In my previous story posted, I established the fact that I was appointed as the outreach coordinator. This is a very public office and engages your proficiency in Bible scriptures and even your ability to string words together in a way that has an electrifying effect on people. There is a skill to it but the skill is only effective when coupled with the Presence of God, His Holy Spirit.
Anyways, during my tenure, on one of those times when we had a corporate retreat, we had a set target. As such, our progress was reviewed and queried especially if we didn't meet up to said target of which I didn't. Then we were encouraged to do better and be better. After that retreat, It was agreed that the initiative of going to classes and speaking to students as a whole would be initialised.
At the time when I agreed to it, I was high on The Spirit. Even if I had been told to go and raise the dead, I would have replied with an affirmative, "Yes sir". I felt fearless and ready to take on the world. I conveniently forgot that I would have to lead the charge as the coordinator.
Now as Wednesday drew near, that's the day we picked for that venture, I made the announcement for volunteers. Earlier that day, I'd done the pep talk thing to myself. I'd prayed and even though I was so nervous yet I went ahead to dress up and appear at our kick off location. For the very first class Outreach, I'll always remember that there were just three of us; myself and 2 other seasoned males who had experience with speaking to crowds, especially in the student circle.
I had been so expectant thinking that volunteers would come out en mass. Hah! What an irony. In fact, if not for the reality that I would need to give my Pastor a report, I assure you, I too would have come up with an excuse of my own but alas! No such luck.
As time passed and I realised that it was now or never, with the emotional and physical support of the males that had come, we started the journey of no return to a particular hall.
My legs felt like lead, my heart was pounding and my tummy was just full of butterflies and not the good kind. All I could think of was what was I gonna say. Honestly, not one thing came to mind.
You know I went with guys and it's automatic for them to want to take the lead. When I realized that was about to happen as we got to a hall, I happily relinquished control. Did I mention happily? Ecstatic even, Lol. That day I stood by the side and just watched. I listened and observed.
These guys bounced in full of confidence and with a loud, booming voice addressed the class. I'll never forget, they spoke on Purpose. They didn't start out with the usual Jesus loves you which might I add, he does. They went generic and then made the link to Jesus. After all, who better to tell you what you're made for than the very one who created you?
I stood by and watched my audience enamored and for the first time, I said to myself, "I can do that".
Next Wednesday dawned early. I was nervous yes, but I was also expectant. I was determined that I was gonna do this and do it well.
I remember for my first time, I spoke to a class of sociology students. I really can't remember a word of what I said. Funny, right? However, for me, it wasn't in what I had said but in the how.
I realized, your diction doesn't even have to be perfect or your words completely comprehensible. Sometimes you may not even feel like you've passed across the information you had hoped to. However, if you want to create a lasting impression when you step in to address people then it's not just enough to know what to say or to even dress the part, you've got to know HOW to say it. Your message can be such a strong and life-altering message but if you don't project it with confidence and boldness, it won't carry as much impact as you would desire.
In subsequent times, after several class outreaches and even class presentations, one key thing that I've come to realise makes me stand out is not just that I dress the part or know what to say but that I also know HOW to say it.
It's like when God commanded the prophet Isaiah to deliver a message to the Israelites. God didn't just tell him the message to be delivered but he equally told him HOW to deliver that message. I quote, "Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the descendants of Jacob their sins!"
Its not enough to know the what, know the how as well!
Like God commands, "OPEN WIDE YOUR MOUTH AND I WILL FILL IT!"