How to Bring Someone to Jesus

In 2018, I had the privilege of serving at the North American Division, and we scheduled a Caravan of Training for the Hispanic community throughout North America. My good friend, Alejandro Bullon, was the main presenter, and for 38 days, I heard him repeat the following over and over again, “There are three things that must be done to get to heaven: 1. Read your Bible every day. 2. Pray every day. 3. Bring at least one person to Jesus.”

The first two are fairly easy, but the third can be a challenge for many of us. Nevertheless, it is our responsibility. I remind you of the quote from Ellen G. White from Desire of Ages, “Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver.” So, the question is, what is a missionary? Let’s look at some key factors.

A missionary is one who fulfills the mission. A missionary is one who discovers the love of his or her life and cannot be silent. And a missionary is one who must share what they have discovered with others.

Perhaps just as important is the other side of the coin, what a missionary is not! Let me quote from Bullon:“The mission is not to proselytize. It is not an attempt to have people leave their church and join another. It is not trying to change people from one religion to another, rather to change their lives. Being in the Church is the natural result of having a life changed. People who at one point had their lives and homes destroyed, who did not know what to do or where to turn, who spent entire nights without sleeping because of the emptiness inside, who one day found Jesus—they cannot remain silent! They go out and share what has happened to them. It is a compulsion founded on love. It is a motivation that springs out of a new perspective on life!”

Then, in his presentations, Bullon would emphasize strongly, “Just love your neighbors!” Such a simple concept. Just love them. Don’t immediately start with an explanation of the 28 Fundamental Beliefs or a study of Daniel and Revelation. As important as those are, we must first show love. Bullon would then use the famous quote from the book, Ministry of Healing, “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’”

No one can resist the attraction of genuine love. Christ’s method does not fail! If you follow Jesus’ example, you, too, will have the success that He had. Even if you're confronted with hardened hearts and secular minds, the divine prophetic affirmation is that “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people.” Of course, this does not dismiss or exclude other evangelistic activities; it simply emphasizes the importance of following Jesus’ example.

Let’s commit to start loving our neighbors and genuinely desiring their good. People are searching for real peace, for freedom from fear in a world that seems upside down. Jesus brings true peace and can solve all their issues, and we have the privilege of guiding others to Him and inspiring excitement for the eternity He promises. Together, let’s be the hands and hearts that guide others to hope, love and lasting joy.

By Tony Anobile
Southwestern Union Vice President for Church Ministries/Ministerial