When Opportunity Knocks

Thomas Alva Edison once said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” How true this is, especially in today’s society. But what if the work we are called to do holds the key to a life-changing experience for another individual? Would we refrain from completing a task with such profound significance?

Many of us work at least five days a week. Although we put 100% into our careers, we often count down the days until our next vacation. Whether we simply need a break to rejuvenate ourselves or we need a break to maintain our sanity, most people enjoy a day off. Nevertheless, there is one job that requires us to be “on-call” 365 days a year. While this might sound a little extreme, it is the most important position we could ever fill.

Jesus said, “‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned’” (Mark 16:15-16 NIV). We are called to share the gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere we go. Jesus didn’t tell us to preach the gospel five days a week, or to solely share the good news at church on Sunday.

Additionally, He didn’t make this commandment optional, for it doesn’t say go into the world and preach the gospel if you feel like it. Jesus knew the importance of spreading the gospel. Whoever believes will be saved and will receive the gift of eternal life in Heaven. Whoever does not believe will be condemned to eternal hell. Wouldn’t you do everything you could to save someone from a burning building? And so we should strive every day to save others from the eternal fire of hell.

As followers of Christ, we are called to share the love of Jesus Christ with everyone we meet. Perhaps you are thinking, I’m not a preacher, evangelist, music minister, deacon, or any other title found within the church or field of ministry. That’s the beauty of the gospel. The only qualification to share the gospel is to believe the gospel. If you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you qualify for the job.

When you read the newspaper or watch the evening news, it is evident that Christ’s return is imminent. One day soon, a trumpet will sound and the “dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (I Thessalonians 4:16-17 NIV). Our mission is to share this glorious news with others before it is too late.

I Thessalonians 5:2 (NIV) declares, “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” Many people will be caught off guard. People often put it off, saying they will accept Christ tomorrow, next week, or even next year. They want to wait until a more “convenient” time. Yet the return of Christ could be today.

Many people think they don’t have enough time to witness to others. Jesus knew this would be the case, even 2,000 years ago. Jesus told His disciples, “‘the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few’” (Matthew 9:37 NIV). Jesus knew that millions of souls needed to be saved, yet most people would be too busy to show them the way to salvation. He knew people would often refrain from sharing the greatest gift ever given in the history of mankind.

Just as Edison said opportunity was missed by most people, we often miss opportunities to share the gospel. Yet God’s Word says, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity” (Colossians 4:5 NIV). God places people in our path, if we slow down long enough to notice them there. We could encounter someone on an airplane, at the grocery store, in a hospital, or anywhere else we may find ourselves. Instead of rushing on past them, let’s make a concerted effort to speak to them. Speak words of life. Tell them Jesus Christ loves them more than they could ever imagine.

I can tell you from personal experience that these encounters make a difference. Not too long ago, I witnessed to a lady on an airplane. Uncertain whether I should be one of those people who talk too much to their seatmate, I felt something tugging at my heart strings to speak to her anyway. After some small talk, comparing our travel notes and finding some common ground, I presented her with one of my Gospel tracts, sharing my testimony of how I was raised to life as a premature infant. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she told me how much my story had touched her.

While I will likely never see her again in this life, it is my prayer that I will see her in the life to come. Every time we sow a seed, the Lord will send someone along to water that seed. Whether you are called to sow the seed or nurture the seed, be sure to put forth your best effort. You could be the first person to tell someone that Jesus loves them. Share the gospel with everyone you meet. Be a harvester!

Don’t miss the opportunity to work for the kingdom. When opportunity knocks, you could be the one to lead a lost soul to Christ. If you find yourself contemplating whether or not to share Jesus Christ with the waiter or waitress, the store clerk, your supervisor, or your neighbor across the street, don’t debate the issue. Ask God to give you wisdom. Then, go forth and proclaim the good news! Tell someone about the love of Jesus Christ today!

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

I invite you to visit www.christwillreturn.org and www.jennifercampbell.net for more blogs, my Be Encouraged! video series, free mp3 downloads, and more. May they be an encouragement to you today! God's blessings!

NYC Worship Project: My First Multi-Day Mission Trip

A few months ago, a friend called me to tell me about a remarkable choir and orchestra. She continued to tell me how the Florida Worship Choir and Orchestra would be traveling to New York City to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through song. When I heard words like Central Park, Times Square, Carnegie Hall and Brooklyn Tabernacle, I was in awe of the doors that God had opened for ministry. Little did I know that I would have the opportunity to not only join the choir, but that I would also be able to participate in this life-changing mission trip. It was evident that God walked ahead of us every step of the way. I also began to realize that this was not truly my first multi-day mission trip, even though it technically was. Through this trip, I began to more fully understand that we are a reflection of Jesus Christ to everyone around us. People look at us to see if we are smiling or if we look angry, if we are kind or rude to others, if we love our neighbor as ourselves. We don’t have to be on a mission trip to witness to others. We are living testimonies of God’s saving grace. Life itself is a mission field.

L-R: Jennifer Campbell, Earlene Williams,
& Terry Williams (FWCO Choir Director)

The moment I arrived at the airport, the excitement began to grow. New York City is one of my favorite cities to visit. Even though my hometown is a small rural area in Florida, I love the hustle and bustle of this metro area. This time, though, I began to look at people more closely. I saw the hurt in their eyes, the brokenness of their spirits, and the longing for something more. I talked to perfect strangers about the love of Jesus Christ. I prayed that God would use me to encourage everyone around me, whether I knew them or not. I wanted this trip to be more than a fun trip to the Big Apple. I wanted this to be a life-changing experience. But while I was praying that God would change lives, I didn’t even realize that He was working in my own life as well. I came home with a newfound boldness in my faith. I feel that He has rejuvenated my spirit and strengthened the desire in my heart to tell others about the saving love of Jesus Christ. This is what I was born to do.

Singing at Naumberg Bandshell in Central Park

We took the bus directly from the airport to Central Park. Along with rehearsals and lunch, we also had the opportunity to hand out ticket vouchers for the concert at Carnegie Hall. Attached to each voucher was a card with John 3:16 on it. Walking up to people strolling through the Park, I prayed that they would not toss it aside, but read it and carefully consider the message. During the concert in the Naumberg Bandshell, I saw people from nearly every tribe and tongue represented. As I looked out and saw people from varying socioeconomic and religious backgrounds, I couldn’t hold back the tears as I sang the song, “This Blood.” The lyrics state, “I come to tell you He's alive. To tell you that He dries every tear that falls. So I come to tell you that He saves. To shout and to proclaim that He's coming back for you.” To see people who looked so desperate for answers and to know that we were presenting the Answer to all of life’s problems: Jesus Christ. It was overwhelming. I knew then and there that this was not going to be an ordinary choir and orchestra tour.

L-R: Jennifer Campbell, Pastor Todd Brandt & Family,
& Justin McLaughlin (FWCO Team Leader)

On Sunday, we had the opportunity to minister to 12 churches in the NYC metro area. I had the privilege of meeting the congregation at Christian Bible Church in Yonkers. Pastor Todd Brandt and his family began pastoring this church nearly three years ago. The people were so gracious and it was a joy to worship with them. One of my favorite parts of the day was the Prayer Walk through downtown Yonkers. Stopping to pray along the Hudson River, inside the Train Station, and other locations, was a very special experience. What a privilege to help them hand out VBS fliers to children we encountered during our walk. I pray that God will encourage them in their ministry and I hope to see them again one day, Lord willing.

Interview After the Flash Mob in Times Square

One of the most incredible moments I experienced was the flash mob in Times Square. Imagine 350 choir and orchestra members gathering together in the midst of the Crossroads of the World to sing praises to Jesus Christ! What a blessing to know that we had an estimated 100,000 people within earshot of us that evening. After the flash mob, one lady asked if I was a Christian. I promptly told her that I loved Jesus Christ with all of my heart. She asked me to sing for her. I sang the chorus to a song I wrote years ago titled, “There’s Sunshine Awaiting You.” This lady who had been so excited about the flash mob turned quite serious and said my song had touched her heart. She was one of 100,000 people. God knew I was supposed to meet her. He knew she needed encouragement. I am so grateful to know that God could use me, even in the midst of tens of thousands of people.

On Stage at Carnegie Hall

Ever since I was a little girl, God has used me to minister to others through song. I sang my first song in public when I was three years old in Atlanta, Georgia. The song I sang was “He’s Still Workin’ on Me.” Every year, He continues working in my life and it amazes me to know that the little girl who sang at in Atlanta so long ago would end up standing on stage at Carnegie Hall. The Florida Worship Choir and Orchestra had the opportunity to sing on this prestigious stage, debuting our newest recording, “Almighty God.” What an honor to worship Jesus Christ in this historic building. I believe all of the members of the choir and orchestra would agree that we did not just put on a performance, but we had church at Carnegie Hall!

The Florida Worship Choir & Orchestra Singing
at Brooklyn Tabernacle on June 3, 2014

One of my favorite places in New York City is Brooklyn Tabernacle. The Holy Spirit permeates the walls and spills out onto the sidewalks. Through the power of prayer, this church is filled with the presence of God in such a mighty way. We had the privilege of singing at the Tuesday evening prayer service during our time in New York. What a joy to minister to the congregation and to worship Jesus Christ with them! The entire service was so anointed and my heart was overflowing with joy after spending quality time in the presence of the Lord. We went there to minister and in turn, we received a tremendous blessing ourselves.

As I look back on our mission to New York, I am amazed at all of the unexpected blessings God bestowed upon us. I wondered if I would even be able to participate in this mission. I stepped out on faith and requested donations online to cover the cost of the trip. Three days later, God provided funds that exceeded my original goal. I knew at that very moment that God had called me to participate in this mission trip. Just like He called me, He is calling you to the mission field as well. Everywhere around us, there are people who need to know that it is going to be okay. They need a smile, a hug, a word of encouragement. They need to be reminded that they are loved by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You don’t have to be on a mission trip to tell someone that Jesus loves them. You could be at the grocery store, riding the subway, or sitting at work. Every person in this world needs hope. Your mission field is waiting. Tell someone today that there is hope in Jesus Christ!

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

Click here for more photos from my mission trip!
Click here for videos from the NYC Worship Project!

Breaking the Box

When was the last time you thought “outside the box?”  The idea of thinking outside of the box is thought to have originated in the 1970’s or 1980’s when corporations challenged employees to complete the infamous “nine dots” puzzle as an exercise in lateral thinking.  Today, the phrase is widely used to refer to anyone showing an ability to see the big picture or be extraordinarily creative.  While thinking “outside the box” is definitely a sign of individuality, there is one action that goes beyond simply being outside the box.  Sometimes, you have to give all that you have to give, holding nothing back, and boldly break open the box.

In the books of Mark and Matthew, we read of a woman whom Jesus’ disciples rebuke.  Why?  All because she breaks open a box of perfume.  Mark 14:3 (NIV) says, “A woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard.  She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.”  She didn’t just think outside the box.  She broke open the alabaster jar (or box), pouring out the contents on Jesus’ head.  While it was customary back then to anoint someone with a drop or two of essential oil when they entered your home, no one would have thought to literally pour this potent liquid on someone’s head.  This perfume was made from the Nard plant found in the Himalayas that grows at an altitude of 3000-5000 meters.  Imported from India, the perfume is created by crushing and distilling the roots of this plant to create an amber-colored essential oil.  In other words, this was not your average perfume found at the local drug store.  It was quite expensive and is not something that would have typically been poured out so freely.  Jesus’ disciples knew this all too well.

The disciples said, “‘Why this waste?’ they asked.  ‘This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor’” (Matthew 26:8-9 NIV).  Besides the monetary cost, the scent of this perfume was very strong, and likely lasted for up to ten days.  One or two drops would have been adequate.  Because of the customs in place at the time, the disciples did not see the need for such drastic measures.  I’m sure they thought, yes, this is Jesus our Lord, but one or two extra drops would be just fine!  He will understand.  There is no need for extravagance here!  But this woman did not just want to give a little.  She wanted to give a lot.  She wanted to be extravagant because God showed extravagance in His love for her.  This woman knew that the One she anointed was worth it all.  He was a priceless treasure, unlike the perfume she used to pour on Jesus’ head.

The perfume she used was estimated to have cost more than 300 denarii, which would have been equal to the average person’s yearly wages.  What would your husband, your wife, your family, or your friends say if you spent a year’s wages all at once?  Just imagine.  One decision and every penny you worked so hard for over the course of the entire year is gone.  Yet, she did not have any hesitation.  The Bible says she “came,” “she broke the jar,” and “poured the perfume on his head.”  It doesn’t say that she stopped to think about what she was doing, or that she poured a little bit first and then slowly drained out the rest of the container.  She knew what she must do.  She came there on a mission.  She had no doubts, no fears, and no concern for what others thought of her.  She knew that she was in the presence of the Lord God Almighty and that was enough for her to break open the box and give her all.

Although this woman is unnamed, she will always be remembered as someone who did not just give a little to Jesus; instead, she gave everything she had.  Jesus recognized the greatness of her kind gesture.  Jesus said, “‘Why are you bothering her?  She has done a beautiful thing to me” (Mark 14:6 NIV).  Jesus does not tell her that she should have sold the perfume to give to the poor.  Instead, He tells them that they will always have the poor with them, but that He will not always be there (Mark 14:7 NIV).  The woman’s action was in preparation for His burial.  Soon He would be crucified.  The woman gave a year’s salary to prepare Him for the difficult task ahead of Him.  Yet Judas Iscariot agrees to hand over Jesus to the chief priests for only thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15 NIV).  By comparison, this would be about $15 worth of silver today.  The woman spent a year’s salary to anoint Jesus.  Judas received fifteen dollars to betray Jesus.  He sold Jesus out for the price of a pizza.  But the woman essentially empties her pockets in an effort to show her love toward the Savior.  In doing so, she finds favor in the sight of the Lord.

Jesus says, “'She did what she could'” (Mark 14:8 NIV).  Jesus doesn’t say that she did a little bit.  It doesn’t say that she should have done more.  No.  It says she did what she could.  She gave all that she had to give.  There was nothing left.  She held nothing back, she didn’t show any restraint.  She put herself out there and boldly broke open the box and poured all of the perfume on Jesus’ head.  Jesus recognized the magnitude of her generous deed.  Jesus said, “‘Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her’” (Matthew 26:13 NIV).  This woman’s boldness and compassion for Jesus is still being remembered more than 2,000 years later.  All because she disregarded the opinions of others, ignored the rebukes from Jesus’ disciples, and broke open the box for Jesus.

Often times, we worry about what other people think.  We worry about what they’ll say about us, or whether they will even like us.  We may even alter our conversations just to be more in tune with what they want to hear.  Telling others about what Jesus Christ has done in our lives often becomes a cumbersome task, even if we are among other Christians.  People squirm in their seats when the name of Jesus is mentioned or when the Holy Spirit is talked about.  But the Bible declares that we are to boldly go into the whole world and preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15 NIV).  We are called to tell other people about the saving grace of knowing the one true God.  We can’t just sprinkle in a few words here or there like the disciples thought the woman should have just used a small amount of perfume.  We need to pour it all out.  We have to break open the box, laying all of the cards out on the table, and share the plan of salvation with others before it is too late.

There is no cost too great.  There is not one thing in this world that is more valuable than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.  There is nothing on this planet that should come between us and witnessing to someone in need.  We need to get outside of the box, pick up that box, and break it open for Jesus.  We need to be a bright light in this sea of darkness we find ourselves living in.  We need to disregard the opinions of others and focus on the One who truly matters: Jesus Christ.  By living our lives fully dedicated to the cause of Christ, we will be blessed abundantly.  By giving all we can, holding nothing back, we can live a life according to the will of God.  I challenge you to tell someone about Jesus Christ today!  Be bold, stand firm, and break open the box!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Demonstration Models

Last night, I had the opportunity to experience a performance by Tim Zimmerman and the King’s Brass.  Notice I did not say hear, but instead, I used the word experience.  This 9-piece orchestra is a collection of individuals whose talent is truly phenomenal.  From the opening number titled “Olympic Fanfare and Theme” to their encore performance of “Stars and Stripes Forever,” I was captivated.  Sitting on the second row, front and center, I felt like I had a little glimpse of what Heaven might be like when they played glorious songs of the church like “Crown Him With Many Crowns,” “Shout to the Lord,” and “It Is Well With My Soul.”  While the music was magnificently majestic, the best part of the concert was the fact that they kept Jesus Christ at the center of it all.  These nine talented musicians realize that all of the glory, honor, and praise go to Jesus Christ and Him alone.  They live their lives as demonstration models for Christ.

During the program, they incorporated a few dramatic skits to illustrate a Biblical story such as Noah and the Ark, which was followed by a performance of a medley titled “Arky Arky.”  While all of the dramatic segments were enjoyable, there is one that stood out in my mind.  They told the story of a vacuum cleaner salesman who could not sell vacuum cleaners to save his life.

This vacuum cleaner salesman tried everything.  People told him to be more forward with people, telling them that their floors were filthy to pressure them into buying a vacuum cleaner.  Others told him to use a gimmicky commercial with a lot of pomp and circumstance.  Still, other individuals told him to just be himself.  But he was a soft-spoken gentleman who simply did not have the drive of a true salesman.

One day, he noticed some broken glass on the ground.  With nothing else to do, he decided to clean up the mess.  As he was vacuuming up the glass, an onlooker passed by.  They seemed curious, but the salesman just continued to vacuum.  The passerby said, “That vacuum sure does a good job.”  The salesman said, “Yep.”  The other man said, “Do you know where I could get one of those?”  The salesman said, “Well, I suppose I could tell you where I got mine.”  The soon-to-be-customer said, “Okay.”  And that was how the salesman sold his first ever vacuum cleaner.

You see, his sales pitch wasn’t about some gimmick or fanfare.  It wasn’t even a sales pitch at all.  Someone simply saw him using the product and realized how the vacuum cleaner would improve the quality of their household.  The salesman was using a demonstration model.  When the customer saw the demonstration, they wanted to be able to clean like the salesman.

As I sat there hearing this story, I couldn’t help but think how we should be demonstration models for Christ.  Think about it.  People always try to witness to people through all sorts of methods, from special events to handing out free stuff including the church’s name and address on it.  While these things are certainly worthwhile, the most important tool we have for witnessing to others is ourselves.  God’s Word says to “Be a witness” (Acts 22:15 ESV).  People look at our lives to see how we react in difficult situations.  Just like the passerby watching the salesman to see if the vacuum cleaner effectively cleaned up the mess, people look at us to see if our relationship with Jesus Christ is a valuable part of our lives.  If we live as demonstration models for Christ, they will see that life with Him is priceless.  They will approach us to find out how they can get to know the One whose love radiates from our souls like a beacon in the night.  It doesn’t take any gimmicks.  All it takes is a willing vessel.  Will you be a demonstration model for Christ?

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer