It began with an accidental run in with a gentleman pushing his Walmart cart into mine next to the cooler of frozen chicken breasts. We laughed and apologized, and because this is still a small town, we started a little conversation. I noted his Navy Vietnam Veteran ball cap, and thanked him for his service. He reminisced a bit about those years, which led into a discussion about the increasing cost of groceries and gas, and the store shelves becoming emptier every day. He is on a fixed income, concerned and frustrated. I mentioned that I was a “Bible Thumper” and that most of the events all over the world have been predicted in the Bible. I wanted to keep it light hearted, and told him I read the last chapters of the book….I know how it ends, and I’m not afraid! He was still listening, his shopping cart t-boned into mine, so I continued; “So, where are you with Jesus?” He shrugged, not sure. His daughter has been talking about salvation through Christ, but he has never done anything about it. We continued to chat for a few minutes, I asked him to take that step, pray that prayer, and that I wanted to see him in Heaven……perhaps sooner than any of us could imagine. We parted with a handshake and smiles, and I continued to shop for frozen chicken, praying for his salvation. It occurred to me right there that my prayer for boldness to speak out and share my faith had been answered! I had found my mission field….Walmart! And, so, Shopping Cart Evangelism was born.
In the late 1970’s, we met and became friends with Jack and Wendy Rawls. Their family and ours bonded over similar “Mother Earth News” lifestyles; gardens, goats, and chickens. We enjoyed our friendship, but I was hesitant because I had seen a bookshelf in their home full of bibles and religious books. I had made the comment that I hoped they didn’t lay that stuff on me! They never did. Instead, they lived the lives of Jesus followers in front of us and modeled the kind of life we desired. I remember telling Wendy that what ever it was, I wanted it. It was Jesus. Jack and Wendy were Bible school graduates, and had been able to study under some of the great teachers in the Pacific Northwest, including Joe Aldrich from Multnoma School of the Bible. He authored a book, “Lifestyle Evangelism” , which happened to be one of those books in their bookcase, and one they lived.
So, as I wander around Walmart with my shopping cart, exchanging smiles and small talk with other shoppers, it has become clear that I can share my life in a small way that might mean everything to someone. It has been wonderful. Little conversations about prices and no powered milk, lead to speaking the name of Jesus and His plan of salvation. My part is easy…..speak to the people God puts in my path. Actually, speak to the people God puts in the path of my shopping cart.
