Friday, May 9, 2014

Laundromat Evangelism

Isaiah 6:8 (ESV) And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

Let's get evangelical!

Here's the plan:  We'll call it laundromat evangelism.  Exciting right!?  I used to be editor of my college newspaper.  And we wanted to take the paper outside the school.  But we didn't have any of those metal bins.  So we left stacks of our newspapers at laundromats.  My washing machine broke a few months ago, and being broke in more ways than one, I've been having to take my laundry to the coin operated facilities about town.

This brought about an interesting idea, why not leave some spiritual supplies at these facilities?  People sit there for hours, with very little to do, why not leave some reading material.  Very simple.  And what bothered me was I found some Jehovah witness material there.  Uh oh.  I don't want that to be their only input regarding Jesus Christ and the Way. 

So I'd like to encourage you, wherever you are, in whatever part of the world you happen to be: Hit up some local laundromats.  

First, go to google.com and search for "laundrymats in -thenameofyourcity and state-"  a list will come up right on Google, with a map of names of laundromats and their addresses.  Stop in at those laundromats, one by one!

Leave a few free Bibles for people to grab.  Or leave some good books like "Mere Christianity" by CS Lewis or something by Ravi Zacharias, or any of the great Christian authors.  Check for a pin up board, and tack an invite to your church services wherever you regularly attend!  

Sometimes what I'll do if I don't have any Bibles or good books to leave is I'll stop at a nearby Goodwill or consignment shop.  Those places always have tons of books, and they are quite cheap too.  Pick up a few Bibles or Christian books, or CDs and leave them at the laundromat.  Sometimes I'll write on the cover "free, take me!"

This is just one of those little things we can do.  Before you leave the laundromat, say a quick prayer that God lead people to the materials, and that they be saved as a result.  Very simple, non-confrontational and you're dropping supplies at a place where they are needed.  If there is a pin up board, I will also leave meeting lists for alcoholics anonymous, narcotics anonymous, and celebrate recovery.

It doesn't take long, and it's one more thing we can do to advance the kingdom!