Soft Hearts to Receive the Gospel
BOARDWALK CHAPEL MINISTRY TEAM 2018
Team from Church of the Covenant, Hackettstown, NJ (August 2018)
Ministry Team from Church of the Covenant OPC (Hackettstown, NJ) on stage at the Boardwalk Chapel
Hackettstown Ministry Team members: Clara Stiner, Abigail Harr, Claire Fisher, Andrea Demby, Tom Noto, Jamie Learn, Pastor James Jordan
I Marvel at the Gifts God Has Given
Clara Stiner
My second time at the Boardwalk Chapel was met with new encouragement and challenges. In slow and small increments, I initiated conversations with various vacationers on the boardwalk. Those were growing experiences; they especially showed me that with any growth, the more I see a need for further growth. I particularly enjoyed observing the different approaches that other team members and the chapel staff took to engage in discussion—I marvel at the gifts and knowledge that God has given individuals to spread His gospel.
A Passion for Evangelism That I Never Knew I Had
Abigail Harr
The week my team and I spent at the Boardwalk Chapel was a real week of growth and learning. I’ll mention two things here. First, I discovered a passion for evangelism that I never knew I had. At the Chapel, I was able to step out of my comfort zone and have some great conversations with people on the Boardwalk. I found that I really enjoyed talking to people about the Gospel! I was challenged to be a witness for Christ not only in Wildwood but also at home in every part of my life. Second, I was reminded of the importance of praying with other Christians. The fellowship with the Chapel staff in prayer is truly amazing, and I was motivated to seek out opportunities to have that kind of fellowship with the believers in my life. I am so glad to be able to see God’s work in me through the Boardwalk Chapel. “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:36)
From Overwhelmed to Overjoyed
Andrea Demby
As we prepared with Pastor Jordan, and I contemplated the thought of evangelism, I was immediately paralyzed with fear and feelings of being overwhelmed. However, I remember remember one of my sisters at church saying, "Pastor Jordan said in a Sunday School class that our responsibility is to proclaim the truth of the gospel of Christ only." We are not responsible for changing hearts, that is God's job. What a relief, I thought to myself. So, with prayers and the love of Christ in my heart, I proclaimed the gospel on the Boardwalk with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Lastly, I was overjoyed with our daily devotions led by Nathan from the Bangor, Maine, church. I loved fellowshipping with the teens and witnessing their many talents in the service of Christ.
Soft Hearts to Receive the Gospel
Tom Noto
This was my second year on a short-term mission trip to the Boardwalk Chapel in Wildwood. The Chapel has a long storied history; this is because the work began in the 1940s! Our team from Church of the Covenant OPC (Hackettstown, NJ), joined with a team Pilgrim OPC from Bangor, Maine. What a blessing it was to have a larger group and meet Christians from another state. The Maine group hosted a morning devotional that was very helpful for me. Psalm 145, A song of praise of David. We tried to reflect on Who God says that he is, and What does God say that he can do? These morning devotionals started off our days in the right mind frame for Evangelism as we look to a capable all-knowing God to do the work in us and through us. One night on the boardwalk after the nightly program, we went out to evangelize. This time was different because as we prayed we asked our Heavenly Father for soft hearts to receive the Gospel. So, on a calm cool night not only did we meet soft hearts, but other groups said the same as well. I smiled upon my return and joy filled me as I saw my calm quiet heart knowing that God is sovereign and I need to look to him. How do I know this? They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness....All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you! They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make know to the children of man your might deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Ps. 145:6,10-11.
Great Opportunity for Church Members of All Ages
Rev. Jim Jordan
I was deeply encouraged by my second summer leading a group from our church to serve at the Boardwalk Chapel. While many churches focus on bringing their youth group, I see this as a great opportunity for church members of all ages to be trained in evangelism and grow in boldly speaking of Christ. Not only is it amazing to see what the Lord is doing through the ministry on the boardwalk in Wildwood, but team members return home with a greater enthusiasm to practice evangelism in their community.