Toilet Paper Evangelism?

“Here is a roll of toilet paper . . . and a gospel tract.”

Imagine how that would have sounded two months ago. I would have considered it irreverent. Now it doesn’t seem that outrageous at all.

In fact, that is just what some of our church members did this week. We did not organize it. They just did it. They took rolls of toilet paper and went door to door asking if anyone’s supplies were low–and they handed out gospel tracts. They were pretty well received with some stopping to read the tracts right there. They came across a pizza delivery man who was a believer who asked for one, and then more, so he could hand them out to people. He then gave our church members $40 out of his tip money to put in the church’s offering.

These are strange times, but they are times of opportunity. People are scared, frustrated, hurting, and stuck at home. If there was ever a time to make contact with your neighbors, it is now.

It is time to reach out . . . this week.

Show real care.

If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? (James 2:15-16)

We cannot meet all the financial needs, but we can show true care. The church is not a social welfare organization but individual believers can and should show kindness in tangible ways. Share your supplies. Mow someone’s yard. Run to the store for an elderly neighbor. Plan a socially distanced cul-de-sac fellowship. The love of Christ needs to shine all the time but especially at this moment.

Look for a gospel opportunity.

Our goal with acts of kindness is not a bait-and-switch sales pitch. It should be genuine love. However, we also know that the greatest gift we can offer anyone is the knowledge of the gospel of grace. How do you do that without seeming like you are selling something?

Tell your story.

“Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now.” And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent. Then he said: “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. (Acts 22:1-3)

When the Apostle Paul had his greatest moment of opportunity to share the gospel with his own countrymen and Jewish leaders, he told his personal story of faith in Christ. The people immediately stopped and listened. He connected with them by speaking their language—by helping them see that he was one of them who was changed by God.

These are your neighbors to whom you are talking. They live on the same street, shop at the same stores and are facing the same life problems in this crisis.  They are like you and they can know the same Christ that you know. Be open about your own faith in Jesus Christ. Tell your neighbor what God is teaching you in this time. Tell them the story about how you came to Jesus Christ. Take the time to talk and let the Holy Spirit guide the conversation.

I am so thankful for people who have invited others to watch Livestream messages (and recorded ones) on Youtube and FB Livestream, but nothing beats a real person standing in front of them–living next door to them day by day–that is a living testimonial of the transforming power of the gospel.

There is no more time to prepare. The moment is now. In a month it will be gone. We must make good use of it.