Paul says in 1 Peter 3:15b that we should always be prepared to tell what God has done in our lives. It is important to have a testimony that you can share with others. One of the “lost arts” of many North American churches is the personal testimony. We do not have testimony time in services like we used to. It is edifying to hear people speak of their personal experiences with God – their victories, struggles, concerns, and salvation experiences. In Honduras, personal testimonies are valued and shared on a regular basis. You will likely be given the opportunity to share your testimony at church or in other less formal settings.
Don’t be afraid. They are not looking for a polished speech or a doctrinal lesson. Instead, they want to hear what God has done and is doing in your life. It might be helpful to think of two testimonies. First, your “How I Came to Jesus” or “salvation testimony,” and second, your “What God is Doing Now Testimony.” Both of these are important to think about and to be able to articulate.
Your salvation testimony is a brief story of who you were without Jesus, what brought you to seeing your need for Him, and who you are with Him. It is a short 3-5 minute narrative about your finding Jesus as your personal savior. Paul’s testimony is given in Acts 26:2-29 and can serve as an example. You should not try to explain doctrine or reveal overly personal past issues. In fact, it is usually best NOT to use “Christian” phrases (such as salvation or sanctification) as they might not be understood by non-Christians. Also, don’t be negative about specific churches, denominations or people as this may distract from what you are saying.
Try to design your testimony to include these four things:
- Before I was a Christian
- How I started to see that I needed Jesus
- How I came to Jesus
- How my life has changed since I was saved
Before I was a Christian: How and what were you like before becoming a Christian? Why did you need Christ and His grace? This is where you explain what your life was like before you trusted Christ, and what you have tried that did not work. Include how you thought, how and why you were not content or happy, what your character, your temperament, and your behaviors were like, etc. Keep this section the shortest. Make sure you do not glorify how you were before.
How I started to see that I needed Jesus: What prompted you to want to know about Jesus? What were the reasons you felt the need for Christ? Consider any event(s) that helped shape you (a crisis, sin, feelings, people, or mentor). Include examples and scriptures that have influenced you. This is where you can share the Gospel message, that God loves you, and that although the reality of sin dictates that all of humanity has sinned and will be judged and condemned, the great news is that Christ has paid your penalty of death. Help them understand that they need to receive Christ too, and can respond to His free gift of grace by turning from their sins and placing their trust in Jesus.
How I came to Jesus: How did you come to trust in Christ? How did you place your trust in Christ? What took place (events, places, and people)? What would your life be like if you had not accepted Christ as your Savior and made Him Lord of your life? It is best to quote one or two clear salvation verses (but no more than three) such as John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 John 5:13. Then, when they want to hear more, use the information in the following sections. Remember to feature Christ, and not yourself.
How my life has changed since I was saved: How are you different now that you have trusted in Christ? What has your life been like since? How has Christ given purpose to your life – made it full, deep, and meaningful, and given you contentment, security, and the Spirit? What are the changes that took place? Be positive and encouraging, and never put other Christians or churches down or be condescending or angry! 21
Your “What God is Doing Now Testimony” is just that – what God is doing now! It is sharing in 2-3 minutes what God is doing, has said, revealed, or opened up to you. It is centered on what you are experiencing in your faith journey now. This is not to say that it would have to change every day, although it might.
Don’t feel that you have to be a preacher, evangelist or a spiritual expert. You do not need to have had a direct “Word” from God to have something to share – nor should you share just because “someone should say something.”
Be willing to honestly share how you are experiencing God, His Word or His people. Remember to keep it simple, to the point and based in scripture.
You will not be made to share your testimony while on the trip. You will likely have a chance to share either when visiting a Honduran church or during team devotions. The Hondurans like to hear from the North American Christians and usually there is an opportunity for 2-4 people to share at a service.
