I have been doing tract evangelism on my own for the last 2 years in my country, so I want to share some tips that I have discovered.

In the beginning of this ministry, there was fear amongst some local Christians about me doing that. As there were prior cases where some Christians were charged for evangelism and then later sent to jail, there was general fear and apprehension amongst local Christians on tract evangelism.

Yet the Lord has granted me boldness to go forth in the midst of all these negativity. In the course of it all, I found that there are some tips to observe and some to avoid so that proclaiming Jesus in my country can be carried out smoothly and safely.

We definitely must exercise more godly wisdom and more worldly prudence in the midst of my country’s environment.

First –what not to do.

1) First to avoid is not to give out tracts to people who are protected by law on receiving Christian literatures. Here followers of one major religion are advised not to be involved in our Faith.

So I will avoid giving out tracts to them totally. Each time when I ask for their race (sometimes, it’s difficult to tell by appearance) and understand that they are from this religion; I will tell them politely, “Sorry but I cannot give these to you”. They will usually smile, understand the situation and walk away.

2) The second thing is not to criticize anyone’s belief or their religion. We are not in the position to talk freely about the negative points of their religion but only the Holy Spirit who can convict them as He will.

The main goal is to give out the tracts is for them to read and know about Jesus, so that seeds of salvation are sown for the harvesting of their souls. Do not argue with anyone and antagonize no one.



3) Third point is not to give them out in crowded places. I have found that in places where many people are rushing to work, busy shopping or chatting intensely on the hand phone, jogging vigorously or in an energetic gym, these are the type of people who will not be in the right frame of mind or mood to take a tract.

Always choose a more relaxed setting where people are more open to taking the tracts.

Best places will be at the park or beach where people are taking a stroll, or in shopping centers at off peak hours when there are lesser people.

I usually give out tracts to those who give me services like the cashier, the waitress, the sale personnel and the cleaner. I also give out to taxi man when I hire one.

4) Timing is also very important. Try not to give out tracts at night, because many people get suspicious of your intention when the surrounding is dark and when they can feel uncertain of your intention.

5) Do not be too pushy in giving out tracts. When you approach someone, do not push the tract into them except when they are willing. Sometimes when I give out to people, they will mention that they are of another religion. I will tell them to take the tract home to read as it’s free, and it is only to introduce Jesus to them. If they do not like after reading, they are free to throw the tracts away.

When I mention this, they will usually take the tracts as they will feel less intimidated. The idea is to encourage them to read about Jesus, not to turn them off.



Second-what to do

1) Dress up appropriately and decently. Do not wear outlandish clothes that give wrong impression. Dress casually but smartly as you have a lot of walking and talking.

Wear comfortable shoes; use trolley bags to bring refill of more tracts and Bibles. I usually bring along 4 Bibles in English language, one or 2 Chinese Bibles and one Indonesian Bible to give away and foreign tracts in 10 foreign languages of Asia as there are my target groups.

2) Sometimes, start a general conversation with someone about the weather or any general chatting topic to break the ice that will pave the way. Make people feel comfortable and always give them the impression that you are harmless so that they will gladly receive the tracts without reservation.

3) Always pray to God before going out. Pray for the ordering of your steps to meet those whom the Lord wants you to give tracts or Bible. Pray for divine protection and for God’s angels to go before you to clear the path ahead. Pray for good weather and for physical strength for the task ahead.

Go then in boldness and power of the Holy Spirit. Have no fear of anyone, for the Lord will go ahead of you and support you in the most important mission of His Kingdom.

4) Smile, smile and be alert and always appear approachable. Observe every person and their mannerism before giving out so as to decide when to give and who to avoid.

I usually stop giving out when I see any policemen around to avoid getting into any misunderstandings. Try to give on a one to one basis and avoid groups because human are prone to herd mentality. If one in the group refuses to take, the other will follow suit. One to one basis is easier to handle.



5) Be ready with the Gospel to tell them why you believe in Jesus and how wonderful He is. Never enter into any fruitless arguments or quarrels with anyone for your aim are to familiarize them about Jesus and not trigger hatred towards Jesus! If they do not like what you are giving out, so be it, smile, and then go on to the next.

Don’t waste your time and effort on those whom the devil will send to cause trouble.

Every time when in any doubt about anyone or their behaviors, stop giving out any tracts for it may lead to undesirable results. Do not be reckless or too aggressive.

Always protect yourself first so that you will not land yourself in trouble and that you will be able to carry on doing more ministries for Jesus without having to solve unnecessary problem. Keep yourself free from all kind of harms so that you can carry on doing this work freely for a long long time.

In short, every time when you are in doubt, do nothing!

Ultimately, remember that there is a time to tract and a time not to.

Listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. He will guide you in all your ways as it is He who is the One who knows the hearts of each man and woman and He alone knows who will enter His Kingdom.

After each session, most importantly commit all who have received the tracts to Jesus. Ask Him to take over, to plant the seed of salvation and to bring growth for the harvest of that soul in His time.

May the Lord place upon everyone who read this blog the desire to tell others about Jesus and the salvation plan of God for all of mankind. Amen. Thanks for reading.

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