Bible,’ she tells her congregation, ‘and we must follow what’s in the Bible.’”

The relationships our It Is Written and local team members have made with the community is making the truths of the Bible come alive and real.

Please continue to pray for the entire series. For more than a year, It Is Written representatives and local church members have been reaching Kansas City through targeted events, small group gatherings, and one-on-one Bible studies. As we get closer to the start of the meetings, make sure to check this blog every week for updates and more stories.

*All names are changed.