Ben Pastor
“I attended Exchange training and was greatly encouraged to share the gospel; but, like most people, I still felt nervous about asking others to go through a Bible study with me. It was going to take faith.
I had been doing a campus Bible study with my friend, John. The semester was coming to an end and John asked me if we could continue the Bible study over the summer. It doesn’t always work this way, but God knew I was nervous and blessed my willingness by prompting John to ask me.
We decided to meet at John’s house, and to my surprise he asked if he could invite his friends, Jacob and Paul. During Exchange training we prayed and asked God to bless and direct us to people who could benefit from the Bible study. God answered this prayer! John’s parents graciously provided snacks, and God blessed us with good fellowship and discussion as we made our way through The Exchange. We became good friends and talked openly about various things.
John was already a believer, Jacob was raised in a works-based religion and had a lot of questions about his faith, and Paul had walked away from church. At the end of one of our lessons, Jacob voiced questions about hell and about knowing for sure he could have God’s forgiveness for his sins. This was the opportunity God had prepared, and by God’s grace we turned to Scripture for answers: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31). Praise God! Jacob trusted Christ alone for the gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins.
A friend from church joined us, so we started having a Five Guys Bible study. After The Exchange Bible study, we began Living the Exchange. Though we were unable to finish, God worked in amazing ways. Paul rededicated his life to Christ and returned to church and John became involved in another campus Bible study. We saw God work, and we were all encouraged. I write this to praise God for His great mercies and to thank you [The Exchange] for helping Christians walk by faith in giving the gospel of Jesus Christ. ‘Your labor is not in vain in the Lord’” (1 Cor. 15:58)
-Ben Pastor, Columbia Road Baptist of North Olmsted, OH
Ben’s experience reminds us that when we take a step of faith, God will meet us there with His grace. It also reminds us to pray for Gospel opportunities.