The title caught my eye, “Good News for a Change - How to talk to Anyone about Jesus”. The author delivers on your expectations. This non-fiction book appeals to Christians who have a heart for witnessing and hope to encourage non-believers to welcome Jesus into their hearts.
It’s clear from the outset, that author, Matt Mikalatos, has experience in this area. He offers many first hand accounts of various ways he has invited people to join him in spiritual conversations.
I heard a Pastor say once, “In the Christian faith, some people are planters, some waterers, and others are harvesters, and all are important.” This book lays out some sensible steps waterers could stretch a little and be a ‘planter”, or a “harvester.” Yet the author points out this work is a team effort, between the individual and the Holy Spirit to tell people about God. Where individuals may fail, God will pick up the slack.
This book will nudge readers out of their comfort zone. In addition to practical witnessing advice, the pages are packed with solid Biblical truths. Jesus seeks to have a relationship with all people. There’s no need to fix yourself up first and then accept your adoption into the Christian faith. Just come as you are, and your faith will help you with the rest. Scripture indeed points to sharing the message with both words and deeds.
The author is realistic and devotes some time to obstinate people who harbor negative attitudes toward spiritual conversations and Christians. He offers some suggestions for staying on track and finding a way to share the good news message despite any roadblocks. As an evangelist, Mikalatos has introduced many people to God who is able to heal the brokenness that individuals and communities experience today. Mikalatos takes the fear out of witnessing and encourages Christians to just listen, show a caring heart, and above all be sincere. I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from NAVPRESS in exchange for my honest review.