(We specifically designed this icebreaking exercise to facilitate "cold witnessing" with strangers. We discovered that cold witnessing is a last resort because witnessing to someone with whom you already have a relationship is much more effective. We call this primary type of witnessing "oikos mining".)

Do you like to draw or doodle? You don’t have to be Michael Anglo. Maybe you’re a wannabe Picasso in your own mind like me? I met someone who will walk in a crowd until he finds the saddest, miserable, or angriest person they can find. Then, depending on the circumstances, he will either quickly render a caricature or cartoon of them on a note pad. Or he may stop them in their tracks and ask them if he could draw for them a 2-minute caricature of them for fun. It is no prize winner, I can tell you! My 7-year-old could do better, I think.

But here's the kicker: He always exaggerates the biggest, cheesiest smile or cheeky grin and a wink with an eye. He will then peel it off, give it to them, and say, "This is how I see you because this is how God sees you." And away you go. Introduce a gospel presentation and offer to pray for them and their troubles. If you can, perhaps physically assist them. Simply express your love and demonstrate the immense joy that comes from serving Christ.

As always, you are never guaranteed success, but you have a lot of fun along the way. 

Life as a follower of Christ is not all smiles and giggles, but it will be in the end, and that’s what counts. I, for one, am glad of the internal well of strength that keeps me going when I should stop, and I do get plenty of laughs along the way. You may have the chance to explain to them the distinction between the world's pursuit of 'happiness' and the 'joy' that the New Testament speaks about. Certainly, the free gift of eternal life and a right relationship with your creator should bring a smile to anyone.

(PS: I copied the picture above from something I saw; just have fun; it’s not about how good you can draw.). Here are two more that Grace and Sam actually used in the field. 

MGAH