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Key Bible Verse: Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men (2 Corinthians 5:11).
Bonus Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:12-15

Newly arrived in L.A. to pastor an inner-city church, I introduced myself to the handful at the midweek service. Earlier that day, someone reported, a young man had been killed across the street in a drive-by shooting. Sizing things up, I took an offering, crossed the street and, nearly shaking, knocked on the door. A big gang member with tattoos covering his arms opened it.

I said, "I'm the new pastor, here to serve your family. Here's an offering from the church to let you know we care." His look said, "You're the craziest white boy I've ever seen," but he let me in. I located the hysterically crying mother, gave her the money and headed out.

Suddenly, a huge gang member grabbed my arm and spun me around. He said, "I want you to stay and pray for us." We joined hands in a circle, and, turning bold, I said, "Lord, I pray that because of this tragedy, not one of these young men will be in the gangs anymore, and that they'll come to know You." As I prayed, the grip on my hands tightened. I led those gang members in the sinner's prayer, and they received Christ.

From that moment, I had the best bodyguards in Los Angeles.

—Matthew Barnett in The Church That Never Sleeps

—Warren W. Wiersbe (writer and speaker)

Adapted from The Church That Never Sleeps (Nelson, 1999).

NOTE: For your convenience, The Church That Never Sleeps is available in the ChristianityToday.com Shopping Channel.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, I pray you would use me to share Christ with one person this week.

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