BUILD RAPPORT & WIN A SOUL 
“I have become all things to all men, that I might by ALL MEANS save some.” (1 COR 9:22b) Few things meant as much to the apostle Paul as leading souls to Christ. As indicated in the aforementioned scripture, he used virtually any means to do so. Sometimes he preached – “I am ready to PREACH the gospel to you who are in Rome...”  (Rom. 1:15) But he also sought to establish rapport with everyone encountered, with an eye toward sharing Christ.
 
We should do likewise. There are countless ways to establish sufficient rapport with others that we can broach the subject of salvation. While vacationing In Myrtle Beach recently, I encountered a group of men that meet regularly to play tennis. I joined them several times, seeking to establish friendships. Before returning to Michigan, I gave each of them a “business card” with a personal note on the back. Two days after returning home, I received a call from “Patrick”. He thanked me for leaving my card, and then requested that I perform his wedding when I return to that area. It goes without saying that I ALSO plan to talk to him and his bride about Jesus Christ!
 
As stated earlier, there are countless ways to establish rapport with others. Helping someone in need, offering to pray with someone, asking for or giving directions, even encouraging a waiter or waitress may lead to a deeper conversation. When that occurs, look for an opening to bring up Jesus Christ. If it doesn’t happen, try to keep the door open for a future chat. Leaving someone a business card (with a personal note) is an excellent way to do just that!
 
Jesus, always Jesus!
 
Dennis

I THANK GOD FOR YOU!
 
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart...” (Phil.1:3-7)
 
Nothing more accurately conveys my affection for my brethren at the Milan church of Christ than the aforementioned words of the Apostle Paul. Since my arrival eight years ago, you have gone out of your way to encourage, assist and bear with me. You continually make me feel as if I make a difference, and that is something every preacher desperately needs.
 
When I count my blessings, YOU always come up near the top. Following are a few reasons why:

• You treat my wife Brenda like a queen.
• You regularly pray for Brenda, my family and me.
• You constantly complement my lessons.
• You continue to support special service activities, like the singing at Heartland.
• You send or leave me encouraging notes and cards.
• You frequently invite me to your family get-togethers.
• You warmly embrace me as you would close friend.
• You surprise me with unexpected (and undeserved) gifts.
• You pay me more than I am worth.
• You share your ground venison, meatloaf, fresh leftovers and desserts with me.
• You tolerate my deficiencies with few complaints.
• You inspire me with your inspirational singing at our services.
• You continue to put up with me after eight years as your preacher.

 
I am blessed and honored to be your minister. “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you…”
 
Jesus, always, Jesus!


Dennis