Getting a picture like this is more difficult than you might imagine. Mountain Gorillas are rarely cooperative; they tend to be shy. Even at Disney’s Animal Kingdom they’re usually in the most unflattering and awkward positions or they are so far away you can hardly make contact. They don’t give you many openings like this 15 year old male gave me. If you are going to have any chance of success you better be ready to take full advantage of such infrequent opportunities.
So, what can you do?
When you find yourself in the right place at the right time, be prepared with the right equipment and the knowledge to use it.
I took this picture because I was in the right place (Disney’s Animal Kingdom) at the right time (the rare moment when this primate was on the grassy hillside in the sunshine) with the right equipment (I had a camera with me) and the knowledge to use it (Turn on the camera, aim and press).
Is evangelism so different? I don’t think so.
When you find yourself in the right place at the right time, be prepared with the right equipment and the knowledge to use it.
When you are in the right place (proximate to a person unaware of God’s love) at the right time (they are awakened to their need) with the right equipment (God’s Word) and the knowledge to use it (speaking the Truth in love), leverage that moment!
Such moments are rare; leverage yours well and you’ll have success.
My wife and I are taking our two year old to Disney in two weeks. I hope the animals are as good when we go as they were for you!
Posted by: Jeff Kamp | February 25, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Mark,
Let me congratulate you on what sounds like a true concern for the fulfilling of the Great Commission. You don't hear many pastors today speaking of how important it is to "...preach the Gospel to all creation." (Mark 16:15) Keep it up!
Posted by: Christopher Fontenot | February 26, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Mark, excellent post. I have never had the opportunity to visit Granger yet but have some friends there. I appreciate your passion to make the most of every opportunity and the reminder that those moments may come at the most unlooked for times.
Tom
Posted by: Tom Neyhart | February 26, 2008 at 08:44 PM
Pastor Mark, This is so true.. I taught a lesson to my pre-k students about Noah. During a lesson about Obedience, "right away, in a happy way" we talked about what would have happened if Noah had not started on the ark right away. One student said.. " The animals would have all got drowneded"
Let us always obey God right away and in a Happy way.. so we can "be prepared with the right equipment and the knowledge to use it... in the right place at the right time"
Posted by: Amber Bowers | March 02, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Might that be called a "kairos Moment?"
Pastor Chris
www.EvangelismCoach.org
Posted by: Chris Walker | June 03, 2008 at 06:24 PM
I think your make some good points. I really think you cover the topic well. I have found similar people's thoughts http://www.rapidpig.com/Joboshare+DVD+Toolkit+2.3.6.html and they tend to say the same as you.
Posted by: Harry | July 19, 2010 at 10:44 AM