http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Online%2BStory/STIStory_177109.html
AFTER the third time meeting evangelists at bus stops, buses and trains over a period of a few months, I decided to write this letter.
The first time was at a bus stop in Pasir Panjang, another time was in a East-West train, and the third time in a crowded bus in Bukit Timah Road. I notice that they always work in pairs, neatly-dressed and wearing a name-tag.
If I stood near one of them, or if I were sitting, one of them would sit beside me, and start a friendly chat (Where are you going? The weather is a bit hot, isn’t it?, etc). I also noticed how they would chat with other, usually English-educated, locals, and after a while would either give the obliging listeners their card or take down their addresses (obviously to visit them for further evangelising).
Having experienced decades of such evangelising, and as a practising Buddhist, I immediately recognised them and told them I am not interested to chat. The reason is simply it will always be a dead-end ‘sinful’ talk which would benefit neither side.
On two occasions, however, the evangelists were somewhat overzealous.
After I said ‘No’, he continued to prod: ‘You must be a Buddhist…’ Only after repeatedly telling him, to my great embarrassment, that I do not wish to carry on the conversation, did he stop. However, on another occasion, the evangelist started with a ‘Hello’, and when I said that I am not interested in chatting at all, he curtly remarked: ‘You must be deeply hurt inside!’
I simply remained silent, and when the train reached my destination, I alighted with a great sense of relief.
However, I do somewhat wonder about those others who are obliging to talk to such strangers, or submissive, not knowing what would transpire.
My advice: If you are approached by these evangelists (or any evangelist): simply say ‘No’ and just walk away.
Piya Tan Beng Sin
wonder could the “evangelists” be Mormons? think only they wear name tags…i hardly encounter any orthodox christians practicing street evangelism these days…
Yes, I would also think most likely they would be Mormons, rather than Christians. I myself have encountered a few, always in pairs, always young clean-cut American guys. Seen before at Paya Lebar MRT / S’pore Post Centre area.You have to admire their perseverance and commitment to reach out to strangers though.
Well….i’m sure this people he talked about are Mormons…work in pair, dress so nice with name tag… =pIt’s true that u hardly met any christian doing street Evangelism here in S’pore. But they still some who are faithfully doing it without being so aggressive and offending people. At least I know some of my friends doing it.Let’s do what Jesus told us to do!