Shine Your Light On Halloween

22Oct09

“How To Impact Your Neighbourhood On October 31^st.”

Jesus called us to be salt and light.
What a better time to be this than on a traditionally dark night?

When you stop and think about it, Halloween allows us to “do evangelism in reverse.” Those who need Jesus come to us and we have the freedom to put whatever spin we want on the whole Halloween thing. Here are some ideas on how to make an impact in your neighbourhood on this night.

Hand out Adventure in Odyssey CDs or homemade cards from your younger kids with the candy you give away. The cards can start off with “I made this card for you”. These cards are like glimpses of the Gospel. We are called to be salt and light in a dark world. Why not share a bit of that when your neighbours come calling on your door? In the card emphasize what light does to darkness using a scripture or two. Your purpose is to whet their appetite to learn more – not to hit them with the full Gospel. Allow this to prompt them to ask you questions in the future. Simply plant a seed.

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” – Isaiah 40:8

“The chocolate bars are eaten and the suckers licked away but the Scripture’s impression will last forever.” (My own interpretation).

1. If you walk around your street trick or treating with your kids, strike up a conversation with your neighbours as they walk with their kids. It’s an opportunity to let the love of Christ shine. Show them that you care about them and their kids.

2. As you walk around your street from door to door trick or treating say a prayer for each family in each home. Wow, how powerful this can be! Remember what Joshua did for seven days? (Joshua 6) In a way, you are bringing walls down as you walk through your neighbourhood asking for protection and inviting His love to enter in.

3. If you live in the country and don’t have trick or treaters, invite another family over who has children and have a kids’ dress up party. You can play some games and enjoy a few goodies together. Start the night off in prayer for your city asking God to protect everyone on the streets.

4. If you live in the city and know a family who lives in the country, invite them to join you in your family festivities if it includes trick or treating. Choose some of the ideas above to do together. It’s an opportunity to fellowship together and serve together showing love to their neighbourhood.

5. Make up a big sign on your door sharing a scripture verse. Everyone can’t help but read it and you’ve just shared with them the timeless wisdom of God! You don’t even have to put the reference, which may only confuse them. I wonder what kind of questions you would prompt if you had on your door… “For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:10)

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