In 1886, Dr. John Pemberton, a physician and chemist in Atlanta, Georgia, concocted a caramel-colored syrup in a three-legged brass kettle in his backyard. He first “distributed” his product, which he promoted as a nerve tonic, stimulant, and headache remedy, by carrying it in a jug down the street to the nearby Jacob's Pharmacy.

Today, the popularity of Pemberton's concoction is legendary. After little more than 100 years, surveys show that 97% of the world has heard of the now-famous soft drink, Coca-Cola. This is due to the fact that the company made a commitment years ago that every one on the planet would have a taste of their product!

Consider this: 97% of the world has heard of this sugar and water concoction—but billions of people world-wide have no knowledge of the saving power of Jesus Christ! It is estimated that 17 million people die every year without having heard the Name of Jesus.

As Christians, we have a mission to share the Word of God with the world. In a time when schools and government offices ban all things Christian, and worshiping anything except God is well received, it is up to us to shine the Light of the Gospel to the spiritually lost. Here are some ways to do it.

• Begin with your heart. Be sure you are spiritually prepared to work for God. Then ask God to give you a love for the souls of men, and a hunger to reach the spiritually lost.
  
• Make time in your schedule to reach out to non-Christians. Pencil it into your planner or insert a pop-up reminder into your computer so that it becomes a priority in your day.
  
• Ponder the reality of Hell, and realize you are in a race against time. Some people you meet today you may never see again. If you do not reach out to them, many may spend an eternity without God.
  
• Recruit friends and family to reach out with you. Make sharing your enthusiasm for Christ a joint pastime.
  
• Continue to build and reinforce your own spiritual relationship with God. You can only give out what you have personally received! Spend time on your knees in prayer to build your faith.
  
• Pay attention when acquaintances ask questions that could be motivated by an interest in spiritual things, and never underestimate the significance of such queries.
  
• Be aware of any indication that the unsaved recognize they are spiritually lost. A seemingly casual comment could really be a plea for help!
  
• Remember to be sensitive to the feelings of the unsaved. If they feel pushed or put down, they might turn around and run.
  
• When you do have an open door, be patient when explaining the Gospel. Assume that unbelievers know nothing about Christ’s power to save, and make your explanation simple.
  
• Be cautious about attempting to convince non-Christians to admit they are not saved. It may only cause them to become defensive. Ask the Spirit of God to guide your approach.
  
• Do not assume that non-Christians recognize their need for the Lord—although they are lost, most of the time they do not know that.
  
• Be prepared to spend both time and money to reach people in need. It will be worth it all to see them in Heaven!
  
• Follow up with those to whom you have witnessed. Getting involved in their lives proves your commitment to them.
  
• Be humble. Do not flaunt your Biblical knowledge, thereby giving them the impression that you think you are better than they are.
  
• Do not give up in your attempts to reach others, no matter how discouraging it might be. Remember, we are responsible to plant the seed. It is God’s role to give the increase. We may or may not see that happen.
  
• Celebrate when the lost are found! After all, the angels in Heaven are rejoicing! Remember spiritual birthdays just as you would an earthly birthday.

As you contemplate ways to make reaching the lost an integral part of your life, remember that our neighbor next door or the person sitting next to us on a plane or in a classroom may never have heard the story of salvation. Others you come in contact with may need to be reminded of God’s power and desire to transform lives. God wants us to recognize these people’s needs, their loneliness, their longings, and He wants to give us the courage to reach out to them.

Years ago in London, a large gathering of notable guests were present at a concert, among them a famous preacher, Caesar Milan. A young lady charmed the audience that night with her beautiful singing. Seated next to her at a supper after the concert, Milan graciously, but boldly, said to her, “I thought, as I listened to you tonight, how tremendously the cause of Christ would be benefited if your talents were dedicated to His cause. You know, young lady, you are a sinner in the sight of God, but I am glad to tell you that the Blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse you from all sin.”

The young woman was angry at being so confronted. In rage, she coldly replied that she would rather not discuss the question. Mr. Milan responded, “I meant no offense, but I always like to speak a word for my Master. I will pray that God’s Spirit will convict you.”

Dr. Milan’s approach may have been unorthodox, but here is the rest of the story. The young lady went home, but she could not sleep. The face of the preacher appeared before her, and his words rang through her mind. Three weeks later, when the young woman and the preacher met again at the home of a mutual friend, she told the minister that ever since he had spoken to her, she had been trying to find her Savior. She asked him to tell her how to come to Christ. “Just come to Him as you are,” Dr. Milan said. This she did, and went away rejoicing. Some time later, the young singer, Charlotte Elliott, wrote this hymn:

“Just as I am, without one plea,But that Thy blood was shed for me,And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,O Lamb of God, I come, I come.”

May God help us to be challenged, motivated, and inspired to a new level of commitment in sharing the message of forgiveness of sins in Jesus Christ. Remember, God will count us faithful because we search for the lost—not just when we find the lost!

Karen Barrett is Office Manager at the Apostolic Faith Church International Headquarters in Portland, Oregon.