Using your personal testimony as you seek an opening with a camper to begin a spiritual conversation is a powerful tool. No one can argue with it, for it is your testimony and your experience, and you are simply telling your story.
You can begin a conversation without zeroing in on the camper with whom you are talking. It sets him at ease because you are first of all opening up to him. In most cases, he will simply ask questions or make comments that can open the door to present the gospel. If the conversation does not lead in that direction, you can then ask him if he has had a similar experience or has a testimony about his salvation. If he shares his testimony, you now have another opportunity to ask him questions related to his conversion.
This is especially helpful with young people who have grown up going to church. They may have grown up learning the language and music of the saved and even know the Bible stories and the gospel, but they have still never personally accepted Jesus as their Savior. They may even think they are saved. As you listen carefully to their testimonies, you can often discern on what they base their salvation experience—e.g., Christian family, church attendance, “going forward,” or baptism. Sharing your testimony is a powerful tool in relating information you want the camper to accept or when you are seeking an opportunity to open a spiritual conversation.
- Be ready to give your testimony (1 Peter 3:15).
- Paul’s example of a good testimony (Acts 26:1–2).
- Life before his conversion (Acts 26:4–11)
- Conversion act (Acts 26:12–18)
- Life after conversion (Acts 26:19–23)
- Your homework—prepare a two-minute testimony that a spiritual novice will understand.
