Overcoming Doubts and Assumptions to Be an Authentic Witness

About the Guest:

Jill Lowry grew up in Bakersfield, California, in a culturally Catholic family.

She accepted the Lord at the age of 11 and felt called to be an evangelist and a missionary.

Jill and her husband served as missionaries in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for over 26 years, working with pastors, women in prostitution, and various other ministries.

They also lived in India for three years, where they worked with the majority Hindu and Muslim populations.

Jill currently serves as the representative to the Western US, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Alaska for International Ministries, formerly known as the American Baptist Foreign Missions Society.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Karen invites Jill Lowry, a missionary with extensive experience in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and India, to discuss doubts and assumptions that can hinder Christians from being authentic witnesses. They share personal stories and insights about assumptions they had about people from other faiths, the opportunities and threats they see in engaging with different cultures, and the importance of depending on God's power rather than their own abilities. Jill emphasizes the need to trust in God's capacity and to remember His faithfulness in order to overcome doubt and fear in sharing the gospel.

Key Takeaways:

• Assumptions about people from other faiths can hinder Christians from starting spiritual conversations, but many individuals are actually hungry to know more about Jesus.
• Opportunities to engage with people from different cultures and faiths are increasing as the nations come to our doorsteps.
• Trusting in God's power and depending on Him rather than our own abilities is crucial in sharing the gospel effectively.
• Remembering God's faithfulness and past experiences of His work can strengthen our faith and confidence in sharing the gospel.
• Preaching the truth to ourselves and focusing on who God is and what He has called us to do can help overcome doubt and fear.

Notable Quotes:

• "Don't assume that people aren't ready. The Holy Spirit is working on that listener and laying the groundwork for the gospel to be heard and accepted." - Jill Lowry
• "When we do our job of staying close to Jesus and being one with Him, He will work through us, and we get the joy of witnessing something miraculous." - Jill Lowry

Resources:

International Ministries (formerly American Baptist Foreign Missions Society) - Website

The Blue Cord book by Karen - Website

Listen to the full episode to gain valuable insights and encouragement in overcoming doubts and assumptions in sharing your faith. Stay tuned for more inspiring content from The Blue Cord Podcast.