On Monday, we invited some friends over for dinner and then the plan was for all of us to go bowl a game together at the local bowling alley. Apparantley, everyone else in town had the same idea because we got to the bowling alley and there wouldn't be a free lane until 9 p.m. Since Tuesday was the first day of school after Spring Break, staying up that late wasn't a good idea. Plan B was to go a block south to the nearest McD's and get ice cream, and let the kids play on the playground.
We walked into the fast food establishment, unsure of what everyone wanted for dessert. As I took orders from the kids and got in line, they disappeared into the playground area. Then a family walked in passing out fliers for their church. Out of the blue, the wife starts (for lack of a better term) bearing her testimony of her church and her conversion unto Jesus.
I generally have no problem with this, given the fact that our church has over 50,000 missionaries out in the field with the same purpose. Although, I don't think our Elders ever bear testimony in fast food establishments.
As we moved up in the line to order our ice cream from the cashier, the husband started in. This guy was holding a little girl, was skinny and not at all visually matched to his loud, deep pulpit preaching voice. He then delivered what must have been a 5 minute sermon to everyone within the range of his voice in McD's.
To say the least, it was awkward. I did listen to what he had to say, but I kept giggling. It was just so weird. Was I supposed to stop what I was doing as listen to him? Should I have given him my full attention? Should I just politely ignore him and continue on with my food order?
I couldn't help giggling..... the setting seemed so unnatural. I was trying to order ice cream while this man's reminding me that just believing in Jesus and going to church on Sunday isn't enough. My commitment level needs to be higher.
I guess what I found kind of amusing is that on many levels our religious beliefs are very similiar. There was very little I would disagree with. But would I ever go into a McD's and preach my beliefs to a crowd of strangers? No way.
Does that make me a coward? I don't know, but I tell you it was the most awkward situation I've been in for a long time. And what was even stranger was the fact that McD's didn't do a thing about this impromptu sermon. The manager only surfaced at the counter after they had left. Someone actually applauded them as they left... was it because they agreed with what was said, or was it because they were thrilled to see them go?
Our only regret after they left, was that we didn't have a Pass-along card to give them in return. That would have been a great story to tell this week at church...
6 comments:
Wow, what an experience! Were the adults the only ones to hear or did all the kids experience it too?
It's always interesting to see preaching from another perspective. We've seen our share of "sermons" in our travels but they usually are on the street corner or in a park. I have to say that McD's is the first time for fast food preaching. I'm sure it will be something you remember.
Goes to show that you just never, never know when those missionary moments will come along.
Sounds like a couple of pass along cards in your purse would be a good idea.
while the enviornment wasn't conducive to finding those seeking to know truth ( casting pearls before swine) I do have to say that I really do admire that. I wouldn't /c ouldn't do that... and I did serve a mission LOL
No, it does not make you a coward. It makes you normal. I think our missionaries don't do testimony bearing in fast food restaurants because it isn't effective. It simply makes people feel awkward and doesn't open their minds or hearts to the message. Building on common beliefs isn't meant to include the belief that McNuggets are yummy. :)
It would've freaked me out. I get embarrassed really easy.
Which bowling alley did you go to? The Brunswick in Gilbert is our favorite.
You had a perfect opportunity to chime in when he said just going to church on Sunday wasn't enough! You could have started right in and said, "Amen, Brother. You must belong to MY church - we are a 7-day a week church. I get calls at all hours of the day to render service to those in need..." You could have gone on for a long time!!
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