Festivals... Why they are the perfect place to share the gospel.

Weekends can be beautiful here in the mid-Atlantic. The trees display magnificent colors, certainly better than any man-made fireworks display; the air is crisp and clean; the sky is sparkling blue. What better time for outdoor activities and festivals?

One local community held a typical fall festival a few weekends ago. They line the streets with vendors, community groups, businesses, or anyone else willing to fill out an application and pay a nominal fee. On some streets I found amusements for children, on others demonstrations by skateboarders and martial arts groups. Everywhere people were milling about to take in the sights.

Festivals such as this are perfect places to meet others and share the gospel. If you've never shared the gospel before, there are a number of reasons you should begin at the next festival near you.

For one thing, handing out tracts could never be easier. Chances are you will quickly run into someone who wants to hand you something: a sale flier, a map of the event, a list of activities, the latest offer from the neighborhood bank, even an invitation to a local church. This is the easiest time ever to hand someone a tract. I simply say, "I'll trade!" I have never had the person turn down a tract. Why would they, they want me to take their material, and I know they need mine.

Secondly, there a lots of people with time to spare. If they were in a hurry, they would not be at the festival, so they are more likely to stop and talk with you than, for example, people heading into a grocery store. Also, with so many people around you are sure to get into good conversations. Even if one does not go well, there are plenty of other people to chat with.

Next, you are likely to run into other believers who can encourage you and hold you accountable.

• Other believers encourage with their strength, their prayers, their words. Christ, when he sent his disciples out, sent them in two's. I think part of the reason was so they could lift each other up when they were confronted with resistance or intimidation.

• Fellow believers can also hold you accountable. You've probably spoken of your desire to share the gospel with others, well now is the time to show them that it's not just talk.

Finally, places like fairs, festivals, carnivals, and the beach all have one very important thing in common, it's what some might call a "target rich environment." No matter where you turn, there are people who need the gospel. This means if one person turns down your offer of a tract, there's someone else who will be along in a few seconds. It means that if you try to start a conversation with someone who is not interested in talking, there is someone else just a few feet away who will. You simply need to obey the commandment to "be ready" and to "share the gospel." God has already provided you with the field, and it is ready for the harvest.

Be bold! Head out to the next well attended event near you.